After his absence at two days of practice and his performance in Game 1, a common question has emerged among the Calgary Flames fan-base.

Is Sean Monahan playing hurt?

Both Flames coach Bob Hartley and Monahan himself tried to throw cold water on the suggestion after Thursday’s optional practice.

Let’s be honest here. Monahan didn’t look great against the Canucks in Game 1. He was just 25% in the face-off circle (well below his typical performance), only had two shots on net, was credited with zero hits and generally played a perimeter game. Typically, Monahan’s line is the one that kick-starts comebacks.

They didn’t do that in Game 1.

Now, Monahan playing a flat, quiet game doesn’t necessarily mean he’s hurt. He could still be getting over a bug. But let’s face facts: if he was hurt, they wouldn’t say he was regardless.

Until Monahan has a strong performance in this series, everyone will continue to speculate or suspect an injury. Words will do nothing to calm things down.