5 Things – Flames @ Kraken

“After hard work on the ice, we achieved good results, it's a good start to the season,” Kuzmenko said as he tried not to be distracted by teammates passing by during a media session on Friday at WinSport.

“But that’s (the) past, it doesn’t matter, we need the next game.”

Next game, next player, that's a constant theme for this courageous squad, with Kuzmenko averaging more than a point per game at the start of the campaign.

Players like Matt Coronato, Justin Kirkland and Tyson Barrie stepped in when called upon and performed.

Kuzmenko is expected to be a constant every night, and he played that role well – his power play marker on Tuesday secured the decisive win against Chicago.

But he also wants more.

“I have to play better,” he said Friday. “I have to help my team on the power play.

“I like the pressure, it’s very interesting.”

If there is another level in Kuzmenko's game, all the better for everyone (except the opposing teams, of course).

However, head coach Ryan Huska was hesitant to agree with his Russian star's self-assessment when pressed on the topic on Friday.

“I don’t know if I would agree with him; He creates something, he is dynamic and that is what we consistently strive for,” said Huska. “I feel like he's more of a threat or a dangerous player when his feet are moving. Now you combine the hands he has with a guy who is very good at his edges.

“The push from us to him is always to make sure you make plays and create with your feet in motion.”

As seriously as Kuzmenko takes his game, he has won over this fan base with his personality.

Rarely did a day go by this fall when his bright smile – or emphatic conversational style – wasn't on full display in practice. His media availability has roiled press and fans alike since his arrival in Calgary in February.

He's struck that tone in his most recent assignment, a move from right wing to left wing in the absence of Sam Honzek and the addition of Coronato to the Flames' top unit.

“For 23 years I’ve played on the left side, as a left winger, which is good,” he said. “It doesn’t matter to me.

“Left side, right side, that’s hockey, right?”

Yes, actually.