Calgary, Alberta – In a much-needed victory, the Calgary Flames defeated the New York Rangers 5-1 on Sunday, putting an end to their eight-game losing streak. The Flames, who have struggled to find the net this season, finally broke out offensively, scoring more than three goals for the first time in 10 games.
Blake Coleman led the charge with two goals, including a shorthanded goal, bringing his team-leading total to five for the season. Nazem Kadri, Kevin Bahl, and Yegor Sharangovich also contributed to the Flames' offensive outburst. Veteran Mikael Backlund chipped in with two assists. Dustin Wolf, making his ninth start in 10 games, was solid in net, stopping 29 of 30 shots to earn his second win of the season.
The Flames came into the game as the league's lowest-scoring team, averaging just 1.67 goals per game. However, they wasted no time igniting the offense, with Kadri scoring just 1:42 into the game. Kadri's goal, his second of the season, came off a give-and-go play with Jonathan Huberdeau. Bahl then doubled the lead at 9:21, firing a wrist shot from the high slot into the top corner for his first of the season.
The Rangers responded quickly, with Noah Laba scoring his first NHL goal just 10 seconds later. However, that would be the only puck to get past Wolf. Sharangovich extended the Flames' lead in the second period, converting a backhand pass from Connor Zary to make it 3-1. In the third period, Coleman scored a shorthanded goal on a 2-on-1 to put the game out of reach. He then added his second of the night with just over five minutes remaining. Igor Shesterkin made 25 saves for the Rangers.
Despite the win, the Flames remain at the bottom of the NHL standings. Coach Ryan Huska made headlines earlier in the day by scratching rookie Matt Coronato, who is in the first year of a seven-year contract. Huska also moved Morgan Frost to the wing alongside Kadri and Huberdeau, a move that seemed to pay off as the trio combined on the first two goals.
The Rangers, who have struggled to find consistency, have now lost three in a row and have only one win in their last seven games. Prior to the game, the Rangers were undefeated on the road in regulation (3-0-1). The Rangers will look to rebound as they continue their road trip against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night. The Flames will also be on the road Tuesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
