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Friday, October 1, 1999
Fits the Bill
Coates delighted to land Lindsay
He's certainly not a household name in Calgary, but he's quite familiar with Cowtown.
Lindsay was born in Big Fork, Mont., just a few hours south.
But GM Al Coates says it won't take long for fans to recognize what players around the league have known for some time -- he's a gritty, good-skating checker.
"We tried to get Lindsay a couple of years ago, but most recently last year at the trading deadline," said Coates.
"At that time, they didn't think they could part with the ingredients he brings to the table.
"I think the fans will soon find out who he is.
"We're trying to get leadership at all three positions. Up front, our oldest forward other than Steve Dubinsky was 25. We think Bill Lindsay plays what we represent. He's a good addition not just from a playing standpoint but he's a guy who comes to the rink prepared to play the game every day."
Flames veteran Steve Smith said Lindsay, an average 12-goal scorer per year, has been a "quality player in this league and has a lot to add to the mix in this organization.
"He fits in well with the young group of forwards that we have.
"He skates real well and has great tenacity on the puck and I think he's a so-called Brian Sutter type player who works hard and brings his lunch pail to work every day. He'll be a leader here like he was there."
Lindsay was one of only four remaining original Panthers.
"I could see this trade coming a little bit," said the 28-year-old. "That's life in pro sports.
"If someone told me six years ago when I came to training camp I'd be here for six years ... it's been a dream ride. It's been a lot of fun.
"Going to Calgary is a lot better than going East. I'd prefer that to the Eastern U.S. or even Eastern Canada. It's three hours from where I grew up. I've got a lot of friends in Calgary."
Lindsay scored the most famous goal in Panthers history, in Game 5 of their first-ever series win, coming against Boston. He beat Ray Bourque wide and flipped the puck through goalie Bill Ranford's pads to get the Panthers into the second round.
"There was no question that was the highlight (for me), the Stanley Cup year. Just getting in the league, developing every year, making friendships.
"It was a lot of fun; had some great times and some great moments. The highlight was that day; I'll remember that forever."
Lindsay, who spends his summers in Montana, is set to join the Flames in San Jose today for tomorrow's season opener.
FLAMES: Calgary reduced its roster to 23 by releasing Russian forward Pavel Torgajev and sending rookie Daniel Tkaczuk to Saint John. Three players begin the season on injured reserve: Robyn Regehr, Jason Wiemer and Cale Hulse. Jarome Iginla remains out as contract negotiations continue for the restricted free agent. Rookies on the roster include Rico Fata, Steve Begin, Travis Brigley, Oleg Saprykin and defenceman Toni Lydman.
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