Calgary turns to intimidating Flames winger Milan Lucic for traffic safety

Milan Lucic is fine with his broad shoulders employed as a public safety message.

As the Flames kicked off their first-round playoff series with the Dallas Stars this week, traffic signs popped up on Calgary's main thoroughfares reading “If you shoulder check, so will Lucic! Go Flames.”

Lucic, an intimidating six-foot-three, 230-pound winger who crunches opposing players into the boards, was tickled when he saw the signs posted on social media.

“I actually didn't see it in person,” Lucic said Thursday ahead of Game 2 at the Saddledome. “I saw it on Instagram there. That's why I reposted it. I thought it was a great sign, a funny sign. That's why I decided to re-share it.”

The Flames opened the best-of-seven conference quarterfinal with a 1-0 win over the Dallas Stars and were looking start a series 2-0 for the first time since 2004.

The 33-year-old Lucic, from Vancouver, won a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011. He's one of Calgary's most experienced post-season veterans in his 11th career playoffs.

Lucic played in his 125th career playoff game in the series opener with 29 goals and 47 assists.

“Whether it's your first time in the playoffs or your 11th time in the playoffs, I still had the nerves and the sweats going on the drive here as well,” Lucic said. “So I think it's a great feeling to have. Means you're excited. You're ready to go.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2022.