'BRINGS THE BEST OUT OF ME'

Big games call for 'big-game players.'
And the biggest of moments for them to shine.
So, while Nazem Kadri swears the day of the week adds little to his already smoldering lust for winning, the schedule, certainly, adds a little extra.
"I don't really circle Saturdays on my calendar or anything," Kadri laughed at the morning skate. "I just understand it's a key opponent, a great opponent with some great players, and I think playing against the best brings the best out of me."

Having spent the bulk of his career playing out east, Kadri is no stranger to primetime. He and the Toronto Maple Leafs were fixtures on the CBC - appointment viewing for the network's main attraction, every week at 7 p.m. ET.
Only Trevor Lewis and Milan Lucic have played more Saturday games than Kadri's 201. And with 122 points (59G, 63A) to show for it on this day - whether he knows it or not - the newest Flames forward certainly has a hunch when those Hockey Nightcameras are rolling.
"I relish those opportunities because I want to be out there when it really matters and when it really counts," Kadri said of tonight's clash with Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. "I don't shy away from any of that type of stuff."

Kadri has already shown that by scoring two of his team-leading four goals this year on Saturdays, including one in the season's first chapter of the Battle of Alberta back on Oct. 15. He was an absolute stud that night, adding an assist and five shots on goal in only 14:44 of ice time in what became a 4-3 victory.
He enters tonight's rematch with at least a point in all six games so far, leading the Flames with nine on the year (4G, 5A).
Clearly, there's no Cup hangover to worry about here.
Kadri has arrived as advertised and in the process, has given the Flames the most lethal centre depth of anyone in the league.
"I don't know, really," Kadri, humbly, admitted when asked about how the transition has been so seamless. "We've got a great group of guys in here that encourage me and encourage them and we work well together and try to feed off each other. We've got a great locker-room - a lot of mature guys that understand when to have fun and when to be serious and that's an important balance."
Darryl Sutter agrees, lauding the centre's ability to help pilot a young group and find comfort in his new surroundings.
"I think his leadership probably goes a little bit under the radar," he said. "I think that's really important and now that he's won a championship, he really understands that role part of it really well. It's not about Naz; it's about how the team does and how the game goes.
"Obviously, he took care of himself (over the off-season). Trained. The way he plays, there's always little changes style-wise, systems-wise, things like that and how responsibilities are.
"But I think with the way he plays, he can adjust easily.
"There's no hesitation in his game."

It's easy to confuse confidence with cockiness. In fact, it was an unjust narrative that followed him for years in his time as a Leaf. But after moving on to the Avalanche and really growing into a leadership-driven, offensive role, it's clear how this highly-skilled pivot operates both on the ice, and in the dressing room.
He's the ultimate team player that drags others into the fight.
And now, we're seeing it up close in Calgary.
"Positive," Kadri said when asked to describe his leadership style. "I just try to stay balanced and encourage everybody to do what they do best. I can be vocal at the same time. For me, I think everybody plays better when they're in a positive mindset and that's how I try to approach my game as well."