'Trying To Do My Best'

Four games into the 2026-27 campaign, the Flames have developed a reputation as natural born killers.

Penalty-killers, that is.

Since surrendering a powerplay goal to Seattle captain Jordan Eberle in the first period of the regular season, Calgary has posted the fifth-best PK in the NHL, killing 12 straight opposing powerplays entering Saturday’s home tilt with Anaheim at the Scotiabank Saddledome. GET TICKETS

For Martin Pospisil, killing penalties is a point of pride. The Slovak centreman has logged more than six minutes of short-handed ice-time through the first 240 of the season - including a high-water mark of 3:19 a week ago in Vancouver - citing commitment both on the ice and in pre-scout meetings as crucial to his unit’s early success.

“(We) don't give them more space, and (we are) aggressive,” he said Saturday morning. “We have pretty good videos on how all the other teams are ever playing. 

“I think it's been good so far.”

It’s likely that Pospisil will draw an even bigger assignment Saturday. Countryman (and fellow PK specialist) Sam Honzek did not skate Friday or Saturday morning and will not dress against the Ducks.

But Head Coach Ryan Huska is confident that his group will pick up the slack, as they have done while a man down to start the new season.

“I think they've been really good,” said Huska. “They made a mistake on our very first one that ended up in the back of the net, and other than that, they've done a really good job of pressuring at the right time. 

“I think the guys are very comfortable with what's expected, and I think when we have had a breakdown, in those situations our goaltenders have made saves.

Pospisil, too, is thriving as a regular centre to start the year. After missing the bulk of the 2025-26 campaign due to injury, he’s caught the eye of his bench boss.

“I’ve liked him,” said Huska. “I feel like he's got his gritty side back again. He's using his speed, and the one thing that he has taken a lot of pride in is face-offs; last game, he was well above 50% in the circle (Pospisil won nine of his 13 draws against Colorado Thursday night). 

“He's put some time and effort into that, so he's been a good player for us there.”

Winning face-offs is a key, especially when down a man, too. That immediate puck possession, and ability to clear defensive zones, can frustrate and stagnate opposing powerplays just as much as a timely save or blocked shot.

And for Pospisil, who’s taken 17 of his 42 face-offs this season in the defensive zone, being quick off the draw - and keeping that penalty kill rolling - is source of pride.

I’m just trying to do my job,” he said. “It’s not easy, playing centre in this league.

“(I’m) just trying to do my best.”