CALGARY — Matt Coronato scored twice and added an assist to lead the Calgary Flames past the Anaheim Ducks 4-1 on Thursday night.
Blake Coleman and Adam Klapka also scored for the Flames (25-18-7), who continue to duel with the Vancouver Canucks at the Western Conference playoff cutline. Calgary goaltender Dustin Wolf stopped 31 shots for the win,while his Anaheim counterpart John Gibson made 26 saves. Frank Vatrano was the lone goal scorer for Anaheim (21-24-6).
Thursday’s game at the Saddledome was played amid trade speculation. Flames general manager Craig Conroy confirmed after the game the wingers Andrei Kuzmenko, Jakob Pelletier and two draft picks were dealt to the Philadelphia Flyers for centre Morgan Frost and winger Joel Farabee.
Coleman got his stick on an attempted clear by Gibson and Coronato scored on the deflection from Anaheim’s doorstep at 16:10 of the third. Coronato later scored the empty net goal.
Coleman and Coronato converted on an Anaheim defensive-zone turnover for the go-ahead goal with 28 seconds remaining in the second. Coronato skated to the high shot, and Coleman deflected his shot past Gibson. The goal was initially credited to Coronato.
Flames forward Nazem Kadri objected to Ducks defenceman Jacob Trouba shoving him mid-game but ended up trading punches, receiving an extra minor for roughing.
Klapka drew the Flames even just 15 seconds in to the second with his second NHL career goal. The six-foot-eight forward went backhand to forehand to stretch Gibson with his long reach. Vatrano gave the Ducks the initial lead at 11:54 of the first as he corralled a Rasmus Andersson turnover, gained the offensive zone, and beat Wolf far top corner.
Takeaways from the game include the Ducks being scoreless on four power-play chances against one of the weaker penalty kills in the NHL, as well as too many turnovers. The Flames scored during the first and last minute of the second period, overcoming lineup alterations made earlier.
Key moments included Coronato converting Gibson’s clearing gaffe with just under four minutes left, giving Calgary the 3-1 lead. Calgary improved to 23-3-4 when leading or tied after two periods, underlining their resilience.
Up next for the Flames is a matchup against the Detroit Red Wings, continuing their home stand.
The Ducks will return home to face the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 30, 2025.