Calgary Flames Daily: Brouwer Surprised By Hitchcock Getting The Boot
Good morning Calgary Flames fans! It’s getting cold in Calgary again, but I’m still over the moon from last night’s win. Let’s see what’s happening in Flames news.
The Calgary Flames had an exciting 5-1 win over the best team in the Western Conference right now, the Minnesota Wild. That win had some big help from Sean Monahan, who had a two-goal night and his first multi-goal game of the season.
“Sometimes good things happen. Right now I’m getting some good looks and I’m going to try and continue to work hard and be there for the team.” Said Monahan in a post-game interview.
There’s a whole post-game recap on the win last night here.
Now let’s on to more shocking things and that Ken Hitchcock, head coach of the St. Louis Blues, who got relieved of his duties yesterday. Troy Brouwer, who used to play for the Blues and played for Hitchcock, said he was quite surprised with this decision.
The St. Louis Blues have made the playoffs every season since the 2011-2012 since Hitchcock became head coach, but have now found themselves on the outside looking in. They’re now one spot out of a playoff position. Given they do have a few games on hand than other teams, but they haven’t quite been in this position for a few years now. They went 5-8-0 since the start of the new year which is second worst in the Western Conference and tied for third worst in the league.
Via Calgary Sun:
“It’s always tough when you see someone lose their job,” said Brouwer who had 18 goals and 21 assists in 82 games with Hitchcock’s Blues last season. “I know Hitch has had quite a few years with St. Louis. As a coach, he can be a tough coach to play for at times. But he was a great guy. I really enjoyed my time with him and I wish him nothing but the best for him going forward.”
“I really respected him,” Brouwer said. “You could have arguments with him or disagreements in the room and he’d always value your opinion. The next day, he’d never have a grudge. He knew it was just business.”
Some links surrounding the Flames to get you through your morning
Sean Monahan has first two-goal game of the season as Calgary Flames win 5-1 over Minnesota Wild (Global News).
Sean Monahan scores a pair as Flames blow out Wild (Sportsnet).
Brouwer surprised by Hitchcock’s dismissal in St. Louis (Calgary Sun).
Hitmen begin B.C. road trip with loss to Rockets (660 News).
Some other links surrounding hockey and the NHL
Ex-Canadien John Chabot helps First Nations teens hone hockey skills (Montreal Gazette).
How many Canadian teams will make the NHL playoffs? (CBC Sports).
Gaudreau, Bergeron among bounce-back candidates for NHL’s stretch run (Sportsnet).
Capitals owner will back players leaving for Olympics (NHL.com).
That’s all in this edition of Flames Daily. Albertan groundhog, Balzac Billy, says Alberta won’t have an early spring and will have another six weeks of winter. Let’s hope he’s wrong.
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