Calgary Flames 2 @ Chicago Blackhawks 1

Calgary Flames 2 – Chicago Blackhawks 1

Complete Stats

Scoring

Calgary Flames

1st: None

2nd: 0:14 – Lindholm (17), (Tkachuk); 16:01 – Lindholm (18), (Tkachuk)

3rd: None

Chicago Blackhawks

1st: 19:28 – Kubalik (13), (Boqvist/Kane)

2nd: None

3rd: None

Recap

Both teams with their second string goalies between the pipes. Cam Talbot for the Calgary Flames. Corey Crawford for the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Flames able to win this game after losing the last bout with the Blackhawks on New Years eve. Chicago was first to score, Dominik Kubalik getting credit for the goal with 31.8 seconds left in the first period.

Calgary came out hard hitting in the first, with 14 hits to start. Shots not so much with the Flames ending the first with 6 SOG, and the Blackhawks with 14 SOG.

The Flames played the second period like they were playing the third. A quick response, Elias Lindholm scoring twice with both assists coming from Matthew Tkachuk. The tying goal came 14 SECONDS into the second, with the GWG coming before the end of the second.

The Flames had two 5-on-3 chances, one in the second period and another in the third period but no goals on the PP. Gaudreau had the best chance to score on Crawford in the third period power play, but was robbed – Corey Crawford with a couple of cheerleaders in the Blackhawks penalty box.

It took the Blackhawks 11 minutes to register their first shot of the third period, and the Flames were able to hold them off at the end with the Chicago net empty.

Final Thoughts

Geoff Ward and his strategic lineup changes, depending on opponents and rest periods for players is working well. Lindholm was the star of the game, playing in his 500th NHL career game – his 126th game with the Flames. The other 374 games played by Lindholm were with the Canes. He’s now at 109 career goals, and 191 career assists. His first season (2018-2019) with the Flames Lindholm put up 78 points. He seems to thrive on any line combo.

Giordano was shooting, and Rinaldo was hitting, everything normal for the current Flames.

Flame of the Game

This goes to Lindholm’s supporting actor, #19 Tkachuk. Not only did he set up Elias twice, he was a strong presence the entire game – and although his clearing attempt near the end of the game was called for icing, he deserves a shout out.

What’s Next?

1/9/2020: Calgary Flames vs. Minnesota Wild, 7PM MT @Scotiabank Saddledome.

by Renu Sahota