The Calgary Flames kept their recent run of third period magic alive with a comeback victory over the Colorado Avalanche, 3-2 in a shootout.

It’s a Team Game – The wins lately feel like they follow a script. Calgary has an alright first period, but trail after it’s over. When the second kicks in the opposition gets a swing of momentum but fail to put Calgary away. Then, in the third, the Flames start to control the whole game. The puck stays on their stick, and they find ways to crawl back in. No matter what the result of the playoff race is nobody can say the players themselves didn’t work their tails off to try and get in. Overall, both teams did limit the amount of high danger looks that happened 5v5 resulting in some great goaltending performances from both sides. The playoff hunt remains alive for the Flames who – because of what St. Louis has done – cannot afford to lose another couple of games.

Corsi King – The fourth line were the heroes against the mighty Colorado Avalanche. Talk about being off the bingo card. Ryan Lomberg (59.16%) with just his second goal of the year to give the team hope and then right after Adam Klapka (58.09%) showcasing those offensive skills he constantly was flashing in the AHL to tie things up. Completely flipped the game and willed the Flames to victory. The extra ice time they saw was justified as the coach recognized the level they were playing at and fed them a few extra shifts. For a guy as smiley as Lomberg it’s nice to see him get the spotlight in a big game.

Taken By Chance – Mikael Backlund (58.12 SCF% || 100 HDCF%) has had enough games in a row back in the green for me to feel he’s back to his old self. The Flames really need him and his reliable minutes on the sprint to the finish line. He’s stringing together quality games whether the team wins or loses and that wasn’t happening back in February. The competitiveness of the team since he’s returned from the injury is a testament to the captain’s impact on everyone. After so many games as the hero Nazem Kadri (51.92 per cent || 0 per cent) got a tough task going against one of the deepest top six forward groups in the NHL. I was still on the edge of my seat when I saw him with the puck in overtime – this time of year you can always count on him to be dialed in.

xGF% – Rasmus Andersson (64.88 per cent) was on top of things tonight. He excels at being able to keep offensive plays alive. Some defenceman do the simple thing and either put it on net or back in the corner every single time. Andersson has that ability to pick up the puck at the blueline and extend offensive possession time. It’s a skill that would work better if the Flames had some more creative players willing to work off him when he tries to create some scoring chances. He’s got a lot of criticism for his play this season, but this was a great game to highlight some of the things he does incredibly well. Morgan Frost (78.46 per cent) hasn’t got the offensive production he’s earned since coming here. He does a lot to transition the play through the middle of the ice – this is getting Coronato (63.19 per cent) and Huberdeau (64.16 per cent) better looks in the offensive zone. If they can develop a bit more chemistry they are poised to really take off offensively as a line.

In The Crease – Dan Vladar in 2025 is a top tier goaltender. He has not faltered in any way against some serious competition since the Calander flipped. This performance – in a game where a loss could feel like the final dagger in the season – was tremendous to see. Absolutely no crumbling under any kind of pressure. It’s been a pleasure not having to ever worry about which goaltender is starting. 1.42 expected goals against at 5v5 with two getting behind him.