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Beyond the Boxscore: Ducks snap Flames winning streak with last second game winner

Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

By Flash Stevens

Mar 27, 2026, 08:00 EDTUpdated: Mar 27, 2026, 02:43 EDT

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The Calgary Flames got another solid performance in the crease, but could not stop the Anaheim Ducks on the way to a 3-2 overtime loss.

CF% – 45.43% || SCF% – 50.15% || HDCF% – 40.72% || xGF% – 49.84%

It’s a Team Game – I felt this was a decent game for Calgary, one that keeps up with recent trends of the Flames taking extra risks to try and earn prime scoring chances. The effect that Matvei Gridin is starting to have on this roster, giving the Flames a genuine offensive threat that isn’t afraid to get creative to find space to operate, is becoming quite large. There was a lot of back and forth early before the Ducks started registering a more consistent attack in the second period. That continued right until the end, something that this new Ducks team is used to doing, eventually tying things and sending it to overtime. The kids made some great plays, there were some growing pains, and Devin Cooley was excellent – no matter the score it was another game that provided some entertainment value upon watching.

Corsi King – I have to say, Olli Maatta (61.96 CF%) keeping this hot streak in generating offence going this long has really surprised me. It’s not an accident either – he’s actively involved in all facets of the game when he’s been out. It’s a good story, one that I’m choosing to enjoy. Hunter Brzustewicz (62.60 per cent) has been a quality partner. He’s got good mobility and a good nose for how to keep the attack going in the offensive zone. This homestand they’ve really shown they’re good together.

Under Pressure –

Taken By Chance – I mean, Matvei Gridin (44.79 SCF% // 46.74 HDCF%) just continues to amaze every night. Multiple times he hesitated upon entry to the attacking zone, then deked and juked his way into the middle of the ice before almost putting it past the goaltender. He’s got 8 points in his last 11 games, none of those being multi-point outings. As he looks better and better each game – when he starts getting his finish back I think he’s going to explode. He’s showing consistency and production and he just turned 20 years old – the potential he is flashing is something that should excite every fan watching. He’s the best reason to tune into Flames games these days – he and Yegor Sharangovich (48.04 per cent // 46.74 per cent) who is copying Gridin by starting to charge the middle of the ice for scoring chances.

xG Breakdown –

xGF% – The fourth line cycle continued as the Flames continue to have too many bodies to play everyone. John Beecher (71.27 per cent) got a turn and made sure he didn’t do anything that put his own team on serious defence. I want to see Matt Coronato (49.36 per cent) find the back of the net soon. To see some scoring consistency out of him down the stretch would be nice. He’s getting a couple good looks a game, they just need him to find his finish again and bring it back in a consistent fashion.

Game Flow –

Shot Heatmap –

In The Crease – Devin Cooley remains one of the best goaltenders in the league this season. He’s no Vezina candidate, but if there was a “backup of the year” award he’d certainly be a favourite for the award. He’s basically gone from having to earn his spot at training camp to being in a borderline tandem situation – all while the Flames have been a bottom 5 team. That’s incredible and deserves to be highlighted more frequently. I’m glad he’s getting some spotlight on After Hours with Scott Oake after the game Saturday – I know I’ll be tuned in. Some big saves late to keep the team in it – not sure they get the point without some classic Cooley heroics.

The Goals –