In Calgary Saturday, the Flames’ Sean Monahan scored 59 seconds into extra time to help Calgary snap a six-game skid with a 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.
The overtime goal completed a rally for the Flames who needed a game-tying goal from Michael Frolik midway through the third period to force the extra session.
“When you’re out there with guys like Johnny [Gaudreau] and [Brodie] and you find yourself open, you’re going to get the puck,” Monahan said. “I think the goalie had my number all night, so I was happy to put one by him.”
Mike Smith made 25 saves to pick up the win as the Flames improved to 26-18-8.
“It’s big,” Monahan said. “I think it just comes down to it mentally. You overthink it when you start losing games the way we’ve been doing. To come back and get the two points tonight, it’s obviously important, especially for our mindset here moving forward.”
Matt Stajan and Johnny Gaudreau added markers for the Flames.
The Hawks, who need wins, were disappointed with just the loser’s point as nearly everyone around in the Central Division is playing better hockey than they are.
Nick Schmaltz, Vinnie Hinostroza and Anthony Duclair had the goals for Chicago.
“We’ve got to keep getting points,” Schmaltz said. “We keep talking about it. Everybody is winning every night. It’s not going to get any easier from here on out.”
[WATCH: All Blackhawks vs. Flames highlights]
Jeff Glass took the loss on 35 saves.
“Glass was great throughout the whole game,” Hinostroza said. “He kept us in it early, especially in the first, he made some huge saves. I feel bad for him there in the end. He did all he could.”
Chicago dropped to 24-20-8 and that will not be good enough the rest of the way even with the infuriating inconsistency throughout the NHL this season.
“Every game is so crucial,” Schmaltz said. “Two points is a big deal. At this point in the season, we can’t have any nights off. We have to keep rolling here. Time is running out. We’ve got 30 games left. Let’s see what we can do with it.”
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