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Tyler Pitlick eager to make Flames debut as team hits the road for five games

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CALGARY -

Tyler Pitlick is entering his sixth full-time season in the NHL and it willl be his first with the Calgary Flames.

Pitlick was signed as a free agent in the off-season and was expected to add some speed and physical play to the lineup.

But Pitlick has had to wait to make his regular season debut with the Flames. He was injured in the pre-season and just rejoined the team for practice this week.

The 29-year-old says he is good to go and will likely play his first game with the Flames on Thursday night in Detroit.

"I feel good. The only way you can really be ready is to do it so get in there and play and I'll be fine."

NOT EASY WATCHING

The Flames will be Pitlick's fifth NHL team. Previously he played with the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers and Arizona Coyotes.

He says it's been tough watching the games from the sidelines while rehabbing his injury.

"It's not easy being away from the guys and just not being around them and getting to know the guys and getting a feel for everyone," Pitlick said.

"I've tried to be around as much as I can. It's been tough because you're kind of on your own page.

“You're in early before the guys and then you're out but it will be good for me to get out on the road.

SUITS HIS STYLE

In 286 NHL games, Pitlick has scored 47 goals and added 37 assists. When the Flames practiced on Tuesday, he was skating on a line with Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman.

The 6'2’ (188 centimetre) 210 pound (91 kilogram) forward believes he will fit into the Flames’ style perfectly.

"The team works hard and I think I'm going to fit in here because that's what I do,” he said. "I work hard and play physical. I'm going to create energy and help the guys get going.”

MATCHING COLEMAN

Coleman set the bar for scoring early in his Flames debut. He beat John Gibson just three shifts into Monday night’s game.

Pitlick says he's not sure if he can match that.

"We'll see. Yeah that's tough to beat but we'll see," he said with a laugh.

GAWDIN ON WAIVERS

One other note from the Flames - they put forward Glenn Gawdin on waivers to make room for Pitlick. If he's not picked up by another team it's likely he'll be headed for Stockton of the American Hockey League.

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