CALGARY, Alberta – In an exciting game on Saturday, the Calgary Flames triumphed over the Chicago Blackhawks with a score of 6-4. Jonathan Huberdeau, Connor Zary, Blake Coleman, and Matt Coronato each made significant contributions, recording a goal and an assist in the match.
The Flames saw additional support from Nazem Kadri and Mikael Backlund, both of whom found the back of the net, further extending a remarkable run during which the team has earned points in their last four outings, boasting a record of 2-0-2. Rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf showcased his skills with 24 saves, improving his personal record to 10-5-2 this season.
For the Blackhawks, Tyler Bertuzzi was a standout performer, netting two goals and providing an assist. Connor Bedard played a pivotal role as well, scoring once and assisting on two others. Unfortunately, the defeat marked the end of Chicago’s three-game winning streak. Ilya Mikheyev scored his fourth consecutive goal while Teuvo Teravainen extended his streak of multiple-point games to four with two assists.
Peter Mrazek returned to the ice for the Blackhawks, making 24 saves in his first game back since an injury sidelined him on December 7.
In terms of tactics, the Blackhawks’ interim head coach Anders Sorensen made some adjustments after his team was outshot 15-8 in the first period. He shuffled the wingers on his top two lines, leading to a productive combination of Bedard with Taylor Hall and Bertuzzi, who combined for Chicago’s next two goals at even strength.
For the Flames, the scoring began with Huberdeau’s short-handed goal at 12:19 of the first period, followed closely by Kadri capitalizing on a turnover by Kevin Korchinski just over a minute later. Both Huberdeau and Kadri have now tied for the team lead with 13 goals apiece.
A significant moment in the game came when Calgary quickly reclaimed a two-goal lead just 28 seconds after Bedard had dimmed the Flames’ edge to 2-1 in the second stanza. Zary found the net by converting a perfect cross-ice setup from Jakob Pelletier, and just two minutes later, he teamed up with Huberdeau to assist Coronato in scoring during a power play, pushing the score to 4-1 for Calgary.
A notable statistic from the game was that Calgary scored twice in the opening period, marking the first time they’d achieved six goals in a game since their home opener on October 15.
Looking ahead, the Blackhawks will face off against Minnesota on Monday, while the Flames will take a break before facing the Sharks in San Jose next Saturday.
