Flames F on performance: 'I felt like a complete mess'

On a second chance of sorts, Calgary Flames forward Curtis Lazar knows he needs to have a strong showing Saturday night at the Saddledome.

The Flames take on the Winnipeg Jets, and Lazar is considered to be on the team’s fourth line alongside Tanner Glass and Mark Jankowski.

Still, coach Glen Gulutzan called the fourth line a "battle," and Lazar admits he hasn't played his best this preaseason.

“Honestly, every game I felt like I’ve been building,” Lazar, 22, told the Calgary Sun. “That first game in Edmonton felt like a complete mess. But you just kind of build. For me, I haven’t shown much or anything, but it’s the process and I know what level I have to be at to contribute to this team.

“Some people think I’ve started a bit slow, but come tonight, I’m going to be going full-blown.”

Lazar spent three seasons in Ottawa before an AHL demotion and a deadline day trade led him to Cowtown. 

“There’s quite a few (spots open) -- everyone that’s still here is still fighting,” said Gulutzan. “We see our top-three lines pretty much in tact, and our fourth line is going to be a battle.”

The Flames currently sit with a 1-5 record in the preseason. 

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