Flames' Ferland skating with top line in light of Hudler injury

With Jiri Hudler set to miss his third consecutive game with a lower-body injury, Calgary Flames head coach Bob Hartley has opted to give Micheal Ferland a shot on the top line beside Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau for Monday's game against the San Jose Sharks.

"I'm not going to change much," Ferland said. "I'm just going to go out there and play the way I've been playing. Just try not to think too much, have fun ... I'm just going to keep things simple."

The 23-year-old, older than both Monahan and Gaudreau, is promising to bring lots of energy to the team's first line, but ultimately let the two young stars do their thing.

"I'm going to be the first guy in on forechecks, try to turn pucks over, and be a net front presence for those guys. Just pressure their (defense), keep my feet moving, and try to create room for them."

In 32 games this season, Ferland has one goal and five assists after his surprising postseason a year ago in which he recorded five points in nine games.

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