BOSTON — Andrei Kuzmenko celebrated his Calgary Flames debut with a goal, propelling his new team to a convincing 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Tuesday. Acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forward Elias Lindholm, alongside draft picks and prospects, Kuzmenko wasted no time in making his presence felt in the Flames lineup.
“It’s a good feeling because we win,” Kuzmenko remarked on his debut performance, despite believing his line could have capitalized on more opportunities. His early contribution set the tone for the Flames, who dominated the Bruins in their first game back from the NHL All-Star break.
Jonathan Huberdeau, with a goal and two assists, and Nazem Kadri, contributing three assists, were pivotal in Calgary’s offense, while Jacob Markstrom’s 21 saves ensured a solid defensive performance. The Flames, now at 23-22-5, showcased a team effort that Kadri likened to a “pack of hyenas,” emphasizing the collective drive that led to their success against the Bruins.
Pavel Zacha scored the lone goal for Boston, with Jeremy Swayman making 25 saves. The Bruins, who had been on a hot streak with seven wins in their previous eight games, couldn’t replicate their recent form, falling to a record of 31-10-9. Bruins coach Jim Montgomery criticized the team’s effort and preparation, pointing out the mental and physical errors that plagued their performance.
The game marked both teams’ return to action after a 10-day hiatus due to the All-Star break. Kuzmenko’s goal in the first period, a power-play strike, highlighted a series of key moments that swung momentum in Calgary’s favor. Connor Zary extended the lead with a skillful second goal, before Huberdeau and Noah Hanifin sealed the victory with goals in the third period.
The Bruins’ attempt at a comeback was short-lived, with Zacha’s third-period goal providing a brief spark that was quickly extinguished by Calgary’s determined play. Huberdeau’s steal and goal underscored the Flames’ aggressive approach, taking advantage of Boston’s mistakes.
This victory for Calgary, characterized by effective power play and a robust defensive effort, underscores their potential as they aim to climb the standings. For Boston, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead as they seek to maintain their position at the top of the league.
As the Flames celebrate Kuzmenko’s successful debut and a crucial win, both teams look ahead to their next matchups, with Calgary building on their momentum and Boston aiming to rebound from this setback.
