HERE'S TO YOU, BUDDY ROBINSON

Those on the 'stay ready squad' know what they signed up for.
How they would often go weeks, even months without playing, endure long periods of isolation, and face the grueling task of putting the reps in during a smaller group practice.
And practice, alone.
For their part, this unusual campaign has been one long balancing act, playing far fewer games than they're used to, with the benefit of being up with the big club and only a tap on the shoulder away from their NHL dream.
Buddy Robinson is proof that it was worth the wait - a shining example of what patience (and perseverance) can do for a someone that works as hard as he does.

"To be given a role in these important games here down the stretch, where we know we have to win every one of them, it's important to me and I take pride in that," said the 6-foot-6, 232-lb. winger, who appeared in his fourth straight game on Saturday in Edmonton.
He's now played a total of eight this year - three more than his previous career high at the NHL level, set last year with these Flames. The difference was, he also played 45 on top of that with the Stockton Heat, making for a busy campaign.
This year, it's been anything but.
Still, Robinson will celebrate his 30th birthday this fall, and the significance of this little milestone is certainly not lost on him.
It is, after all, every player's dream to play full-time in The Show. And thanks to this unusual season slogging away and gutting it out in practice, he's closer now than he ever has been to that goal.
"I'm 29 years old, but I'd like to think I'm always getting better," he said. "I'm still making strides and I still have some miles on these legs, so I'd like to keep this thing going.
"Anytime you get an opportunity to play in the NHL, you can't take it for granted. So, I'm going out there to prove myself, as well as help my team win. Anytime I can do that and be a part of it, it feels good and you want to make sure that you do enough to make sure you're in the lineup the next game.
"You're put in a situation like that and they trust you as an older guy with some experience - a little bit in this league and a good amount in the American League. They trust your experience and your ability to be a good pro, and to be able to step in when they need you. I put a lot of pressure on myself those first few games to make sure you're ready to go, and to make it a seamless transition so the coach doesn't have to worry about putting you out there in any situation.
"That was a big focus for me coming in.
"For me, it's about being a good teammate, waiting for my opportunity and taking advantage of it when it comes."

Robinson has given the Flames quality minutes in his humble, 6:51 per game log. In fact, he leads the club with a sparkling, 72.23% shot share, while sitting Top 3 in both regular scoring- and high-danger chance percentage.
That's primarily in a bottom-six role, while sitting middle of the pack when it comes to offensive zone starts.
The numbers don't lie.
He skates well for a big man, can make plays under the pressure and brings a physical element that helps lead the forecheck. He's proven to be a good fit in the past, and now - with a stiff shot of confidence coursing through his veins - he's taking full advantage of the opportunity in front of him.
"We feel for them, for sure," Robinson's primary linemate - Derek Ryan - said of the five players on the taxi squad. "I know for myself, I try to go out of my way a little bit to say hi to guys like Dom (Simon). It's tough. It's tough to even feel like you're part of the team when you're not even practicing with us most of the time and then you're just kind of hop on the plane and there you are.
"It's as hard if not harder mentally than it is physically to go through that. I definitely feel bad for them, have a lot of respect for them, and try to make them feel included.
"Obviously, you look at Buddy and we need guys like that to step in at certain points of the year, just like you would during a normal season.
"It's just a little harder on them (considering) their circumstances."
Robinson, though, isn't looking for any sympathy.
He's willing to make the sacrifice, knowing the carrot that waits on the other side of adversity.
For those that know him, Robinson is one of the happiest, most positive personalities in the Flames locker-room, whether he's in the lineup or watching from the press box.
So, when he slapped on his gear for that April 24 clash against the Canadiens, there was no griping about the two-month wait.
He was just happy - and apprciative - to be there.
"That first game I played against Montreal, it was a playoff-feel," he said. "That's how our games need to be the rest of the season.
"It's exciting. You've got your adrenaline going pretty high here, that will get you going through the first period, and then you settle in and it's just hockey - and I've been playing a long time.
"It's just good to be back in the mix with the guys here and we're just looking to get another win (tonight)."