On a Tuesday night showdown, Matt Coronato emerged as the star player for the Calgary Flames, scoring twice, and leading the team to a pulsating 3-2 overtime victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Coronato’s late-game heroics, scoring with just 2:46 left on the clock, breathed new life into the Flames’ offensive drive.
Coronato’s Clutch Performance
Coronato delivered a masterclass in precision, cruising into the slot and firing a shot that ricocheted off the post and into the net. His magic moment arrived seven seconds into the bonus period when he netted the decider, clinching the win for Calgary. This marked the Flames’ second victory in seven games, a much-needed boost after a tough stretch.
Key Contributions from Zary and Wolf
Connor Zary and Dustin Wolf also played pivotal roles in Calgary’s victory. Zary chalked up a goal for himself by capitalizing on a loose puck 4:20 into the second period. Meanwhile, Wolf proved his mettle between the posts, turning away 21 shots.
A Struggling Night for Canadiens
Montreal, in spite of goals from Joel Armia and Brendan Gallagher, could not halt their losing streak, which extended to four games. Armia, who also assisted a goal, scored a short-handed goal, while Gallagher managed to slip one past Wolf. However, their efforts were not enough to outshine the Flames’ resilience.
Montembeault’s Endeavor and the Turning Point
Sam Montembeault, the Canadiens’ goaltender, made a commendable 32 saves, in spite of the team’s defeat. This performance marked a significant improvement from his previous two outings against the New York Rangers and Seattle Kraken, where he conceded nine goals from 20 shots.
A crucial turning point came when Gallagher’s potential second goal was disallowed due to an offside call, following a challenge from Calgary. This decision kept the Flames in the game, setting the stage for Coronato’s winning strike.
Statistical Standout and Upcoming Games
In a game of two halves, the Canadiens initially outshot the Flames 15-10 in a dominant first period. However, Calgary turned the tide in the second period, outpacing Montreal with a 13-5 advantage.
Looking ahead, the Flames will be squaring off against the Bruins on Thursday, while the Canadiens will be hoping to turn their fortunes around when they visit the Devils on the same day.
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