The Calgary Flames entered Ball Arena to finish the month of March playing what captain Mikael Backlund called “the biggest game of the season” against the Colorado Avalanche, and boy, did it live up to the hype.

The Avalanche went up 2-0 in the game thanks to goals from superstar defenseman Cale Makar and a fellow Calgary kid, Logan O’Connor. However, the Flames, with the help of their fourth line and goaltender Dan Vladar, were able to make a comeback and bring the game to the extra period to at least secure a point.

Ryan Lomberg and Adam Klapka registered a goal and assist each, with the other fourth liner on the night — Kevin Rooney — and MacKenzie Weegar tallying an assist each.

Vladar, who had to make some huge saves down the stretch, was proud of his team’s resolve against an opponent that the Flames have historically struggled against during his tenure with the team.

“I remember last time we won here,” Vladar said, via Flames TV. “I think through my four-year career, we’ve only won here once. So it was nice to finally beat those guys. Obviously, they are a really good team, but [I’m] so proud of this group and how we responded in the third period. We’ve been showing the whole season that we can stand up for each other, and we are like one big family here. When we get these results, I think it’s because everyone plays with their hearts. As I said many times this year, I’m proud of this group. We know what we want to accomplish and are still hunting, so it was a good win for us.”

Calgary’s two-point result in this game was incredibly important, and it showcased the Flames’ depth. Players from the bottom of the lineup contributed, just as they have at important times throughout the season.

“We won, and that’s what matters the most at this time of the year,” Vladar said. “It doesn’t matter who is stepping up at different times during the game. The only thing that matters is those two points, and we got it today. It’s a quick turnaround tomorrow, and we’ve got to be ready and play an even better game.”

Some of the saves down the stretch included making some huge stops on the Avalanche’s superstar forward, Nathan MacKinnon, in overtime and a few in the shootout. The game-winning goal was scored by Yegor Sharangovich on Colorado’s goaltender Scott Wedgewood, which Vladar made sure to compliment in his postgame presser.

“It was fun,” Vladar said. “I always like three-on-three. I would rather play 10 minutes of three-on-three than a shootout for sure, but it was fun. When you see MacKinnon coming in with a lot of speed you’re like, ‘Oh boy,’ but I trusted our guys. Good for [Sharangovich in the shootout], and I’ll buy him a dinner.”

Below is the final save Vladar made to seal the victory for the visiting squad.

The Flames have the second half of a back-to-back tomorrow against the Utah Hockey Club, looking to stay in the race for a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs. There are still things that need to go their way, but with efforts like the one they put in against Colorado, there’s no telling what this team can do to make some noise down this final stretch of the 2024-25 regular season.