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Flames Ignite Victory Over Penguins in Epic Shootout

In a thrilling finale on Tuesday evening, Justin Kirkland of the Calgary Flames delivered the game-winning shot in the sixth shootout round, sealing a 4-3 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Flames’ victory was powered by strong performances from Nazem Kadri, Rasmus Andersson, and MacKenzie Weegar, who all found the back of the net during regulation time.

Andersson On Fire for Calgary

Rasmus Andersson showcased his scoring prowess, not only netting a goal but also providing a crucial assist. Andersson now stands atop the Flames’ scoring leaderboard with an impressive tally of eight points, including three goals and five assists.

The Penguins, embarking on a four-game expedition through Western Canada, witnessed their goals coming from Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Noel Acciari. Despite a valiant effort and an onslaught of 38 shots, the Flames’ goalie Dustin Wolf managed to keep his unbeaten record intact, moving to 3-0-0. Wolf’s pivotal save against Evgeni Malkin in the final round of the shootout clinched the Flames’ victory.

Shootout Drama Unravels

Alex Nedeljkovic, Pittsburgh’s netminder, put up a solid performance with 22 saves. In the shootout, Rakell and Rust scored for the Penguins, while the Flames responded through Anthony Mantha, marking his 500th NHL game, and Andersson.

Key Turning Points

Despite an early barrage of seven shots from Calgary, the Penguins regained composure and dominated the remainder of the game, outshooting the Flames 38-18. However, a costly second offensive zone penalty by Martin Pospisil of Calgary led to a power-play goal by Rust, leveling the game at 1-1.

With the Flames trailing 3-2, a vital moment unfolded when Andersson unleashed a slapshot from the blue line, ricocheting off Acciari to Kadri, who swiftly dispatched the puck past Nedeljkovic with just 43 seconds remaining. This dramatic equalizer sent the home fans into a state of euphoria.

Historic Start for the Flames

With a tally of 11 points from their opening six games, the Flames are enjoying their best start in the franchise’s history. Their only setback so far was a narrow 2-1 overtime defeat in Seattle last Saturday.

The road ahead sees the Penguins locking horns with the Edmonton Oilers on Friday, while the Flames gear up for a clash with the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.