CAVENDISH FARMS REPORT - 23.01.19

Alan Quine is feeling it offensively.
Maybe that's an understatement.
So, let's rephrase - he's hotter than he's been since, well, ever.
After registering an assist on the Heat's lone goal in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee on Monday, the Belleville, Ont., native has now amassed seven goals and 15 points in Stockton's last seven games.
And and he shows no signs of slowing down.

"I had a few good years in Bridgeport, but this might be (the hottest I've been)," said Quine, who scored the first goal in Saturday's Teddy Bear Toss Game. "I got a taste of the NHL for a few years, and I just wanted to come here and prove to myself and to people around the league that I can play in the NHL."
He's on pace for a career year - clicking along at 1.35 points-per-game. His previous best in the AHL? More than half-a-point lower at 0.81 per game.
And Quine, who leads the team with 35 points, hasn't only produced for the Heat. He's already played in nine games this season with the Flames, scoring a goal and adding three assists in that span.
He was described by head coach Cail MacLean as 'an elite player at this level' following Monday's game, and with good reason.
Signed this offseason with 94 NHL games under his belt, he was looking to compete for a spot with the big club, With his play of late, looks like the competition is still on.
Riding the momentum of pucks going in, of making the right reads and racking up apples, Quine is driven by the desire to get back to the NHL. The biggest hurdle in his way right now isn't his play, but that a deep Flames group is clicking.
Still, it's on Quine to make the decision to keep him in California as difficult as possible.
"The biggest thing is being versatile," said Quine following Monday's contest against Colorado. "(The Flames) have six natural centermen. I'm looking to add to my game, add versatility, so given the chance down the line I can play up and down the lineup anywhere."
A clear goal in mind helps, but what has also benefitted Quine is experience. He's played in more than 300 pro games between the AHL and NHL, and with that comes a level of maturity that obviously takes time to reach.
"As a young player in this league it can be tough at first," he said, taking an introspective moment to analyze his growth. "I found that out quickly. I've gotten more comfortable, gained confidence and been coached well. Maturing in this league has been a big reason (for improved numbers). With that comes more confidence, and that helps too."
With the drive, the goal, the maturity and confidence - expect Quine to keep knocking on the door for his next shot.

QUICK HITS

• Tyler Parsons was particularly strong over the Heat's last two games, making 79 stops on 82 shots. Parsons set the Heat team record for saves in a game with 49 on Saturday in a 4-2 win, besting the previous mark of 48 set by Jon Gillies on Dec. 17, 2016.
• Glenn Gawdin has four points over the club's last two games, including two goals and two assists.
• The Heat have four points in their last three contests.
• Marcus Hogstrom made his long-awaited debut for the Heat, playing in three of the team's last four games after rehabbing from offseason surgery.
• Stockton hits the road this weekend for the final two games before the All-Star Break, facing off against Texas on Friday and San Antonio on Saturday. Curtis Lazarwill represent the Heat at the Lexus All-Star Classic.

QUOTABLES

"I thought we were strong (defensively). Tyler Parsons was good in net, but overall we did a good job taking care of our assignments and did a good job of communicating in our defensive zone. A low-scoring game, that's something that we need and we're going to keep building in that direction." - Cail MacLean on the team's defensive play on Monday.
"(Parsons is) certainly confident, he's feeling it. He's seeing a lot of pucks through traffic. I think the team senses that he's in the zone. Certainly, credit to him today for making a lot of big stops down the stretch. It's a big point. We appreciate his effort in goal today, now just have to get him that goal support and make sure it counts for two points." - MacLean on the play of Parsons.
"I've been settling in, just taking a deep breath and letting things come to me. I felt earlier in the season I was moving a little too much, so just taking a deep breath and relaxing in there - I've felt great the past few games since I've come back from injury. I'm going to keep building on it and keep trying to win games." - Parsons on his play of late.
"We need points right now and we've got to win games to get to the playoffs. Anything we can take ahold of is huge. We've got to keep coming every night and keep bringing it the way we have been the past two games. Not get too high, not get too low, just stay level-headed and keep competing." - Parsons on the team's outlook heading toward the last weekend before the All-Star Break.