NASHVILLE — The Calgary Flames displayed an explosive first period, netting four goals on their way to a commanding 6-3 victory over the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday. The win marks Calgary’s third consecutive victory and signifies their strong form, having won six of their last nine games.
Connor Zary and Blake Coleman each had a goal and an assist, setting a rapid pace for the Flames (17-16-5). Rasmus Andersson and Yegor Sharangovich mirrored their teammates’ performance with a goal and an assist each. Goalkeeper Dan Vladar played a crucial role, making 29 saves.
“We came out pretty hard and took control of the game,” Zary said, emphasizing the team’s solid start and the advantage of playing with an early lead.
The Predators (21-17-1), despite coming off two straight wins, struggled to match the Flames’ intensity. Juuse Saros, who had recently shut out the Chicago Blackhawks, conceded four goals in the first period and was replaced by Kevin Lankinen in the third, after making 20 saves on 25 shots. Lankinen made 13 saves in relief.
Nashville coach Andrew Brunette expressed disappointment with the team’s performance, stressing the missed opportunity to capitalize on home ice and establish their game.
The Flames’ early dominance began with Zary’s power-play goal, followed quickly by Coleman’s goal just 27 seconds later. Filip Forsberg briefly reduced the deficit for Nashville, but Nazem Kadri restored the two-goal lead for Calgary. The Flames’ first-period barrage was capped off by Andersson’s goal, showcasing their offensive prowess.
In the second period, Noah Hanifin extended Calgary’s lead, while Michael McCarron’s goal for the Predators early in the third offered a glimmer of hope. However, Sharangovich’s goal for the Flames sealed the 6-3 final score.
Flames coach Ryan Huska acknowledged the team’s struggle in the third period but was pleased with how they weathered the storm.
A concerning moment came late in the game when Flames defenseman Dennis Gilbert was injured following a hit by Predators forward Philip Tomasino. Tomasino was penalized for slew-footing, and Gilbert’s status remains to be assessed.
Among the notable performances, Predators forward Gustav Nyquist extended his point streak to seven games, and Flames forward Elias Lindholm excelled in face-offs.
Both Lindholm and Forsberg were selected to play in the upcoming 2024 NHL All-Star Game.
The Flames’ convincing win demonstrates their ability to take early control of games and maintain pressure, while the Predators will look to regroup after this setback.
UP NEXT
The Flames aim to continue their winning streak, while the Predators seek to bounce back in their upcoming games, hoping to recapture their form and climb higher in the standings.
