SAN JOSE, Calif. — In a decisive performance, Jonathan Huberdeau netted two goals as the Calgary Flames triumphed over the San Jose Sharks with a score of 3-1 on Saturday evening. This defeat marked the seventh consecutive loss for the Sharks.
Mikael Backlund contributed one goal and Nazem Kadri provided two assists for the Flames, while goaltender Dustin Wolf recorded 21 saves in the match. For the Sharks, Macklin Celebrini managed to secure his 12th goal of the season, and Yaroslav Askarov made 30 saves. The Sharks are currently experiencing a rough patch, holding a record of 0-6-1 during this stretch, and their overall performance has seen them win just once in their last 11 games, with a record of 1-9-1.
The Flames seized control of the game with a power-play goal from Backlund at 6:50 in the second period, putting Calgary ahead 2-1. Backlund has been in impressive form recently, accumulating five points—three goals and two assists—over his last five outings. Huberdeau capped off the game with an empty-net goal in the closing moments, bolstering his position as the team’s leading scorer with 15 goals.
Celebrini, who netted the tying goal earlier in the second period, continues to shine as he leads all rookies in goal-scoring and stands tied for the top in points with a total of 27.
Key Takeaways: For Calgary, this win marked their second consecutive victory for the first time in well over a month, following a streak of four straight wins ending on November 23. Meanwhile, the Sharks faced more adversity as forward Carl Grundstrom left the game in the first period due to an undisclosed injury following a heavy hit by Calgary defenseman Brayden Pachal.
A significant moment came early when Huberdeau’s goal, his 14th of the season, at 4:40 of the first period set a positive tone for the Flames, extending his goal streak to three games.
A notable statistic from the game highlighted that Calgary had a prolonged break with six days off before this match, since their last victory against Chicago on December 21. This additional rest seemed beneficial as they faced a Sharks team that had recently suffered a defeat against the Vegas Golden Knights, 6-3, the day prior.
Looking ahead, the Flames are scheduled to face Vegas once again on Sunday, while the Sharks will host the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday.
