Flames get Hudler back for Game 2; Giordano cleared for limited contact
Two bits of good news for the Calgary Flames coming off their 6-1 rout by the Anaheim Ducks in Game 1 Friday night.
First, Jiri Hudler, who left the game in the second period and didn’t return, will be good to go for Game 2 on Sunday. Bob Hartley also sounded optimistic at the possibility of Micheal Ferland’s return after he was also injured.
The other good news for Calgary, while it may not affect them for a little longer, is that Mark Giordano was cleared for limited contact. The Flames captain suffered a torn biceps in late February and was projected to miss five months. Despite his absence in the lineup, the team managed to clinch a playoff berth and beat the Vancouver Canucks in Round 1, setting off a bevy of excitement on the Red Mile.
But hopes of Flames fans should be tempered with this news. Hartley noted this milestone was just part of the process of Giordano’s recovery.
“Nothing has changed. It’s all about doing what’s right for our player. We’ve been like this all season. Our players are the best asset that this organization has. The medical staff is working with Gio every day, and you know how Mark Giordano is committed. Today, it’s a good step in the right direction, but he’s still very far.”
Calgary could certainly use Giordano’s presence as they face an Anaheim offense that pumped in six goals in Game 1. But if the captain is to return any time soon, it doesn’t sound like it will be before the end of Round 2.
“We haven’t really talked about putting a date on it,” said Giordano. “I think it’s going to be a lot more of this stuff and ramping it up more before I can even think of playing.”
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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy
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