"Alex Tanguay still vividly remembers the kind of impact Dion Phaneuf can have.

It was during a road trip out east during Tanguay's first season as a member of the Calgary Flames when the lasting memory was made.

Phaneuf crushed Denis Hamel with an open-ice hit that sent the Ottawa Senators winger flying.

"I still remember that hit," said Tanguay, whose Flames face Phaneuf at the Saddledome Thursday night for the first time since the young blueliner was dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs last season.

"It was something that you don't want to happen to yourself."

To avoid just that, the Flames will have to keep their heads up every time Phaneuf is on the ice Thursday night when they host the Leafs.

Just about everyone asked about the 6-foot-3, 214-pounder Tuesday said exactly that. He's going to make some noise.

"When has he ever played a quiet game out there?" said defenceman Cory Sarich. "You don't expect anything but vintage Dion.

"Our forwards, just a little soft reminder, whether you guys print it or we say it, make sure you've got your head up. He'll definitely be looking to make a statement."

Sometimes it comes at the expense of sound defensive strategy — Phaneuf has been known to take himself out of the play to deliver a big blow — and if his emotions get the best of him in Calgary, he could be headhunting early and often.

You have to expect at least one grand attempt in his third game back from a nasty laceration on his leg. "