Calgary Flames Win Important Game With 2.5 Seconds Left in OT

After coming off two consecutive losses, the Calgary Flames won 3-2 against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday evening. They scored with just 2.5 seconds left in OT.

The Calgary Flames are coming off of a two-game losing streak. Their first set of consecutive losses since January 24th – two months ago. However, not to worry, because losing streak no more. The Flames won 3-2 against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday evening in a playoff-feel type of battle.

And boy was overtime ever intense. I know I say this for every single overtime, but this one truly felt like one of the most intense ones all season long.

First, we have Troy Brouwer who opened up the scoring in the first period. AND on the powerplay! First, the Flames haven’t scored a powerplay goal in five games. Then we have the Blues who have killed off 19 straight penalties. And it was Brouwer of all people.

A lot of people on Twitter really don’t like putting Brouwer on that first PP unit. I’ll admit, I was one of them. So thanks for scoring this one, Brouwer Power. The Blues managed to tie up the game in the second period and it was 1-1 heading into the final 20 minutes.

Calgary Flames

Then third period came and the Blues made it 2-1 seven minutes in. No need to fret because we have another unlikely scorer who tied up the game – defenceman Matt Bartkowski. This is Bart’s first goal as a Flame! Congrats to another M on this team.

Then after some intense last few minutes of the game with a Flames PP, this one would go to OT. Let’s talk about a factor for this win.

Brian Elliott

The main one of course is the one who’s been bailing out the Flames over the last couple of months: Brian Elliott. He was spectacular tonight and stopped 29 of 31 shots. One big one coming in OT against Vladimir Tarasenko.

I will admit, one of the goals he let in was a bit of a rough goal to let in. However, he completely recovered and otherwise, was incredible all night long and made huge game-saving saves.

If the Flames do end up making the playoffs, which they have about a 99% chance of making it right now, then he’ll definitely be a big x-factor for this team, that’s for sure. He’ll be the game-changer.

Now let’s get into the fun/the stress.

Overtime

Now we get into overtime and we know the Calgary Flames are a scary team in OT. Since the NHL changed the OT format to 3-on-3, they’ve been an OT nightmare for other teams. One big reason? Johnny Gaudreau. He was out on the ice for a long time in OT, but he never seemed to get tired.

It must be all those skittles.

Johnny Hockey actually had two points tonight, except none in OT.

The Flames held possession for most of OT which is huge, especially when there’s so much ice because there are four less players on the ice. In fact, the Flames right now have the best win% in one-goal games with 0.704.

And those stats don’t lie, because the Flames managed to win this one in OT after immense pressure. With just 2.5 seconds left, to be exact. And thanks to none other, Sean Monahan. Who eerily resembles former Flames captain Jarome Iginla in OT.

Before this game, Monahan had six OT goals which was tied for a franchise record (with Iginla). Tonight, he got his seventh OT goal which marks a new franchise record for most OT goals in Calgary Flames franchise history. Monahan had a goal and an assist tonight.

The Flames are now 9-2 in OT which is the best OT record in the NHL and they’re tied for second most amount of wins in OT.

Oh and let’s take a look at Mark Giordano‘s face after that OT win:

Next: Potential Playoff Scenario - Facing the Ducks

All in all, this was a big game and an even bigger win. The Flames managed to stay in the first wildcard spot instead of moving down a spot, since it looks like the Nashville Predators may be winning tonight as well.

And now the Flames have an almost definite playoff spot.