Top 10 Calgary Flames moments from the first 50 games of 2022-23

Photo credit:© Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

1 year ago

The first 50 games of this season have been an emotional roller coaster for Calgary Flames fans. But we are here to celebrate the best moments from an up and down start to the season. Let’s take a look back on the top 10 moments from the first 50 games of the 2022-23 season.

10. Jonathan Huberdeau highlight reel goal against the Blackhawks

It’s no secret that Huberdeau has struggled to produce in his first 50 games with the Flames. But we have been seeing glimpses of why he is such a talented player like in this goal against Chicago. This has arguably been the nicest goal scored by any Flame player this season. You hope this can maybe act as a bit of a catalyst for Huberdeau in the final 32 games of the season.

9. Jacob Markstrom’s windmill save on Mark Scheifele

This was arguably the nicest save made in the NHL this season. Jacob Markstrom makes a beautiful windmill stop on one of the more dangerous shooters in the game, Mark Scheifele.

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8. The season opener vs. Colorado Avalanche

There were two things that made this game so exciting for Flames fans. It was their first chance in the regular season to get a look at Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri and MacKenzie Weegar in Flames colours. And the game was also incredible. The Flames took it to the defending Stanley Cup champs getting out to a 5-1 lead. They would eventually win the game 5-3.

Huberdeau, Kadri and Weegar all registered points in their first game with their new squad.

There was a feeling of hope and the feeling that everything was going to be ok with this team after the devastating departures of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk.

7. Dennis Gilbert and Milan Lucic fights

The Flames have been in 12 fights in their first 50 games of the season. But there are two that stand out.

First is Milan Lucic vs Mathieu Olivier. This was a good old fashion, no-defence fight that we don’t see much of anymore. Lucic unloaded some bombs on Olivier.

The second great fight from this season was Dennis Gilbert vs Jonah Gadjovich. Gilbert leads the Flames in fighting majors this season with four, despite only playing in nine games. This was a great tilt that had to get him noticed by the Flames organization.

6. Season debuts of Matthew Phillips, Jakob Pelletier and Walker Duehr

Flames fans have not had many rookie debuts to get excited about over the last few seasons due to Calgary having a veteran team, being incredibly healthy, and from a lack of draft picks in recent seasons.

But that has changed this season as we have got to see Phillips, Pelletier, and Duehr play their first games in front of fans. Phillips didn’t get much of an opportunity as he only played 18:04 in two games. But we have had the chance to see extended looks at Pelletier and Duehr which has been a lot of fun to watch.

5. The returns of Sean Monahan and Matthew Tkachuk

The Flames have welcomed back Matthew Tkachuk and Sean Monahan this season to very different reactions from the C of Red.

Monahan was welcomed back with open arms and massive applause from the Saddledome faithful. Monahan was one of the most beloved Flames players in franchise history. He loved playing for the Flames and gave everything he had to the organization. How could you not love Monny?

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Tkachuk on the other hand was booed every time he touched the puck. And he deserved it after telling the Flames organization he refused to sign with them long term. Fortunately Brad Treliving was able to work some magic and acquire Huberdeau and Weegar in return for him.

Tkachuk did get a standing ovation after the Flames played a welcome back video on the big screen.

4. Jan. 21 game against the Tampa Bay Lightning

The Jan. 21 contest between the Flames and Lightning was an outstanding hockey game. It had a little bit of everything. Beautiful goals. Great saves. Hits. Fights. And most importantly, it was Jakob Pelletier’s NHL debut.

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3. Nazem Kadri’s first goal as a Calgary Flame

You couldn’t write a better story for a Flames player scoring their first goal with the organization.

Nazem Kadri endeared himself to the fan base early on in his time with the Flames scoring a beautiful first goal against the Edmonton Oilers on Hockey Night in Canada. Kadri was the best player on the ice in this game.

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2. Johnny Gaudreau’s return to Calgary

Johnny Guadreau’s return to the Saddledome was one to remember. It was a tough homecoming for the former Flames star. He was booed loudly every time he touched the puck. This lasted the entire game and into overtime. Gaudreau played a great game which included a penalty shot in the first period. Talk about drama.

Similar to Tkachuk’s return, Flames fans gave Johnny a standing ovation after his welcome back video.

1. Nov. 19 game against the Florida Panthers

This was the most exciting Flames game of the season. MacKenzie Weegar and Jonathan Huberdeau returned to Florida for the first time since having their worlds turned upside down after being traded to Calgary for Tkachuk.

This game was incredibly exciting from start to finish. It was a high scoring, physical, intense game. It went to a shootout where Markstrom stopped Tkachuk point blank and Huberdeau scored against his former team. It was a highly entertaining game with an incredible finish.

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