Early special-teams goals propel Flames past Blackhawks

Mikael Backlund scored a first-period goal that held up as the game-winner, leading the Calgary Flames to a 3-1 comeback victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday.

Backlund and Yegor Sharangovich each collected a goal and an assist and Matt Coronato added an empty-netter for the Flames, who finished a 2-3-0 road trip. Calgary went into the clash with only one win in the past six outings.

Flames goaltender Devin Cooley made 22 saves.

Nick Foligno scored for the Blackhawks, who have dropped three of four, including the first two affairs of their four-game homestand.

Chicago goalie Spencer Knight stopped 20 shots.

After Calgary fell behind early in the clash, Sharangovich replied 36 seconds later with his team's fourth power-play goal in two games. Connor Zary's close-in chance was denied, and Sharangovich pounced on the rebound opportunity.

Backlund's short-handed goal three minutes later put the Flames ahead for good. Backlund stole the puck from Andre Burakovsky in the neutral zone and completed a forehand deke on the ensuing breakaway for his second goal in as many outings.

From that point, Cooley was the difference. Not only did Chicago fail to covert on four power-play opportunities in the at-times intense affair, with the Blackhawks managing only one shot on goal during those advantages, but Cooley stood tall.

He made a pair of clutch saves on Burakovsky and Matt Grzelcyk late in the second period.

Coronato sealed the victory with 61 seconds remaining.

Foligno gave Chicago an early lead and snapped an eight-game scoring drought. After taking a Colton Dach feed in the slot, the Chicago captain reached the slot and ripped a top-corner shot at 2:38 of the clash.

--Field Level Media