Follow usMikael Backlund notched a goal and an assist, Jacob Markstrom turned away 32 shots, and the Calgary Flames secured a 3-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night, marking their ninth win in 13 games.
Blake Coleman and Nazem Kadri also found the back of the net for the Flames, who completed a perfect 3-0 sweep with their fathers in attendance. Despite Logan Thompson making 23 saves for Vegas and Chandler Stephenson scoring to break an 184:34 drought without a 5-on-5 goal, the defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights have now suffered eight losses in their last 11 games.
Missing two of their top centers, Jack Eichel and William Karlsson, Vegas struggled on the offensive front, managing only 16 goals in their last nine games and averaging a mere 1.77 goals per game.
Calgary seized the initiative during a power play in the first period when Coleman capitalized on a rebound, slipping the puck under Thompson’s pads for his team-high 19th goal of the season and his fourth in three games.
The Flames quickly extended their lead as Kadri positioned himself in front of the net, taking advantage of Thompson’s inability to move back into the crease with teammate Nic Hague obstructing. Kadri punched home the loose puck, recording his 10th career goal against Vegas.
Despite a strong pushback from Vegas in the first half of the second period, Markstrom stood tall, making several crucial saves under pressure. The Flames ultimately expanded their lead to three goals when Backlund deftly maneuvered around Thompson in the crease, tapping in his 10th goal of the season. Andrew Mangiapane contributed to the milestone with his 200th career point through an assist.
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