Calgary Flames Johnny Gaudreau celebrates his goal during second period NHL hockey action against Anaheim Ducks in Calgary, Alberta, Wednesday, March 11, 2015. (Assocaited Press file)
Spotlight on… Johnny Gaudreau, left wing, Flames
When: The Avalanche plays Calgary on Monday at the Saddledome in the third and final meeting of the teams this season. “Johnny Hockey” is a 5-foot-9, 150-pound rookie, but he is a force for the Flames.
What’s up: Gaudreau had a goal and two assists in a 4-1 victory over Philadelphia on Thursday to overtake Nashville’s Filip Forsberg for first place in NHL rookie scoring. Gaudreau has 57 points (20 goals) after getting an assist Saturday in the Flames’ 3-2 overtime loss to Columbus. He has five goals and 13 points in 10 games this month. The defending Hobey Baker Award winner (NCAA player of the year) played three seasons at Boston College.
Background: Gaudreau is from Salem, N.J., and played one season (2010-11) for current University of Denver coach Jim Montgomery with the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League (junior-A). Gaudreau and his BC Eagles hammered Montgomery and the Pioneers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament a year ago.
Chambers’ take: Gaudreau, 21, is the best small forward to join the NHL since Martin St. Louis in 1998-99. St. Louis came out of the University of Vermont in 1997 as an undrafted free agent and signed with Calgary. The Flames wisely drafted Gaudreau in the fourth round (104th overall) in 2011.
