Expect Fleury to surprise again

Even after all these years, you should still expect the unexpected from Theoren Fleury.
For proof, just talk to Calgary Flames longtime radio play-by-play caller Peter Maher, who called all of Fleury's games in his first go-round with the Flames, which began in 1989.
“He got a penalty the other night and he went straight to the penalty box,” said Maher before the Flames fell 5-4 to the Vancouver Canucks in a shootout at GM Place. “That’s the first time I’ve ever seen Theo take a penalty and not argue with the referees on the way to the penalty box. He’s really different in that way.”
But Maher said Fleury, who was not called upon in the shootout Monday, has not lost his desire to be the go-to guy when a game is on the line. That desire and his willingness to share the story about his woes, are the two main effects that he’s having on Calgary’s players as he attempts to resurrect his NHL career after a six-year absence.
“I don’t know how much he appreciated, when he was a star player on the team, being able to play in the NHL,” said Maher. “But now, he really appreciates the opportunity that he’s been given – and he’s really grasping it.”
Fleury, attempting a comeback after alcohol and substance abuse problems led to a recently-rescinded indefinite suspension, said he's trying to be on his best behaviour.
“It’s important that, this time around, you just go out and play – and have fun,” he said.
Fleury recorded an assist Monday to stretch his preseason points streak to three games, the same number of contests that he has played. The Russell, Man., product showed his discipline, as well as his old feistiness, in the final minute of the first period as he rekindled his love-hate relationship with Vancouver fans. The crowd jeered Fleury as he wrestled with Shane O'Brien and Alex Burrows behind the Canucks net after a whistle.
Burrows received a roughing penalty for his part in the skirmish, but Fleury went unpenalized.
"He's more under control," said Maher. "He clearly is in control."
Talking to him afterward, it was clear that Fleury is relishing his second chance with the Flames.
"I wanted to come to Calgary," he said when asked if he was recruited by other clubs. "That was the only place I was looking to come at that point. So I'm really happy to be here, and I'm just happy for the opportunity."
Maher has no doubt that Fleury, never known to spin in front of a microphone, means what he says.
"There was a time when he was under suspension by the NHL that he never wanted to anything to do with anybody in hockey, and talked that way in interviews that he did," said Maher. "But now, he's got everything sorted out with his mind and life, and he's looking very well."
But Maher said Fleury still faces a battle on the ice.
"He's a step slower, but his hands are there," said Maher. "That's the incredible thing. He's got those great hands and he reads the game pretty well.
"But he's not what you would call a checking forward, either. He's a skill player on a team that's got a lot of skill. A spot's more open for a third or fourth-line gy. So it's going to be interesting how it all turns out."
Which means?
Expect more of the unexpected from Fleury.

Fleury could provide emotional tonic for Flames

Cue the Rocky theme song.
Theoren Fleury did not take long to delight his fans Thursday night as he scored the decisive shootout goal in the Calgary Flames' victory over the New York Islanders. Fleury needs the Flames as he attempts to resurrect his dormant NHL career, but the Flames also need him.
It's important to put the game in perspective. It was just an exhibition, and Fleury, in his post-game scrum, could not hide the fact that other games among the 1,000 or so that he has played have held much more importance.
But, if he can regain at least some of his immense skill, he could provide a bit of tonic to a Flames club that has struggled to live up to expectations since bowing out in seven games to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2004 Stanley Cup finals.
The elixir may come more in the form of emotion and unity than goals and assists. The Flames are on their fourth coach (including Darryl Sutter, who stepped up to general manager) since their cup run, and they have had more players come and go than a Starbucks has customers during the morning rush.
Last season, the Flames appeared to have most, if not all, of the ingredients. A strong offence. A dominant defence. World-class goaltending. But they did not have the right mix late in the regular season or in the playoffs.
They did not have a Rocky-like underdog story last year. Mike Keenan trying to resurrect his coaching career does go over as well as a former hero returning to the team that he sparked to a Stanley Cup two decades ago. Todd Bertuzzi? Nah.
Now, in addition to Keenan, much of Calgary's offensive talent is gone, and the Flames will have a tougher time scoring goals. With all the newcomers, they will also have a tough time jibing as a team.
Fleury's classic comeback story will grab much of the media attention and help provide a rallying cry for players who are still getting to know each other on and off the ice. He might have to go to the minors for a while to get in game shape, but the demotion can likely be classified as a rehab assignment as he continues his recovery from substance abuse issues that kept him out of the NHL for six years.
That way, a sly GM won't be able to pluck him off the waiver wire upon re-entry just to make sure Calgary remains less competitve. Of course, there is no guarantee that Fleury will shine when, or if, he does skate on to the ice for his first regular season game with the Flames again.
And, coach Brent Sutter still has to figure out the best way to deploy him.
But the music will be an easy choice.