Flames end losing streak by edging Flyers

Field Level Media|published: Sun 31st December, 22:58 2023

Dec 31, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Bobby Brink (10) takes a shot against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. credits: Brett Holmes-USA TODAY Sports

Dennis Gilbert broke a third-period tie with his first goal of the season and added an earlier assist while Blake Coleman collected one of each in his 500th NHL game as the host Calgary Flames defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 on Sunday.

Mikael Backlund and Nazem Kadri also tallied for the Flames, who completed a comeback win in the New Year's Eve clash and snapped a two-game losing skid. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom made 27 saves to record the win.

Andrew Mangiapane collected three assists.

Rasmus Ristolainen, Bobby Brink and Egor Zamula replied for the Flyers, who have only one victory in their last five games (1-2-2). Goalie Samuel Ersson made 28 saves in a very strong goaltender battle.

With the score tied 1-1, Gilbert put the Flames ahead 7:29 into the third period. Off a rush, Jonathan Huberdeau fired a long cross-ice pass that Gilbert blasted to snap a 37-game drought.

Kadri made it 3-1 with 5:31 remaining when he raced down the wing and snapped a short-side shot past Ersson's glove for his 10th of the season.

However, Brink made it a one-goal game again with 3:24 remaining in regulation when he pounced on a rebound for his seventh of the campaign.

Coleman made it 4-2 affair an empty-net goal, his 13th of the season, and it ended up the game-winning goal because Zamula converted a long slap shot with 82 seconds remaining for his team's second tally with the goalie pulled for the extra attacker

Markstrom held the fort during a wild final minute in a game that was short on offense during the first two frames.

Ristolainen opened the scoring midway through the first period with his first of the season. He zipped to the net from his defensive position and converted a cross-ice feed from Ryan Poehling.

Backlund evened the scoring with 99 seconds remaining in the second period. Mangiapane spied Backlund alone in the slot and upon receiving the pass, the Calgary captain ripped a top-corner shot for his eighth of the season. The goal moved Backlund into ninth spot on the franchise's all-time points list.

—Field Level Media

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