CALGARY | Winners of their last 11 home games, the Flames certainly did not expect to come across such a tough opponent when they saw the Canadian show up at the Saddledome.
And yet. Aside from a few brain cramps that led to the first three goals for the Flames, the Habs played an inspired and energetic game to finally save themselves with a 5-4 overtime victory.
Ben Chiarot, with two goals, including the winner, deprived the locals of a franchise record. The defender had a busy game. Again, he was the most used player (24 mins 49s). And he ended the game with a few stitches, courtesy of a face puck from Andrew Mangiapane’s stick.
“It’s a big win. Calgary is at the top and we understand why. They don’t give space and every time that happens their keeper makes the saves. It’s good for the team’s confidence,” said the defender.
It must be said that to overcome this power, the Canadian had to come back from behind twice. Not so long ago, Mangiapane’s goal, scored short by a man and which made it 3 to 1 for the Flames, would have broken the back of the Montreal team.
“Since Martin has been here, the guys have been excited and motivated. He brings positive things on the bench and in the locker room. He is a big factor in the change in mood within the team,” mentioned Chiarot.
Suzuki on another level
Mike Hoffman, with a goal and three assists, as well as Nick Suzuki with a goal and two assists, led the Montreal attack.
So it was another big game for the young Ontario. Faced with a team, in addition, which does not make lace.
“It was Nick Suzuki’s best game. He took his game to another level against a big team. He was a leader on the ice,” said St-Louis after this more than satisfying victory.
In front of the Canadian net, Andrew Hammond repelled 31 shots. He is still undefeated in three starts in his new uniform. Beaten by Elias Lindholm with 28 seconds left in the third period, the 34-year-old goaltender struggled in front of his net like a devil in holy water in the final moments.
Five forwards on the ice
If the Montrealers spent their evening in the penalty box on Tuesday in Winnipeg, yesterday it was the Flames players who seemed to have taken out a subscription. Twice, the Habs benefited from a numerical superiority of two men.
On each occasion, St. Louis opted for a somewhat unusual strategy, sending five forwards onto the ice: Rem Pitlick, Nick Suzuki, Brendan Gallagher, Mike Hoffman and Cole Caufield.
“This has been Martin’s plan since he took office. We just hadn’t had a chance to put it into practice yet. Five skillful attackers, who make plays. We managed to score. It was a big goal,” explained Suzuki.
This is one of his moments that Suzuki chose to record his 12and goal of the season. On the streak Caufield collected an assist.
Evans in the infirmary
With an upper body injury, Jake Evans did not return to the game after the second period.
“Jake’s loss was heavy. He’s a very good player. We had to fill the void. The centers, we knew that we would often see the ice rink. We had to play smart and keep our appearances short,” said Suzuki who, due to this absence, saw his time of use climbed to 23 mins 51 s.
The striker was retired to the locker room for the first time during the second period, after having suffered a shoulder blow from Brett Ritchie to the head.
Once back, it was the sticks of Noah Hanifin and Brad Richardson that he received in the face.
When we talk about bad luck….
Jeff Petry was the other scorer for the Canadian.