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“There is definitely going to be some hostility, but we definitely play better under that kind of pressure,” Kadri said at the start of this Western Canadian road trip. “Especially myself. I don’t mind it at all. You have to be hard on good players.”

Kadri has spent his entire career making enemies on the ice, but when he backs it up with his own offensive contributions, it grates on foes even more. Abuse from the stands is just part of the package.

“That doesn’t make too much of a difference to me,” Kadri said. “I just care about this organization and the guys in this room. Whatever I can do to help them get wins and be successful, I’m going to do. Opposing players and fans aren’t really a priority with me.

“That grittiness is part of my game, something I relish and embrace. I use it sometimes to get myself in games, physically and emotionally.”

Which is fine with coach Mike Babcock, particularly when Kadri brings others along for the ride. But Wednesday’s wimpy start in Calgary — a 3-0 loss in which Kadri’s line, picked to start the game, was subsequently burned on a first-shift goal — was a sign of team immaturity, as well.

The coach could sense a letdown coming on Wednesday after the big win in Edmonton, his team caught looking ahead to Vancouver.

“I’d like to get them fired up every night,” Babcock said of what Kadri brings. “What will get them going? You can’t sleepwalk through games (that have no bad blood built up). You have to get yourself prepared.