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Calgary Flames Triumph Over New Jersey Devils

In a thrilling game of ice hockey on Friday night, Blake Coleman’s stellar performance led the Calgary Flames to a 3-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils, ending their four-match losing streak. Goalie Dan Vladar also shone brightly, blocking 22 shots to secure his third career shutout.

Highlights of the Game

The game, initially a nail-biting standstill, took an exciting turn when Coleman broke the deadlock with a deflection, leaving only 5:34 minutes on the clock. Jonathan Huberdeau quickly followed suit, doubling the Flames’ lead just 28 seconds later. Coleman sealed the deal with an empty-netter with 3:15 minutes to spare.

Vladar’s exceptional goaltending skills were on full display during the game, with his most notable save coming off a second-period breakaway by Jack Hughes.

Key Takeaways

The Devils were dealt a significant blow when Nathan Bastian, their 6-foot-4 left wing, was unable to return to the game following a heated brawl with Flames’ left wing, Ryan Lomberg. The confrontation followed a heavy hit by Lomberg on Paul Cotter, which Bastian contested.

Despite the Flames’ impressive victory, concerns remain over their recent scoring drought. After a flurry of 24 goals in the first six games, the Flames only managed to score nine in their last five outings.

Deciding Moment and Crucial Statistics

The pivotal moment for the Flames came when defenseman Kevin Bahl, who was traded to the Flames in exchange for Markstrom, fired a slap shot from the blue line. Coleman was right there to deflect the puck into the net, scoring the winning goal.

The Flames’ power play performance also raised eyebrows. Starting the season 5 for 15, they’ve failed to score in their last 20 power play opportunities, spanning six full games and two additional periods.

What’s Next?

As the dust settles, the New Jersey Devils gear up to face Edmonton on Monday, concluding their three-game trip. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames prepare to host Edmonton on Sunday, hoping to maintain their winning momentum.