The Calgary Flames got off to a strong start Sunday night, losing 4-3 in overtime to the Anaheim Ducks at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Calgary opened the game with pace and determination, taking a 2-0 lead in the first period and controlling long stretches of play, but Anaheim chipped away and eventually stole the extra point on a hat-trick from rookie Beckett Sennecke.
Advertisement
Jonathan Huberdeau got the Flames on the board at 6:17 of the first period, ending a 10-game goalless drought. After scoring the net, Huberdeau stayed with a loose puck and pushed it past Lukas Dostal to give Calgary an early advantage.
© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Moments later, the Saddledome erupted again when Hunter Brzustewicz scored his first career NHL goal. The defenseman fired a point shot that deflected traffic in front and found its way to the net, doubling the Flames’ lead and capping a memorable stop in his 17th NHL game.
Anaheim pushed back late in the first period despite only having three shots on goal for much of the period. A quick backdoor play found Sennecke, who buried his first of the night past Dustin Wolf to cut the lead in half.
Advertisement
Calgary dominated the shot clock early in the second period, outshooting Anaheim 25-7 at one point, but the Ducks found their footing. Crisp puck movement led to another goal from Sennecke on the side of the net, tying the game at 2-2. The Ducks briefly thought they had taken the lead moments later, but a high strike by Alex Killorn was immediately overturned and upheld upon review.
© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
The Flames regained the advantage on the power play in the third period. Nazem Kadri moved the puck down to Matvei Gridin who made a cross-court pass to Matt Coronato, who elevated a quick shot over Dostal to make it 3-2.
Anaheim responded once again: tying the game on a 2-for-1 run as Kris Kreider finished off a one-timer to complete the hat trick and force overtime.
Advertisement
In the extra frame, Sennecke delivered the decisive blow, firing a high-range shot over Wolf’s glove to seal the Ducks’ 4–3 victory. The rookie now leads all first-year players with 18 goals this season.
© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
1. Brzustewicz takes advantage of his opportunity
After spending some time healthy, Hunter Brzustewicz made a strong case to stay in the lineup. His first NHL goal was the reward for simple, confident play, and it marked a positive step for a player who was heading in the right direction.
2. Flames get some much-needed goals from key scorers
Jonathan Huberdeau and Matt Coronato both found the back of the net, something Calgary desperately needed. Even if a single game doesn’t solve the lingering offensive issues, goals from top contributors are an encouraging sign.
Advertisement
3. January continues to be difficult for Dustin Wolf
The defeat marked Wolf’s sixth defeat in his last seven appearances, highlighting a difficult month for the young goalkeeper. Despite periods of solid play, results have not followed, adding to Calgary’s recent frustrations.
