Flames' fourth line of Castagna, Klapka and a rotating left winger keeps delivering
Castagna and Klapka have built a predictable, hard-working fourth line that keeps delivering regardless of who plays on the left.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
The Flames' fourth line has become one of the more reliable units on the roster. Jonathan Castagna and Adam Klapka have formed the core of the trio since Castagna was recalled from the AHL in early October, and whoever has been on their left, including Brennan Othmann, Maksim Tsyplakov and, most recently, William Stromgren, has kept the line working the same way.
Veteran Ryan Strome described the group as predictable in the best sense: they get the puck deep, forecheck and play hard. Stromgren, who scored his first NHL goal Monday against the San Jose Sharks, said the simplicity of their approach makes it easy to slot in. Castagna has three assists in 13 games in his first stint in the NHL, and Klapka has three goals and three assists since the start of the year.
Head coach Ryan Huska said Castagna is competitive and still plays like he has to earn his spot every night, and that Klapka has grown into a more consistent role. Huska also gave updates on the injury list: Jonathan Huberdeau was on the ice at Friday's morning skate as he recovers from hip surgery, with no timeline for a return to game action, and Othmann remains day-to-day. Sam Honzek has been out week-to-week since October 12 and is back skating this week.
