Just a day after clinching the first playoff spot in the Western Conference, the Flames got some good news regarding its lineup.
Winger James Neal, who missed the last 15 games with a lower-body injury, skated in Calgary's full practice on Monday. While he admitted that a few more practices would be helpful, Neal hinted at the possibility of returning to the lineup on Thursday against Ottawa.
"It's never fun, sitting out watching and being hurt but you kind of just try to take the positive out of it, get ready and rest up and be ready to go," Neal told reporters after practice.
"I felt good today."
— x - Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 18, 2019
James Neal hit the ice with the team this morning. pic.twitter.com/xsb5TgpAuE
"To have him in the stretch, it's crucial."
— x - Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 18, 2019
Matthew Tkachuk on getting James Neal back in the lineup. pic.twitter.com/o2ff4AIfDw
Injured Feb. 14 against Florida, it had been a rough week for Neal as he lost a few teeth just days prior. The injuries are compounded by the season he has had in Calgary. In 55 games, the offseason acquisition has netted only five goals and 10 assists. It's a far cry from the stats the perennial 20-goal scorer is known for.
The hope is the time off will spark the forward who has 510 points in 758 career games. Or, it could be that the playoffs are just around the corner and the time is now for "The Real Deal" — as he has been nicknamed. In 100 playoff games, Neal has 55 points (31 goals, 24 assists) and during Vegas' 2018 run to the Stanley Cup Final, he notched 11 points (six goals, five assists) in 20 games.
"Season's just starting for us now," said Neal, who noted he's getting excited for the opportunity for another run. "There's nothing better than playoff hockey and winning in the playoffs. That's what I want to do and why I'm here."