logo
FlamesNation has no direct affiliation to the Calgary Flames, Calgary Sports and Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
Beyond the Boxscore: Avalanche topple Flames with late deflection
alt
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Flash Stevens
Apr 15, 2026, 10:00 EDTUpdated: Apr 15, 2026, 10:14 EDT
Comments
The Colorado Avalanche scored late to take the lead in a goaltending duel that ended in a Calgary Flames 3-1 loss. 
CF% – 43.65%|| SCF% – 37.48%|| HDCF% – 40.74%|| xGF% – 38.26%
It’s a Team Game – Calgary had bursts of shot pressure, but also had some moments where they got hemmed in. One thing they were for sure, they were faster. Some of the call-ups are gaining confidence and the speed of the Flames through the neutral zone has increased. Despite getting shelled at every opportunity by the Avalanche, Calgary did respond with speed, gaining some of their best opportunities of the game on stretch passes to spring someone with a break. Other than losing Zach Whitecloud for the third period this was a good game. The Flames really do play their hearts out at home – one more to go. 
Corsi King – Brayden Pachal (62.06 CF%) had himself another good game. He’s made the most of his time back in the lineup to end the season. He’s still signed on for next season so getting him some quality time isn’t a bad thing. Matvei Gridin (51.43 per cent) was back in the lineup and driving pucks deep again. I love the way he navigates it as low in the zone as he can before ever choosing to dump it. Seems like he prefers to play the game with the puck on his stick. When he gets better at using his size he’ll get himself into even more quality opportunities. 
Under Pressure –
Taken By Chance – Mikael Backlund (50.07 SCF% // 57.19 HDCF%) almost had the puck in the net, but was robbed by a few inches and a post. Incredibly consistent, Backlund is. He’s still very much the player he’s been for a decade, minus a bit of finishing touch. That’s not the case for Blake Coleman (45.17 per cent // 47.03 per cent) who was able to redirect his 20th of the year home. He’s produced so much more than anticipated when he first signed in Calgary – a guy who only knows how to give it everything he has when he plays a game of hockey. The appreciation level for getting to watch that every night is quite high.  
xG Breakdown –
xGF% – Zayne Parekh (44.02 per cent) sometimes does things with the puck that you rarely see anyone else do, and then he also can’t quite box out his man in front of the net. Give and take in a young career, but it’s nice to see the flashes of what’s to come in the future. I thought Aydar Suniev (48.18 per cent) looked to have some extra pop. I do love that when needing a goal the youth of this team is being deployed to try and accomplish the task. Really good experience early in careers that could be beneficial down the line. 
Game Flow –
Shot Heatmap –
In The Crease – If that was Wolf’s last game of the season what a way to go out. He was excellent all night, robbing Avalanche players consistently. The 5v3 penalty kill he stopped Necas multiple times as he was on the hunt for point 100 this season, keeping that short side locked down tight. We’ll see how the off-season goes, but Calgary’s tandem will likely be the same going into next year, two capable netminders on any given night. 
The Goals –
Flash’s 3 Stars –
1) Dustin Wolf
2) Blake Coleman
3) Brayden Pachal
(Stats compiled from Naturalstattrick.com // Game Score from Hockeystatcards.com // xG and Under Pressure charts from HockeyViz.com // Game Flow and Shot Heatmap from NaturalStatTrick.com)

PRESENTED BY VIVID SEATS

Take $20 off your first Vivid Seats order of $200+ using promo code FLAMESNATION (new customers only, $200 USD minimum before taxes & fees)

Editorials

Breaking News