Recap: Flames vs Coyotes

Calgary Flames 2 Arizona Coyotes 1 (SO)

The Flames and Coyotes took to the ice and unless you were in the seats at the Saddledome, you never saw it. Even though there was no televised or streamed broadcast, we’ll recap the game either way, because we’re here for you.

1st Period

The Flames and Coyotes each traded goals in the first period leading to a 1-1 stalemate at the end of the first stanza. Christian Dvorak put the Coyotes on the board first with his first goal of the preseason at 6:12 of the opening period. That lead did not last long for Arizona as Matthew Tkachuk provided the equalizer 0:29 seconds later on the power play to tie the game at one. Sam Bennett and Dougie Hamilton grabbed the helpers on Tkachuk’s second goal of the preseason.

2nd Period

Both teams fired 7 shots on net in the 2nd period, but both Brian Elliott and Mike Smith held strong and the score remained 1-1 heading into the third.

3rd Period

Mike Smith (38-39) was the star of the third period. The Flames peppered the Coyotes goaltender with 12 shots, but none could find the back on the net. Brian Elliott was no slouch in the third as well. Elliott only took 4 shots in the period, but he held the line allowing the Flames to take it to overtime.

OT

Overtime was fairly even back and forth with the Flames picking up a power play opportunity, but coming up empty. Shot totals for the extra frame were 6 for the Flames and 2 for the Coyotes, but the score remained tied at the end of overtime.

Shootout

Mikael Backlund and Sam Bennett each couldn’t find the back of the net in the shootout and all three shooters for Arizona were stonewalled by Brian Elliott. Then, as Calgary’s third shooter, Matthew Tkachuk continued to make a case for staying with the big club to start the season. Tkachuk took the puck, skated in and scored the eventual game winner. Dylan Strome came in as Arizona’s last hope and Brian Elliott closed the door giving the Flames a win in their final home preseason game by the score of 2-1.

Flame of the Game

Matthew Tkachuk. The 18 year old had the Flames only goal in regulation and the game winner in the shootout. He had 4 shots on goal, logged 16:47 minutes of ice time and his regulation goal on the PP.

Honorable Mention

Brian Elliott. The Flames goaltender stopped 21 of 22 shots and continued his strong preseason for Calgary. Elliott stopped all three shooters in OT allowing the Flames to get the win.

The Flames will play their final preseason game of the season Thursday night in Vancouver against the Canucks.