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The Calgary Flames hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning in a tight NHL matchup, with the Flames coming from behind to win 4-3 in overtime. The Lightning opened the scoring, but the Flames responded with three unanswered goals before Tampa Bay tied it late in the third period. In the extra session, Ryan Strome scored the game-winner for Calgary.
Why it matters
This was an important win for the Flames, who are fighting to stay in playoff contention in the Western Conference. The victory over the high-powered Lightning shows Calgary can compete with the league’s elite teams.
The details
The Lightning struck first with a goal from Ryan McDonagh, but the Flames answered back with tallies from Victor Olofsson, Morgan Frost, and Mikael Backlund to take a 3-1 lead. Tampa Bay cut the deficit to 3-2 before tying the game late in regulation on a goal by Pontus Holmberg. In overtime, Matvei Gridin set up Ryan Strome for the game-winning goal to give Calgary the extra point.
The Lightning opened the scoring 7:25 into the first period.The Flames tied the game a few minutes later.Calgary took a 2-1 lead in the first period.The Flames extended their lead to 3-1 in the second period.Tampa Bay made it 3-2 later in the second period.The Lightning tied the game at 3-3 late in the third period.Ryan Strome scored the overtime winner 26 seconds into the extra session.
The players
Ryan McDonagh
A defenseman for the Tampa Bay Lightning who opened the scoring in the game.
Victor Olofsson
A forward for the Calgary Flames who scored the game-tying goal in the first period.
Morgan Frost
A forward for the Calgary Flames who gave his team a 2-1 lead in the first period.
Mikael Backlund
A forward for the Calgary Flames who extended their lead to 3-1 in the second period.
Pontus Holmberg
A forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who scored the game-tying goal late in the third period.
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What they’re saying
“This was an important win for us against a top team in the league. We showed a lot of character coming from behind to get the two points.”
— Mikael Backlund, Forward, Calgary Flames
“We had our chances, but Cooley was solid in net for them. We’ll regroup and get ready for the next one.”
— Yanni Gourde, Forward, Tampa Bay Lightning
What’s next
The Flames will look to build on this win when they host the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night.
The takeaway
This hard-fought victory over the Lightning demonstrates the Flames’ ability to compete with the NHL’s elite teams, keeping their playoff hopes alive in the tight Western Conference race.