Gauthier’s Overtime Heroics Lift Ducks Over Flames in Thrilling 4-3 Victory
In an exhilarating showdown between the Calgary Flames and Anaheim Ducks, Cutter Gauthier proved to be the hero, scoring both a late third-period equalizer and the game-winning goal in overtime to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory for the Ducks. This was a game full of momentum swings, with both teams refusing to give up until the final whistle. For the Ducks, it was a much-needed win, while for the Flames, it was another tough blow as they continue to fight for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
The Flames seemed to have control of the game after a strong second period and an early lead in the third. Mikael Backlund opened the scoring for Calgary in the second, but the Ducks responded with a tying goal from Trevor Zegras, making it 1-1. However, Calgary quickly regained the advantage with two goals from Yegor Sharangovich and Matt Coronato, putting the Flames up 3-1 with just over four minutes remaining in regulation.
But the Ducks were far from done. Frank Vatrano started the rally with a clutch goal at 16:03 of the third, cutting the deficit to one. Just eight seconds later, Gauthier tied the game, sending the Honda Center into a frenzy. The quick succession of goals was a testament to the Ducks’ resilience, and they weren't going to let the Flames steal the game without a fight.
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The game then went into overtime, and it didn’t take long for the Ducks to capitalize on their momentum. At 1:11 of the extra period, Gauthier received a perfect pass from Leo Carlsson, taking a quick wrist shot that beat Calgary goalie Dustin Wolf and found the top corner of the net. The Ducks celebrated their 4-3 win, with Gauthier being mobbed by teammates after delivering the knockout blow.
Ducks goalie Ville Husso was a key factor in the victory, making 36 saves to keep his team in the game, especially during the tense third period. On the other side, Wolf stopped 19 shots for the Flames, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
For the Flames, the loss was a bitter one, as they remain five points behind the St. Louis Blues for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Despite winning 56.1% of the faceoffs, Calgary could not hang on to their lead. The loss further complicates their playoff hopes, with the Flames now needing to rely on others to drop points in the final stretch of the season.
This victory marks the Ducks’ second consecutive win, improving their record to 35-35-8. The young Anaheim team, led by the likes of Gauthier and Vatrano, is gaining momentum late in the season, while the Flames now face even more pressure as they continue their quest for a postseason spot.
Looking ahead, the Flames will have to regroup quickly as they travel to Minnesota on Friday, hoping to bounce back. Meanwhile, the Ducks will look to keep the good times rolling with a visit to Los Angeles tomorrow. The playoff race is heating up, and with performances like these, both teams are giving their fans plenty to be excited about.
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