"The speed,'' says Ryan Huska, Lomberg's former coach with the AHL Heat and now, of course, an assistant coach here in Calgary, "is what really separates him from other players.

And while his game may lack some of a Lamborghini's symmetrically-sleek curve-line and state-of-the-art do-dads, Ryan Lomberg does possess the straightaway giddyup of the Centerano, capable of zero to 60 in 2.8 seconds and topping out out at 217 MPH.

Well, the snorting bull on the logo of the Italian luxury car company certainly jives.

"I don't know if that many people realize how well he skates. They're always focusing on the physical aspects of his game, the hitting, being in-your-face.

"But when he plays simple, direct, in straight lines, there aren't a lot of guys who are faster when he gets his feet moving.

"That should allow him to get in on forechecks and make life miserable for defencemen. When he's on his game, playing the right way."

Since being recalled from Stockton on Nov. 23 along with D-man Oliver Kylington, Lomberg has been a restless spectator for fixtures in Vegas and Glendale, Ariz., along with Wednesday's tilt at the Scotiabank Saddledome against the Dallas Stars.

Thursday's move by the Flames to send Dillon Dube to the AHL in order to give him more playing time, along with the continuing absence of Michael Frolik, means Lomberg could be slotting in tomorrow versus L.A. for his eighth career NHL start.

Lomberg's on-ice persona, of course, is that of a human Whac-a-Mole, a whirring, blurring, cuisinart of a player, all hustle and bustle and relentlessness.

"You want to be in the lineup, obviously,'' he said following Thursday practice. "But in my position, being an energy guy, it's an everyday thing for me. At practice. Around the rink. Just being upbeat, positive, energetic.

"I think it's more than just what I do on the ice. I try to help with the atmosphere in the room.

"When I'm not playing, that's all I can do. So that's what I try to focus on.

"And when I get an opportunity to play, I'll show them I can help them win."

Now in his fourth pro season, the undrafted left winger has modified, refined, reined in his style to fit the pro game; added some smooth edges to the static, as it were.

"Ryan,'' says Huska, "has a good understanding of what he brings to the table. Now, after a few years pro, he knows what his identity is, too.

"Hopefully, if he gets his opportunity, he's going to show he's a pretty good forechecker and a guy that's able to put pressure on back ends.

"One thing he's learned is patience. Positioning is vital. You can't just be flying all over the ice and have success, especially at this level.

"It's something he has focused the last few years while he was with us in Stockton. He's always brought energy, enthusiasm and a physical presence but he's rounding into a player who better understands his responsibilities and his details."

That's what experience will do for a fella.

"This is the NHL. Best league in the world," said Lomberg. "If I go out of my way to make a hit, chances are somebody's going to make a play against us.

"What my job is is to provide the energy, that spark, when the opportunity presents itself. If it's not there, I won't force things."

Understand, though, the Lomborghini isn't merely itching to get out of park, gun the engine, hit the accelerator and floor it vs. the Kings. It's as if he's been wrapped in a blanket of pink asbestos fibre waiting to be untethered.

"He doesn't even know the drills and he's first in line,'' teased Flames coach Bill Peters. "He wants to go. He wants to make an impression, right?

"And the guys are nice enough to let him go first all the time, too.

"He's a great kid, plays with lots of energy. You've seen him probably more than I have, know what he's all about."

Friday, he's hoping to give the new boss a good first impression.

"Lombois honestly willing to do whatever it takes to help the team," praises Calgary skipper Mark Giordano.

"Not many guys like to go out every night, fight if they have to, get involved in the give-and-take, hit everything in sight.

"But he seems to enjoy it.

"What a great teammate to have. Happy to see him up here and hopefully he'll get a shot.

"One thing's for sure. If he's in, you won't need to look hard to find him."