Jacob Markstrom earns 200th career win as Flames blank Ducks
Dec 21, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) defends the goal against Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Strome (16) and right wing Frank Vatrano (77) during the second period at Honda Center. credits: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports Goalie Jacob Markstrom earned his 200th career win and Nick DeSimone scored his first career goal as the visiting Calgary Flames extended their winning streak to a season-long three games with a 3-0 victory Thursday over the Anaheim Ducks.
Markstrom made 27 saves to achieve his milestone in his first shutout of the season, while Elias Lindholm had a goal and two assists and A.J. Greer had a goal for the Flames, who won the opener of a two-game trip to Southern California. It was Markstrom's eighth win of the season (8-8-2) and 90th in four seasons with Calgary.
The Flames had 44 shots on goal to 27 for the Ducks while ending a four-game road losing streak.
Lukas Dostal made 41 saves in his second consecutive start for the Ducks with regular goalie John Gibson out after the birth of his child. Gibson, who has been mentioned in trade rumors, was available in a backup role.
DeSimone got the Flames' offense started a mere 2:24 into the game when he scored from the deep slot after a pass from Connor Zary. The 29-year-old defenseman scored in his 17th career game.
Calgary made it 2-0 at 7:49 of the second period when Lindholm scored on a forward rush off a pass from Nazem Kadri on the power play. It was Lindholm's eighth of the season and first since scoring two goals Dec. 2 against the Vancouver Canucks.
Greer scored into an empty net with two minutes remaining, his sixth.
The Ducks saw their two-game winning streak come to an end on a night when Mason McTavish (upper body) and defenseman Jamie Drysdale (lower body) both returned from injured reserve. Drysdale last played during the second game of the season.
Forward Trevor Zegras (lower body) remains out for the Ducks, who have lost six of their last eight games and 14 of their last 17 going back to Nov. 15. Anaheim lost the opener of a season-long eight-game homestand that continues through Jan. 7.
—Field Level Media
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