Game Recap: The Best Of The Last Game, Flames Win 2-1 Over Wild

Game Summary

The Calgary Flames visited the Minnesota Wild tonight in their final game of the season. With Niklas Backstrom in net, Pat Sieloff, Turner Elson, and Oliver Kylington made their NHL debuts.

The first period opened to a lot of physical play by the Wild, as though they were trying to initiate the newest members, Turner Elson, Oliver Kylington, and Pat Sieloff. Elson was hit by former Flames forward, David Jones. Even Sean Monahan took a hit or two in the first few minutes. Elson started throwing hits back later in the period, while Sam Bennett took on a defensive role, crashing into Wild players in front of the Flames net. Turnovers were a problem throughout the period, but the game remained scoreless in spite of a breakaway by Mark Giordano that was denied by the Wild goalie.

It was a period full of questionable calls as the Flames paraded to the sin bin, affording the Wild numerous chances at a goal. Dougie Hamilton took 2 penalties while Gio, Mikael Backlund, and Micheal Ferland each took one. The Wild were looking to get the Flames worked up and they succeeded. But it didn’t take a power play for Minnesota to score. With a surprise, soft, back-handed shot on net by the Wild, it slipped in past Backstrom who was obviously bothered by his lack of attention on that goal. Not to worry, it would be his only mistake all night. It was 1-0 for Minnesota after 40 minutes.

The beginning of the third period wasn’t good for the Flames as their long passes weren’t getting through and their power play unit still couldn’t generate any offence. But the second half of the period was much better. Brandon Bollig scored his second goal of the season and Turner Elson notched his first NHL point with a helper. 31 seconds later, Pat Sieloff made his mark with his first NHL goal to put the Flames up 2-1 over the Wild. The rest of the period was full of back and forth play as the Wild tried with fury to tie the game again and force overtime. But it wouldn’t be done. The Flames claimed a momentous final 2-1 win for the season.

The Best

Bollig scored a goal!

Sieloff's first goal.

Elson's first point on Bollig's goal.

Kylington did not disappoint.

Drew Shore seems to be fitting in well.

Niklas Backstrom made great saves and played well.

Bollig scored a goal!

The Worst

Reffing still wasn't in the Flames favour even in their last game.

Monahan left the game with an upper-body injury (but it's the end of the season and he's got plenty of time torecouperate now – because I'm ever the optimist!)

Flame Of The Game

The M&G fans who have made this season fun and entertaining. We have appreciated every moment, every shared emotion, and every win/loss with some of the greatest fans in the NHL. We here at M&G want to say a big THANK YOU for all your unwavering support and encouragement throughout the season and all the changes that we've been through here at the site. We will continue to update through the summer with new, interesting, and informative work because we just can't imagine not keeping in touch with everyone for months. Thank you, fans!

by Traci Kay