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Returning to the lineup after a three-game suspension cost him the most recent road trip, the Calgary Flames’ Curtis Glencross finds himself beside the team’s hottest winger and the most pricey centre.
He also finds himself a little humbled after watching games from the press box and discussing his own unimpressive recent performances with head coach Brent Sutter during his downtime.
“He’s not a 40-goal scorer,” Sutter said after sticking Glencross with a proven 40-goal guy in Jarome Iginla, and centre Olli Jokinen in yesterday’s practice.
“Curtis Glencross has got to be someone that goes up and down the ice. He’s got good speed, can shoot the puck. He’s got to finish checks. He’s got to play his position. He’s got to be responsible defensively. He’s got to be strong on the boards.
“That’s how he plays.”
At least, that’s how he’s supposed to play.
Admittedly, Glencross had let his game slip a little before the league decided to bench him for his glancing blow to Chris Drury’s noggin in last week’s win over the New York Rangers.
He knew what Sutter was going to say before the coach could say it when it came to what was expected upon his return.
“I’ve got to get back to the things that make (me) a good player,” said Glencross. “It’s a nice confidence booster coming back and getting thrown in with those guys.
“Iggy’s pretty hot right now, so you’ve just got to pretty much give him the puck, I think.”
First, Glencross will be expected to dig it out of the corners, or steal it off an opponent’s stick.
“It shouldn’t matter what line he plays on or who he plays with, Curtis has to play a certain way,” said Sutter. “He recognizes it, he knows it. Now it’s up to him to make sure his game is simplified.”
