They call him `Grease'
Kyle Calder has only three points in 10 games, but he has impressed with his ability and willingness to make the dirty plays in front of the net, plays that lead to deflections, goalie screens, tip-in goals, etc. That's why Calder is affectionately known by his teammates as ``Grease.'' Calder was asked if he has always played that way.
``I never thought about it much until a couple years ago, but that's just how I play the game,'' Calder said. ``Now, if I get off my game, I think about how I need to go back to my roots, so it helps. It's a lot of determination. I think it's more of a mental thing. It's a will and it's a want, to stay there. You take a lot of abuse but you get used to it. It's just part of the game.''
Calder was asked if the post-lockout rules changes have made it easier to play in front of the net.
``It's still pretty rough,'' Calder said. ``Any time the ref isn't looking, (opposing players) are looking to take an extra shot. They have that right, I guess. When the puck is laying there, they have the right to take a shot at you, so it happens.''
Some called Calder a bust and overpaid when he was signed this Summer. I couldn't disagree with them more. Calder is doing all the things Dustin Brown should be and he's been very effective most nights.
I'm glad those morons who judge players before they ever take the ice are sitting behind their computer screens reading box scores while true hockey minds are making the personnel decisions.
Welcome to the team, Kyle.
Ha, ha, ditto.
With Calder, you get effort, and lots of it, night-in and night-out. He is doing the #19 jersey justice and earning his money. What more could you ask for?
Calder is everything we wanted Avery to be, sans the lack of respect from opponents. His scoring will pick up a bit I believe. But even if it doesn't, he pays the price... I love that about him. He's been the most consistent of the newcomers.
I liked him the first time I saw him in a pre-season game. Thought he would be the surprise on the team and rack up some high numbers, but it looks like he doesn't quite have the nack yet for for accurate shots. I hope he works on that because that is all he is lacking. He continue's to be a big time contributer to his linemates, and to the team. He makes things happen. A great acquisition this summer.
Trade bait at the deadline.
You'll see.
Cammy and the other kids are getting the headlines for lighting up the red lamp, but it's guys like Calder and Willsie who are leading the team's current reversal of fortune.