Can the Calgary Flames' Power Play Propel Them to Victory Over the Columbus Blue Jackets?
The Calgary Flames secured a 3-0 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets, improving their season record to 13-9-4. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, faced another setback with their record now standing at 11-10-3. This game was a showcase of strategic plays and standout performances, particularly from the Flames' power play unit.
Game Highlights
The match at Scotiabank Saddledome saw both teams starting strong, but it was in the second period that the Flames began to take control. A critical moment came when they capitalized on one of their four power play opportunities to score two of their three goals. The team's efficiency during these moments was a key factor in their victory.
Rasmus Andersson and Yegor Sharangovich were among those who made significant contributions for the Flames. Andersson scored once from his only shot attempt and ended with a plus-minus rating of +1 while logging over 21 minutes on ice. Sharangovich also found the back of the net with his sole shot attempt and shared a similar plus-minus rating.
Mikael Backlund's performance stood out as well; he assisted twice, demonstrating his pivotal role in setting up scoring opportunities for his teammates. His efforts contributed directly to two goals, underscoring his importance in offensive plays.
On defense, Dan Vladar had an impeccable game between the pipes for Calgary, saving all 16 shots he faced from Columbus and contributing significantly to securing a shutout win for his team.
Columbus Blue Jackets Efforts
Despite their loss, it's worth noting that Columbus did not go down without a fight. They managed 19 hits over three periods but struggled offensively throughout the game with zero goals scored on 16 shots attempted. Their goaltender saved 19 out of 21 shots but couldn't prevent two crucial goals during even strength play and one empty-net goal towards game end.
Looking Ahead
The Calgary Flames are set to face off against St. Louis Blues next at Scotiabank Saddledome on December 5th at 9:00 PM EDT. Fans can catch this upcoming match broadcasted live on ESPN+ or FDSMW for television viewership.
This recent victory over Columbus showcases Calgary's potential when they leverage power plays effectively and receive solid goaltending performances like Vladar’s shutout effort. As they prepare for St Louis Blues next week fans will be eager to see if they can maintain this winning momentum.