In Calgary, the Flames put together a rare complete game in a 4-3 win over the visiting Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday.
It took until the third period to get the offense going when the Flames scored three times.
“We wanted to end the year on a great note and that’s what we did,” Calgary’s Jonathan Huberdeau said. “We’re right there. We just have to put some wins together and get right back in it.”
Jacob Markstrom made 28 saves in the win.
The Flames moved to 15-16-5.
Philadelphia took a 1-0 lead midway through the first period on a marker from Rasmus Ristolainen.
“Just tried to get up there when you see the chance and join the rush, and Poehling made a great play,” Ristolainen said.
The Flames replied with a goal from Mikael Backlund at 18:21 of the middle frame to send the game to the third period tied, 1-1.
The Flyers dropped to 19-12-5 off their fourth loss in the last five matches.
“These last two efforts haven’t been our best” Philadelphia forward Sean Couturier said. “So, it’s important to get on the right track and start coming back to checking the right way and doing a lot of the little things we’ve been doing all year. Go back to basics and trusting in our system and the way we play. Go back to our identity, I guess.”
Calgary’s Dennis Gilbert potted a marker at 7:29 of the third to give the Flames a 2-1 lead.
“Feels good, has been a while,” Huberdeau said. “I think it’s more about the whole game, creating stuff. I know it’s going to come in. It’s not like you get a point and you get to relax. Every game has to be like that, creating stuff. I’m an offensive guy here and I have to create plays every time I’m on the ice.”
Nazem Kadri pushed the advantage to 3-1 at 14:29 on a 4-on-4 skating situation.
The Flyers trimmed the deficit to 3-2 on a strike by Bobby Brink at 16:36 whiel the Flyers skated with an extra attacker.
“No quitting at the end,” Couturier said. “Too bad we didn’t show up the first two periods. I thought we lost an opportunity and we just need to be better.”
Blake Coleman scored what end up being the game-winner at 17:42Â for a 4-2 lead to Calgary.
The Flyers had one push to make it tighter down the last two minutes of the game when Egor Zamula scored off a shot from the point at 18:38 for the 4-3 final count.
“It was a little hectic, but it was good we came away with the win,” Calgary;s Andrew Mangiapane (three assists) said. “We bent a little bit there, but we were able to get the two points and now we move on.”
Samuel Ersson made 29 saves in the loss.
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