Quips and Quotes: Flames beat Devils 2-1

The Calgary Flames beat the New Jersey Devils by a 2-1 score on Wednesday night. Here are selected reactions from players and coaches following the game.

At the tail end of a road trip – and their ninth road game of the season – perhaps the Flames can be forgiven for tailing off a little bit in the third period. Both Mark Giordano and head coach Bill Peters noted the Flames seemed to be running on fumes in the latter stages of the game.

“I thought we were running out of gas,” said Peters. “You could see it probably second half of the game. Little bit in the second period and definitely in the third. Guys battled, though. Lot of plays on the wall. I thought guys were competitive in those situations. Did enough good things to find a way to get a point and wrap up a successful trip.”

During the team’s seven game winning streak, the Flames’ goaltenders have combined to allow just 12 goals. On Wednesday, it was Rittich’s turn in net. Aside from a low shot that beat him after Johnny Gaudreau was stripped of the puck during a Flames power play, Rittich was perfect.

Peters had a lot of praise for Rittich’s performance and the team’s goaltending in general.

“Our goaltending’s been real good on this trip,” said Peters. “It’s been real good here for quite some time. And again, we talk about needing everybody and we need both goalies also.”

Swedish defender Oscar Fantenberg made his Flames debut in New Jersey two days after joining the club at the trade deadline. Playing with Rasmus Andersson, he played 14:18 – almost entirely at even strength – and had a penalty, a shot and five hits.

“He was good,” said Peters. “He was real steady. I thought he was good. Aggressive. Decisive with his reads. And only should get better as he plays in our system and gets comfortable with how we do things.”