Game Recap: Hunter Shinkaruk Nets First NHL Goal But Flames Lose 8-3 In Anaheim

Game Summary

Jonas Hiller started in net while T.J. Brodie, Dougie Hamilton, Lance Bouma, Mikael Backlund, and Emile Poirier backed him up. Not that it mattered much after this mess of a game.

What a gongshow! It was 7 minutes of torture as Jonas Hiller started in net and allowed 3 goals in 5 shots. Not exactly the start the Flames wanted. Perry’s patience paid off as he was left alone out front of the Flames net and he beat Hiller to score the first goal. The Flames fought back with a little pressure, but as soon as the puck went towards the Flames net again, it was 2-0 for Anaheim. Just before the 7 minute mark, Hiller let in another goal that got him yanked from the net and replaced by Niklas Backstrom. The score was 3-0 heading into the second period.

Anaheim opened the period with another goal to put them up by 4 goals. Yes, it was 4-0 and the Ducks just kept going to score another goal. With a 5-0 lead, the Flames finally struck back and Hunter Shinkaruk notched his first goal after a deflection on Mark Giordano’s shot from the blue line. It was 5-1 for Anaheim. But it didn’t last long as the Ducks answered back with another to restore a 5 goal lead. Giordano must have really wanted his 20th goal of the season because he took another shot from the blue line that got through and the score was 6-2. But Anaheim and Calgary would both one more each before the end of the period. There were 10 goals scored in 40 minutes. Anaheim with the lead, 7-3.

It was a more calm, organized period of hockey as Gibson returned to the net for the Ducks after being absent during the middle frame. The Flames and Ducks both looked more focused. But Anaheim would net another goal to widen the gap, 8-3. Tempers flared and words were exchanged, but nothing much came out of it physically except that Thompson was booted from the game.

Flame Of The Game

Hunter Shinkaruk. With his first NHL goal tonight in Anaheim, Shinkaruk is now a point a game so far this season with an assist in the Flames last game against Arizona. He's quite an impact player already and he's only played two games. He has a bright future ahead of him. Hopefully it's with the Flames organization.

by Traci Kay