Hanowski’s First Not Enough; Wild Win 4-3
By Joe
The Minnesota Wild were slumping, but just like any good team, they turned it around with a win on the road against a weak team.
Bouchard and Koivu picked up a goal each while newly acquired forward Jason Pominville netted two en route to the win over Calgary Monday night.
Jiri Hudler, Sven Baertschi and Ben Hanowski all tallied goals for the Flames. Hanowski’s third-period goal, which was his first and came in his first NHL game, shortened Minnesota’s lead to just 4-2.
“It was just extremely exciting. I felt a little lighter on the ice after getting that one,” said Hanowski. “It’s hard to put into words right now, but it was a special moment and I’ll always remember it.”
Joey MacDonald was in net and he did not play all that terribly. He saved 23 out of 27 shots but what would Kiprusoff have done? At the other end of the ice, Nicklas Backstrom saved just 20 out of 23. Had the Flames just shot the puck 5 more times it could have very well been Calgary’s third win in a row.
The loss makes Calgary tied for third-last in the NHL with Carolina at 36 points.
In a 48-game schedule, Calgary has played 42 so far.
The Flames host the Detroit Red Wings Wednesday at 7:30 PM MT.