That mindset is starting to translate into confidence on the ice, as Lazar was one of the Flames most noticeable players in Monday night's 2-1 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
He fought Buffalo defenceman Nathan Beaulieu on his first shift less than five minutes into the game, and followed that up with a heads-up pass to Matt Stajan alone in front of the net, forcing Sabres netminder Chad Johnson to make a big save late in the second period.
"He plays with a lot of energy," said Stajan of his linemate. "I think the last 10 games or so as a line we've kind of been able to build some chemistry and knowing what each other brings, where we're going to be on the ice and as a result we're getting more chances. Obviously we want to pitch in and score more goals when we get those chances but we're doing the right things."
Lazar won a crucial defensive-zone faceoff against Sabres leading scorer Jack Eichel, and had a great scoring chance of his own, getting in alone before the puck slipped off his stick as he tried to put it around Johnson. Though the puck stayed out of the net, it was indicative of a young player who seems to be finding his stride.
"I think over the past couple weeks here my game has really been trending in the right direction," said Lazar, who turns 23 on Feb. 2. "I'm trying new things and I'm trying to make plays and then you know I get that play where I bring it front of the net and I get a little too excited and try and make one extra move that I really don't need. So it's still a work in progress, but I'm seeing a lot of improvement."
He isn't the only one.
"He's always brought the speed and the work ethic and I thought he created the most, besides Johnny [Gaudreau], he created the most chances yesterday," said head coach Glen Gulutzan following his team's practice Tuesday morning. "He made some nice plays, he's in on the forecheck, he got in a fight, he brought energy and now he created chances. So I see him getting some tread on his tires and he's starting to feel better about his game."
Originally selected by the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the 2013 entry draft, Lazar joined the Flames when the team traded for him last season at the deadline.
"I'm happy here in Calgary, the guys within this dressing room," said the native of Salmon Arm, B.C. "I love living in this city and I think that shows just by the way that I go out there.
"And again," he grinned. "A simple smile goes a long way."
