In Regina, the Calgary Flames had everything under control in a tight 1-0 contest over the Winnipeg Jets.
The Flames “had” everything under in the Heritage Classic outdoor.
With snow falling, Josh Morrissey launched a slap shot from the point that got through on the power play, to the tie the game with under five minutes to go in regulation.
In extra time, Bryan Little scored at 3:04 to give the Jets the 2-1 win.
“I definitely had this circled on the calendar,” Little said. “Definitely lived up to everything. I felt like everyone was kind of worried about the conditions, the wind and everything, but it turned out really well. Just a bit of snow, but it wasn’t too bad. It was kind of the perfect conditions.”
The Jets improved to 6-6-0 with the win.
“Sometimes the best seat is right behind the bench because you can see it all,” Winnipeg coach Paul Maurice said. “The fireworks are going off, and those jets come over, and [the national anthem] is just done, and it’s snowing out. You just needed Santa and the reindeer blasting over, and it would make the perfect scene. It would have been about the only thing to top that one. It was really good, was what I was trying to say.”
Connor Hellebuyck made 29 saves to get the win.
“I thought we battled hard on that power play to get pucks back,” Morrissey said. “There were a couple of good plays down low. We had talked right before that power play to try to get some shots to the net, get traffic there. When it’s not going, that’s usually a good recipe. Just was able to make a good shot, and you could see the double screen in front, I think [Mark Scheifele] and Kyle in front. When you have two screens like that and the goalie can’t see, and you make a good shot, you can get rewarded.”
Elias Lindholm‘s power play goal in the middle frame gave the Flames the lead.
“We played good for most of the night, and in the third period they came out strong, and we didn’t have an answer for that,” Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk said. “They get one late, and then they win in overtime on a 2-on-1. You know, they don’t give you two points for playing well for most of the game, you have to finish it off.”
[WATCH: All Flames vs. Jets highlights]
David Rittich made 43 saves in the busy loss.
“Well, the experience was outstanding,” Flames head coach Bill Peters said. “Between the NHL and the city of Regina, the hockey fans in the province of Saskatchewan came out in full force. Lots of energy in Mosaic Stadium, and a beautiful setting with the light snow, and the temperature wasn’t too bad. They’re fantastic, they just flat out are. If you ever get a chance to be a part of one, do it. You ever as a fan get a chance to attend one, I would definitely not deprive myself of the opportunity to do that.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.