Flames’ victory concludes challenging homestand as Coyotes’ Vejmelka faces defeat.
The Calgary Flames secured a 6-2 victory over the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night, prompting the early removal of Coyotes’ goalie, Karel Vejmelka. Yegor Sharangovich, Mikael Backlund, Rasmus Andersson, and Blake Coleman contributed to the Flames’ commanding four-goal first period, while Sharangovich completed his second career hat trick in the third period. Jacob Markstrom’s 33 saves played a crucial role in the Flames’ triumph, marking their fifth win in seven games.
Despite efforts from Lawson Crouse and Clayton Keller, who scored for the Coyotes, they found themselves trailing 4-1 after the initial period. The Coyotes have now lost four of their last five home games, a stark contrast to their earlier success with six wins in seven games.
Expressing concern, Arizona coach Andre Tourigny acknowledged the team’s recent inconsistency, particularly after a notable overtime victory against Boston. He highlighted the contrast in energy and desperation, terming the performance against the Flames as disappointing and surprising.
Sharangovich’s impressive goal-scoring streak continued as he netted five goals in the last two games, following a two-goal performance in a 6-3 win over Ottawa on Tuesday, where Coleman also contributed two goals. Backlund marked his 950th game, ranking second in Calgary franchise history.
The Flames took control early in the game, with Backlund opening the scoring just 20 seconds in after capitalizing on an Arizona turnover. Sharangovich added to the lead with a short-handed goal six minutes later, courtesy of a slick backhand pass from Coleman. Andersson extended the lead further with a goal 7:53 before the end of the first period.
After Vejmelka conceded three goals on four shots and four of 12 overall, Connor Ingram replaced him in goal, making 18 saves. Crouse got the Coyotes on the board with a goal, but the Flames quickly responded, with Coleman tipping in a shot from Tanev to regain a three-goal lead.
Keller narrowed the gap with a goal early in the second period, making it 4-2. However, Sharangovich continued his scoring spree, adding two more goals in the third period, securing a 6-2 victory for the Flames.
Reflecting on the performance, Coleman acknowledged the team’s desire to bounce back after a challenging weekend. The Coyotes will face the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night.
