The Calgary Flames created some momentum with a big-time comeback win over the New Jersey Devils by a score of 4-3.

It’s a Team Game – The Flames started this game keeping things as level as they could. They kept up some consistent pressure in the first but were not rewarded for their efforts. After the Devils second goal the Flames started putting more pucks on net while maintaining good forechecking techniques. Matt Coronato finally beat Markstrom with a quick shot on the power play. That gave the Flames even more motivation – but it was disrupted with an unfortunate goal by the Devils too end the second period. Calgary had an opportunity to roll over if they wanted to – instead they came out and played their best period of hockey since the 4 Nations tournament. Four goals – only one an empty netter – in the third period to thwart the Flames old starter Jacob Markstrom. A character victory.

Corsi King – Joel Farabee (72.26 per cent) and Yegor Sharangovich (64.81 per cent) had good numbers across the board – except for being on the ice for two 5v5 goals against. Ryan Lomberg (72.24 per cent) remained on his strong stretch of fourth line duty. Then there was the feel-good story of the night in Daniil Miromanov (70.90 per cent) scoring the goal to tie things up at three. The whole team found some form of success in this one.

Taken By Chance – Connor Zary (70.23 SCF% || 69.39 HDCF%) was flying all over the offensive zone. He was back to make sharp dekes on the edges of his skates trying to shift around defenders and create space. After returning from injury he was keeping things simple – as north/south as I’d seen his game. This performance he showed signs that maybe the rust is coming off and the fearless Zary with the hands is coming back. Pair that with a return to playing with a red-hot Nazem Kadri (63.16 per cent || 55.92 per cent) and I’m hoping this is the start of an offensive spike from the youth on the Flames.

xGF% – Matt Coronato (35.30 per cent) and Morgan Frost (33.28 per cent) are two of the other younger players poised to see a surge in offence. This game saw them start really rough, but the end of the game this line with those two and Jonathan Huberdeau (24.45 per cent) clutched up the game winning goal. If the entire team is going to keep up the momentum from the Rangers game and this one, then it’s going to be on the backs of the Flames newly minted top-6 forwards.

In The Crease – There were times early where the Devils got some point blank looks on Dustin Wolf – and he got beat on a couple of them. He even had a goal against that I’d label as entirely his doing. Yet, he was still essential in this win. His breakaway stops alone were enough to make you jump out of your seat. No matter what the score gets to Wolf remains mentally locked in and leaves history in the past. Incredible player. 1.57 expected goals against with three getting behind him 5v5.