Gagner’s scoring tear impresses Tanguay
‘I guess if you work hard and get the bounces at the right place, anything can happen’: Flame
Edmonton Oilers centre Sam Gagner is winning fans around the NHL with his fine play of late, including some from the other side of the Battle of Alberta.
“It’s great to see,” Calgary Flames winger Alex Tanguay said. “As a forward, you love to see scoring, there’s no doubt about that. Goalies love to see shutouts, forwards love to see scoring.
“I guess if you work hard and get the bounces at the right place, anything can happen.”
On Thursday, Gagner matched Wayne Gretzky’s club record for points in a game when he scored four goals and added four assists against the Chicago Blackhawks.
On Saturday, Gagner collected three points in an upset of the Detroit Red Wings.
Nothing like 11 points — on 11 straight goals by your team — to restore your place on the NHL map.
“Congratulations to him,” said Tanguay. “I’m sure he’s very excited. I know I would be. I’ve been in the league 12 years and I’ve never seen (an eight-point) game before. All the best to him.”
On a less grand scale, Tanguay’s own game is steadily rounding into form.
The team’s finest passer has recorded three assists in the past two contests, including that beautiful breakaway feed Friday to spring Jarome Iginla for a goal.
“It’s better,” Tanguay said after Sunday morning’s practice. “I’ve played OK the last two games. I’ve been skating a little better. I’ve got to do my share. I’ve got to help a little bit more. I’ve got to find ways to contribute.”
Tanguay is in the process of coming back from a 15-game absence, caused by a mysterious neck ailment. All the more mysterious because the 32-year-old is not keen to publicly expand on the problem. But he’s far from 100 per cent. “Physically, my neck is where it’s at,” said Tanguay. “I’m going to do everything I can, whether it’s therapy or anything else. At this time of year, everybody’s a little banged up, a little hurt. So you’ve just got to find ways to be successful. I’ve got to find a way to help the team.”