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Beyond the Boxscore: Flames goaltending leads them to victory again as Calgary topples Detroit

Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

By Flash Stevens

Oct 25, 2026, 12:00 EDTUpdated: Oct 25, 2026, 11:41 EDT

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The Calgary Flames had the spirit of 2004 in them as they took down the visiting Red Wings by a 4-1 score.

CF% – 42.59% || SCF% – 42.19% || HDCF% – 43.48% || xGF% – 40.44%

It’s a Team Game – From the lineup buzzing to get in, to Heather Liscano singing the anthem, all the way until the final buzzer the Calgary Flames leaned into the nostalgia and made it a night to remember. Saturday night at the hardhat filled Saddledome was not a disappointment by any means. Calgary’s suddenly radiant power play contributed 2 goals, Devin Cooley continued to play hero, and Jake Middleton gave the crowd some fisticuffs to really keep the energy up. The aggressive 5v5 attack of the first few games has dried up, quite significantly, but the Flames are making the most of their rush chances and clearing away second opportunities in front of Cooley to make things easier on him. I would not say any of the last few games were played particularly well – the roster in front of the goalie is certainly capable of better 5v5 hockey – but you can’t argue with the current results. 3 wins in a row, all at home. I can’t remember who I heard this from but they always said if you’re going to stink, then stink on the road (Marek? maybe!) – Calgary’s had the results to keep the Saddledome happy this week.

Corsi King – The Marty party continues to be a fun thing to keep track of, and he stood out with his speed a few times in this one too. That’s Martin Pospisil (57.24 CF%) playing up the middle of the ice and doing a solid job. I’m really happy they went back to this because he has the tools to be a perfect crash and bang centreman in the NHL. His speed alone makes him such a solid asset for the middle of the ice. Slovakia uses him there internationally, at the point the Flames are it makes perfect sense to continue to give him runway. With Ryan Strome (50.21%) flanking him for support it’s going quite well. I do think Mikael Backlund needs to come back. This was the second game for Ben Jones (34.23%) in Backlund’s spot. My best compliment for him is that he’s hardly been noticed, which means he’s not making too many egregious blunders. I also have not seen him stand out in any other way. There aren’t many centres to lean on in this organization currently, so if that’s all they get out of Ben Jones then it’s alright.

Under Pressure –

Taken By Chance – Adam Klapka (53.01 SCF% // 60.86 HDCF%) has been one of the best Flames all around this season. He’s physical, annoys the other team, and has started to contribute offensively more regularly. The backdoor pass from the corner to Joel Farabee (43.99% // 36.76%) was clutch. Along with new partner in crime Jonathan Castagna (50.07% // 54.28%), Klapka continues to earn more ice time and as such play a bigger role in the success of this team when they are achieved. It’s well deserved, I especially did not expect Castagna this soon, but he’s not faltering at all yet. It’s not perfect (but who is), but it is more than anyone predicted prior to the start of the year. It’s a rebuild, nobody should be upset by this kid having success so soon. And it’s not just him!

xG Breakdown –

xGF% – The kids are alright. Matvei Gridin (76.15 xGF%) let another rocket go from the slot (power play) to get his second of the year, while Zayne Parekh’s (35.44%) point shot zipper finally fooled a tendy allowing him to get his first of the season. It’s give and take with everyone right now. Parekh also got beat by his man on one of the Detroit goals, and Aydar Suniev (0%) finished the game without getting a scoring chance at 5v5. Hard to feel too overtly critical after a 4-1 win, but it’s because even in victory we can still find things to work on. Immediate goals to drive us forward. As long as someone makes something happen each game there’s nothing to complain about.

Game Flow –

Shot Heatmap –

In The Crease – Devin Cooley, so hot right now. 2.02 expected goals against at 5v5, 2.83 in all situations. In his last three games he’s easily saved 5 goals over expected. This one saw his crease hounded again – the Flames ability to box out players needs to improve. He was acrobatic and made some great saves. Rebound control was on point, constantly leaving it in an area where his guys would have first crack to clear it instead of the other team whacking it for a second chance. I hope he had a great read with his Rabbit after the game, beyond deserved!

The Goals –

Calgary Flames

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JOAL! JOAL! JOAL!

Watch on X

2:49 AM · Oct 25, 2026

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Calgary Flames

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ZAYNE ON THE POWER PLAY!

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3:25 AM · Oct 25, 2026

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Calgary Flames

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Love a Stromer goal!

Watch on X

3:43 AM · Oct 25, 2026

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