The Calgary Flames were in action for the second-to-last time in the 2025 calendar year on Monday night when they hosted the Boston Bruins. And while there are some National Hockey League games that are excellent examples of skill and speed, Monday’s outing was a bit of a clunker for both teams.

In a game that was a bit of a slog for both units, the Flames skated to a 2-1 overtime win over Boston.

The first period was fairly back and forth, but a bit of a slog, as it seemed like both teams were struggling to really get traction with their games. Both teams traded first period power plays, with Boston getting a few good looks but failing to beat Dustin Wolf.

However, late in the period the Bruins managed to cash in. On a bit of a broken play, Andrew Peeke had the puck in the corner of the Flames zone and opted to drive the net. He didn’t seem to get good wood on the puck as he crashed the net, but the puck trickled through Wolf’s pads and into the net. The Flames challenged for goaltender interference, as Peeke’s foot did seem to make contact with Wolf’s right pad as he drove the net, but it was deemed a clean goal and Boston went up 1-0.

First period shots were 8-8. Via Natural Stat Trick, 5v5 scoring chances were 10-5 Flames and high-danger scoring chances were 4-2 Flames.

The second period remained back and forth, again with both teams having good looks.

Midway through the period, the Flames managed to get one back and tie the game. Mikael Backlund’s line got a bit of sustained zone time and got a bit of a cycle play going, with Backlund passing to Blake Coleman in the slot area. Coleman’s shot beat Jeremy Swayman to tie the game up at 1-1.

Second period shots were 9-7 Flames. 5v5 scoring chances were 6-5 Flames and high-danger scoring chances were 2-2.

The third frame was a bit of a slog, with both teams getting looks but the Flames struggling to put the puck on the net and neither team really generating any dangerous-looking opportunities.

Third period shots were 8-1 Bruins. 5v5 scoring chances were 4-0 Bruins and high-danger scoring chances were 1-0 Bruins.

This game went to overtime, with the Flames starting with a four-on-three power play after Coleman drew a high-sticking minor at the tail-end of the third period. Wolf made a big shorthanded save on Pavel Zacha (and then Nikita Zadorov’s subsequent chance was also stopped).

Connor Zary jammed in a rebound off a Yegor Sharangovich initial chance to give the Flames a 2-1 overtime win.

Sometimes, folks, getting offence going is like trying to get ketchup out of a bottle. The Flames just seemed to be fighting the puck a lot in this game. They were able to get zone time and near-miss chances, but this was one of those evenings where passes seemed to just elude their intended recipient (or the recipient couldn’t get good contact on a shot). Heck, if we’re being honest: neither team seemed to be feeling it offensively.

But the Flames finally managed to cash in on their fifth power play (after Wolf made a gigantic save in overtime) and it was enough to win this one.

We’ll give the nod to Blake Coleman, who scored the Flames’ lone goal in regulation and was consistently noticeable on the ice.

Honourable mention to Dustin Wolf: he wasn’t overly busy, but he had to make a few huge stops at key times.

Wolf’s overtime save(s) followed by Zary’s game-winner.

Prior to the anthems, the Flames observed a moment of silence to recognize the passing of former Flames forward Guy Chouinard.

The Flames busted out some new line combinations, shuffling some players around: Connor Zary was with Jonathan Huberdeau and Morgan Frost, Matt Coronato was reunited with Blake Coleman and Mikael Backlund, and John Beecher slotted back in on the fourth line in place of Justin Kirkland.

Join Dean “Boomer” Molberg and Kent Wilson right after the game for After Burner!

The Flames (17-18-4) are back in action on New Year’s Eve when they host the Philadelphia Flyers.

This article is a Presentation of Platinum Mitsubishi, family owned and operated by lifelong Calgarians. Home of the best warranty in the business with ten year warranties available. Check out the showroom at 2720 Barlow Trail NE or online at www.mitsu.ca