The Calgary Flames continued their eastern road trip on Saturday afternoon as they visited the Pittsburgh Penguins. After a few outings where they looked out of sorts, the Flames looked pretty much like themselves – the good version of themselves – as they scored first and never trailed in a pretty strong road outing.

The Flames snapped their four game losing streak with a 2-1 road win in Pittsburgh.

The Flames played a pretty good road period in the first, generally managing their game well.

Just 2:33 into the opening period, the Flames got on the scoresheet. Connor Zary made a nice play in his own end, intercepting an errant Penguins pass and racing up ice. On his own, Zary made a nice shot, beating Arturs Silovs to give the Flames a 1-0 lead.

From there, the period was pretty even but the Flames managed their lead well.

First period shots were 9-6 Flames. Via Natural Stat Trick, 5v5 scoring chances were 7-6 Penguins and high-danger scoring chances were 2-1 Flames.

The Penguins made a big push throughout the second period to draw even.

During that push, Brayden Pachal made a big hit, cutting across the high slot in the Flames zone and crushing Yegor Chinakhov with his shoulder.

Later in the period, the Flames had a power play but couldn’t cash in. Shortly after the Penguins penalty expired, the Flames turned the puck over and the Penguins got an odd-man rush. Evgeni Malkin fed Chinakhov and he blasted a one-timer past Devin Cooley to tie the game at 1-1.

Zary got decked by Malkin on his way to the Penguins goal celebration. Malkin was given a minor penalty for that, though the ensuing power play was wiped out after 1:10 after the Flames took a too many men bench minor.

Second period shots were 11-6 Penguins. 5v5 scoring chances were 10-2 Penguins and high-danger scoring chances were 7-0 Penguins.

42 seconds into the third period, the Flames grabbed the lead again. This time, Rasmus Andersson led a rush into the offensive zone and dropped the puck back to Matt Coronato. Andersson drove across the slot area, and Coronato fired the puck past Silovs to give the Flames a 2-1 edge.

The Penguins tried to battle back, but the Flames did a pretty good job of managing the game. (The Penguins thought they scored in the latter stages of the period, but the goal was immediately waved off due to Sidney Crosby knocking Cooley down before the goal was scored.)

Silovs was pulled late for the extra attacker. The Penguins got a few strong looks but the Flames and Cooley stood tall, holding on for a 2-1 win.

Third period shots were 12-11 Penguins.

The Flames weren’t perfect in this game. I would point to some of their neutral zone puck management in terms of things they need to improve. But give them credit: the Flames battled and they managed to dig their heels in at key moments where the Penguins were threatening to take over this game.

Connor Zary had a really nice goal and drew three penalties. He was quite good in this contest.

Honourable mention to Devin Cooley, who was really sharp throughout this game.

The Flames entered the third period with a chance to win the game. They took the lead 42 seconds into the period.

Devin Cooley started for the first time since Dec. 20. Blake Coleman missed this game with an upper body injury.

Join Kent Wilson and myself right after the game for After Burner!

The Flames (19-22-4) are headed to Columbus. They face the Blue Jackets on Tuesday night.

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