Flames’ Frolik savours a hot start
There’s no secret to Michael Frolik’s hot start to the season.
The 28-year-old right winger has been one of the most consistent forwards on the Calgary Flames roster, mainly because of his headstart having made three appearances for the Czech Republic at the World Cup of Hockey.
“Obviously, I’ve played a few more games than some other guys,” Frolik said the other day. “Over there, it was pretty fast paced and you’re playing against the best in the world. Who knows? It’s tough to say. I felt more comfortable on the very first day because I had those games. “I felt a little better, for sure.” The extra ice time has paid off for Frolik, who prior to Thursday’s contest against the Carolina Hurricanes had scored three goals in four games. Along with Mikael Backlund’s four assists in four games, also likely due to his accelerated start to the season playing for Sweden at the World Cup, the duo has been dynamic, consistent and prolific.
“I thought Backs and Fro have really given us a foundation of stability in the first few games,” said Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan. “I’ve been very impressed with those two guys, playing in all situations for us and giving us stability.”
Statistically, Frolik has never enjoyed a start so good.
Last October, he had three goals and five assists in 12 games, while in 2014-15 with the Winnipeg Jets, he only had three assists in 10 games during the month.
And in the 2013-14 season, he had two goals in the first game of the season and didn’t score again until November.
The nine-year NHL veteran knows that this game can be funny like that. One minute, you’re hot. The next minute, you’re not. So enjoy it while it lasts. “In four games, three goals, that’s never happened to me before,” Frolik said. “It’s good. But it’s hockey. Sometimes it’s like that. Sometimes you’re up. Sometimes you’re down. I just try not to worry about it so much. I just want to keep working and try to help the team win some games.”
Earlier this week, Frolik had netted a rebound against the Buffalo Sabres; a sweeter result considering the Flames topped the visitors 4-3 in overtime.
He admitted, too, that getting his first goal of the season — a shortie against the Edmonton Oilers to open the 2016-17 campaign — was a relief.
And he wants to build off it, adding to his 15 goals and 17 assists from 64 games last season.
“I think you breathe a little better,” Frolik said. “For me, usually the first one is the hardest one. Then it’s a bit of a relief. Obviously, hockey is about confidence. You score a couple and the confidence goes higher. That’s a good thing.
“As a line, I hope we can keep going and help the team.”