Elias Lindholm's late goal spurs Flames past Jets

Field Level Media|published: Thu 12th October, 01:15 2023

Oct 11, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund (11) controls the puck against Winnipeg Jets center Mason Appleton (22) during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. credits: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Elias Lindholm scored the late game-winner in a three-point game and Andrew Mangiapane collected two goals and one assist as the host Calgary Flames beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-3 in the season opener for both clubs on Wednesday.

MacKenzie Weegar and Rasmus Andersson also scored for the Flames, who won thanks in big part to a brilliant 34-save performance from goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

It was a noticeable difference from so many games last season for the Flames, who were notorious for outshooting their opposition but losing en route to missing the playoffs.

Kyle Connor, Alex Iafallo and Mark Scheifele replied for the Jets. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck made 17 saves.

As overtime loomed, Mangiapane sent a blind pass from the end boards to the slot and Lindholm buried the golden chance with 92 seconds remaining.

Mangiapane cashed in an empty-net goal to seal the victory.

The win was a successful first victory for new Flames head coach Ryan Huska.

Mangiapane's power-play goal opened the scoring at the 12:29 mark. The point shot was stopped but Mangiapane was on the spot for the rebound.

Connor equaled the score just over two minutes later when a wrist shot from the slot handcuffed Markstrom and trickled over the line. Connor is the fourth player in NHL history to score in six consecutive season openers, tying the record also held by Cam Atkinson, Yvan Cournoyer and Mud Bruneteau.

Weegar put the Flames ahead before the opening period ended at 17:50 with a long wrist shot from the point that made it through the screen and just inside the far post.

Again the Jets tied the score, drawing even when Iafallo redirected Dylan DeMelo's point shot at 11:19 of the second period.

Andersson gave the hosts their third lead of the game less than three minutes later with a short-handed tally that came seconds after a clutch stop on Scheifele.

However, Scheifele found the mark with 5:42 remaining in regulation, lifting a top-shelf shot from the slot to again tie the clash.

—Field Level Media