Flames Dominate Sharks 3-1 in Strong Road Win
The Calgary Flames showed their strength in a solid 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night at SAP Center, kicking off a two-game road trip with confidence. After a week-long break, the Flames wasted no time in asserting their dominance, delivering an impressive performance led by Jonathan Huberdeau, who scored twice, and Mikael Backlund, whose powerplay goal proved to be the game-winner. Dustin Wolf also made his mark with a fantastic 21-save performance, marking a memorable return to his home area in the Bay.
The game began with a few minutes of pressure from the Sharks, but the Flames quickly found their rhythm. They took control of the opening period, outshooting San Jose 17-7 and shutting them down for over 16 minutes without a shot on goal. Wolf had to make an early save on a close-range shot from Nico Sturm, but the Flames then took charge. The line of Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, and Martin Pospisil was particularly impactful. After a long shift, Pospisil got a great chance, and on the next one, the Flames capitalized. Kadri won a faceoff back to MacKenzie Weegar, who fired a shot that Huberdeau deftly deflected between his legs into the net for the game’s first goal.
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San Jose tried to bounce back in the second period. They tied it up at 3:05 when rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini beat Wolf with a one-timer from the right circle. However, the Flames quickly responded with a powerplay goal of their own. Blake Coleman’s shot was saved by Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov, but the rebound came to Kadri, whose shot deflected off the goalie’s pad to Backlund. With calm precision, Backlund fired it home for his seventh goal of the season, giving Calgary a 2-1 lead.
Despite strong defensive play and key saves by Askarov, the Flames remained on top. They were resilient throughout, blocking shots and defending well. Kevin Bahl was particularly impressive, especially when he tracked back to break up a dangerous chance on a partial breakaway. The Flames continued to apply pressure, with both Jakob Pelletier and Kadri having solid opportunities, but Askarov came up big to keep the game close.
The final period saw the Sharks intensify their efforts, but Calgary’s defense held strong. With the Sharks pulling their goalie in the dying seconds, Wolf made two crucial saves, one on former Flame Tyler Toffoli and another on Mikael Granlund, keeping the Flames in control. Huberdeau sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final second, marking his eighth goal in his last 11 games.
This win showcased the Flames’ depth, from stellar goaltending by Wolf to timely scoring and solid defensive play. Kadri led the team with seven shots on goal, and Bahl played a game-high 24 minutes. Backlund’s second-period goal was also a milestone, as it marked the 207th of his career, moving him into 10th place on the Flames’ all-time goals list.
The Flames now look ahead to wrapping up their mini-road trip in Vegas before returning home to face Vancouver for a New Year’s Eve matchup. They continue to play with confidence and promise as they enter the latter stages of the season.
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