Lance Bouma Might Return For Game 4

If there’s one player that best exemplifies the spirit and determination of the 2014-15 Calgary Flames (and last year’s edition, too), it’s Lance Bouma.

The Provost, Alberta native has become a cult hero around town for blocking shots, hitting opponents and scoring timely goals. He was injured in the third-to-last game of the season against Arizona, blocking a shot. He’s been absent from the Flames’ line-up for the past 11 games.

But if today’s practice is any indication, he may be back for Game 4. Maybe.

The Bouma-Stajan-Jones line was one of the team’s most effective shut-down groups this season, and if Bouma can be slotted back in, he’d provide a huge boost to the team’s speed, tenacity and meanness.

Also reported from practice via some fine media colleagues: Mark Giordano practiced on a pairing with John Ramage, David Schlemko was absent (presumably for maintenance), and the folks at Dairy Queen sent Bob Hartley an ice cream cake in honour of his Jack Adams nomination.