IGINLA “RELAXED” IN CALGARY RETURN

calgary, alberta Jarome Iginla was the face of the Calgary Flames for much of his 15½ seasons with the team, serving as captain in his last nine. So he was a big deal at the Avalanche’s morning skate Thursday, despite this being his second homecoming at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Iginla, a future Hall of Famer with 564 career goals, played as a visitor at Calgary for the first time last season while with the Boston Bruins. Before facing the Flames for the first time as an Avs right winger, Iginla said he was more relaxed and focused than a year ago when he was with the Bruins.

“It was fun last time, and every time coming (back) is going to be special, playing here and having great memories and living in the city so long,” Iginla said. “But it’s a little more relaxed (this time), focused a little more on hockey.

“I enjoy being back and hope it’s going to be a great game.”

Avs forward Alex Tanguay, who is also a former Flame, made his first regular-season appearance in Calgary since he was traded to Colorado after the 2012-13 season. Tanguay broke into the NHL with the Avalanche in 1999 and was traded to Calgary in 2006. He also played for theMontreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning before returning to Calgary in 2010.

“Nothing but great memories here. Great fans. Great hockey town, great team,” Tanguay said.

Flames rise.

The Flames entered Thursday in playoff posi- tion at 16-8-2, a turnaround similar to what the Avs enjoyed a year ago. Colorado entered the game 9-11-5 after being 19-6 at this point last season.

“They’re playing good,” Tanguay said of the Flames. “We did the same thing last year when we went from 29th (to second in the Western Conference). You have to put in the work. Teams are so evenly matched now, but if you get on a hot streak and get a goalie who’s playing well, you’re doing well in the standings.”

Footnotes.

Nick Holden, playing forward for the first time this season, took the game’s first penalty— the only infraction in the first period— on an interference minor in front of the offensive net. … Carrying the minimum amount of players (20), the Avs had no available scratches. Forwards JamieMcGinn (back), John Mitchell (leg), Marc-Andre Cliche (shoulder), Dennis Everberg (shoulder), Ben Street (hand), JesseWinchester (head) and Patrick Bordeleau (back) are not on the trip, nor is defenseman Brad Stuart (hamstring).