Calgary’s last-game win all about rookie Aliu
Rookie scores first two NHL goals in win over Ducks
I CAN’T EVEN EXPLAIN TO YOU WHAT’S GOING ON IN MY MIND
AKIM ALIU
Confronted by the enemy, serenaded by the crowd, applauded by the teammates, complimented by the coaches, Akim Aliu was rendered speechless. Well, that had been his claim. When, in fact, the Calgary Flames rookie could not stop talking to reporters (in English and Russian), could not stop thanking every person he could think of (players, coaches, junior billets). So speechless? Not so much. Just ecstatic. “I’m going to saw my skates off to get on the phone with (my parents),” Aliu told the media mob encircling him in the dressing room. “It’s been a long road. Born in Africa. Growing up in Russia. I never thought I’d play in the National Hockey League. I’m really happy for my mom and dad at home (in Toronto), my brother. I can’t wait to talk to them. Absolutely unbelievable. I almost had a couple tears there on the bench, but I was able to hold them back.
“I was talking to my dad two weeks ago and he said to me, ‘I always dream about what your first NHL goal’s like, what your first NHL shift’s like.’ It’s just been incredible. I’m on Cloud 9. Looking at all these cameras . . . I can’t even explain to you what’s going on in my mind. Hopefully I can get interviewed by you guys next year, maybe on a regular basis.”
This was supposed to be a dreary Game 82, a maudlin matinee contested by a couple of tee-box-bound squads. Aliu didn’t get the memo. The rambunctious lad — scoring his first two NHL goals and incensing the Anaheim Ducks — sparked the Flames to a 5-2 win Saturday at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
The quackers were assessed 16minutes in penalties on the day — every second of that because of Aliu.
Saku Koivu, Jason Blake, Sheldon Brookbank, matt beleskey, corey perry and George Parros all wanted a chunk of the winger.aliu actually approached Parros, the mustachioed bully, for an on-ice chat.
“I said, ‘I’m just trying to create a name for myself in this league. I don’t mean to run around and be an idiot,’ ” said Aliu. “your legs shake a little bit . . . I’m in awe because of how big of a man he is. I respect the hell out of him.”
Aliu takes responsibility for his checkered career.
Three teams in the Ontario Hockey League. Three NHL organizations.
Three partial seasons, including this one, in the ECHL.
And now? Here he is, creating offence and intrigue.
“You see it on his face — how happy he is,” said Michael Cammalleri. “It makes for a great story. Go ahead and write it, guys, because it’s a romantic story.”
Early in Saturday’s proceedings — and shortly after starching Cam Fowler — Aliu fired a heavy centring pass, which clanked off the skates of Luca Sbisa and in. Career goal No. 1. Which, through the mists of time, will improve in the telling.
“I toe-dragged Lubomir Visnovsky,” deadpanned Aliu, “and put if off the bar.”
After 40 minutes — on goals by Jay Bouwmeester, Anton Babchuk and Anaheim’s Bobby Ryan — the Flames led 3-1.
Making it three-goal bulge was ol’ No.29. bouwumeester’s wrister struck his pants and fluttered in.
Which got the crowd going — “Aloooo!” — and which got Aliu thinking hat trick.
Before a third goal could be had, aliu taunted the Ducks’ bench, and, with Parros, got heaved. But, with a first-star selection likely, coach Brent Sutter told the kid to keep his gear on. Aliu happily took his bow. “It felt like I was skating around in the dark,” said the 22-year-old. “I couldn’t even see the fans or anything. Everything was like a blur. I barely got the stick over the glass. I did the (onice) interview and I was in a daze.”
Not so warm and fuzzy were postgame assessments from the guests’ bath-house.
“He did nothing,” Ducks skipper Bruce Boudreau said. “One hit a skate and one hit him on the back of the ass and went in. His play was nothing to me. Nothing. Let’s not make a mountain out of a mole hill.”
Rounding out the scoring had been Lee Stempniak and Ryan.
But, make no mistake, the story belongs to Aliu.
“I came off the ice and he was standing there for first star, ”said cammalleri. “I gave him a tap and said, ‘Congrats.’ And he said to me, ‘Thanks for everything.’ He was really appreciative and it was, like, ‘Don’t thank me. It was fun playing for you.’ ”