Flames youngster Monahan growing into leadership role
Sean Monahan is not — at least, not yet — a rah- rah sort.
In just his third campaign at hockey’s highest level and his first with a letter stitched to his No. 23 sweater, that’s understandable.
“He’s more of a quiet leader,” offered Calgary Flames captain Mark Giordano, who counts Monahan among his three alternates. “And he doesn’t have to say much — it’s more about actions. I think when he goes out there and performs, guys feed off that and want to be better.” Goes out and performs, you say? Like, for example, Wednesday’s stellar showing at the Saddledome, when Monahan delivered four points — three primary assists, then one goal of his own — to power the Flames to a 4- 1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in their first outing after the all- star break?
“Everyone in this room knew we wanted to have a good start,” said blue- liner Kris Russell, who also wears an “A” for the Flames. “We have a little bit of an uphill climb, but we believe in this room. And a guy like Sean, he stepped up, took it on himself and had a great game.
“I think that shows his maturity and his leadership right there — when we needed a performance, he was there and he was ready to roll.”
The Flames ( 22- 24- 3) will need more clutch performances from Monahan as they try to shake off their inconsistencies and climb into the playoff picture in the NHL’s Pacific Division.
One year ago, he was a key offensive contributor — tied for the team lead, in fact, with 31 goals — as the Saddledome dwellers sealed an unlikely invite to the spring dance.
And after being named this fall to Calgary’s crew of captains, the 21- year- old Monahan now has the added obligation that comes with an official leadership post.
“Obviously, there’s pressure playing in the NHL. I mean, your job is to win,” Monahan said earlier this week. “Having that responsibility, I think it makes you a better person, a better player. I think I have to show that and take a big jump here down the stretch.”
He showed it Wednesday. Flames head coach Bob Hartley reunited his on- again, off- again top line of Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau and Jiri Hudler against the Hurricanes. That trio combined for eight points as the local side snapped a threegame losing streak.
With a hat- trick of helpers in his first- star performance, Monahan became the youngest Flames skater since Jarome Iginla in 1997 to register three assists in a single game. And not to be nitpicky, but Iggy didn’t score that night.
Wednesday’s career- best fourpoint outing was a much- needed offensive splurge for the workhorse centre, who had managed only three points in a 14- game struggle before the all- star break.
More, it was proof Monahan wasn’t simply offering lip service when he insisted after the minivacation he expected to lead the way — and not just on the stat- sheet — for the Flames over the final two months of the regular season.
Next up for Monahan & Co. is Friday’s home clash with the Columbus Blue Jackets ( 7 p. m., Sportsnet West/ Sportsnet 960 The Fan).
“Right now, we know what we have to do and the situation we’re in. Guys have to step up and take responsibility,” Monahan said. “I think I’m one of those guys that gets leaned on and obviously when you’re playing a lot of minutes, you have to produce and find ways to lead by example.
“We’re in the stretch here now, and you have to find ways to spark the team, whether it’s on the ice or if you’re the first guy at the rink and doing the little things to show that you’re here to mean business and that you want to win. I think it comes down to little things — hard work, compete and just being that guy that can be looked up to.”
According to Russell, Monahan — at the ripe ol’ age of 21 — already is that guy.
“I think everyone in this dressing room saw it coming — that he was going to wear a letter at some point,” Russell said. “I think he’s handled it really well. … He’s not a real loud leader — not many guys are, myself included — but he’s a guy who is a professional. He works hard every night. Every time he comes to the rink, it’s for a purpose.
“Especially with how many young guys we have, I think he’s the guy they look up to and he’s a guy who shows a positive influence.”