The Calgary Flames faced off against the Colorado Avalanche on April 1, 2025, in an exciting matchup at Ball Arena in Denver, CO. The game, which ended in a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory for the Flames, showcased the intensity and skill both teams brought to the ice. The Avalanche, coming off a recent loss and looking to regain momentum, had previously dominated the season series against Calgary, winning both prior encounters by 4-2.
The first period saw the Avalanche strike first, with Cale Makar netting a goal at 16:31, assisted by Nathan MacKinnon and Devon Toews. This goal set the tone early, giving Colorado a 1-0 lead as they aimed to capitalize on their home advantage.
As the second period unfolded, the Flames struggled to find their rhythm but managed to hold off the Avalanche’s offense. However, the Avalanche extended their lead at 7:59 when Logan O'Connor scored, with Parker Kelly providing the assist. This goal pushed the score to 2-0, putting the Flames in a challenging position.
The Flames, desperate for a comeback, found their footing in the third period. Ryan Lomberg ignited the Flames' hopes with a goal at 10:57, assisted by Adam Klapka and MacKenzie Weegar. This goal marked a turning point, breathing new life into Calgary's efforts as they closed the gap to 2-1.
Just over a minute later, at 11:29, Adam Klapka scored another goal for the Flames, this time assisted by Lomberg and Kevin Rooney, leveling the game at 2-2. The Flames' relentless pursuit had paid off, and they were now back in contention.
With the score tied, both teams battled fiercely for the remainder of the third period, but neither could find the back of the net, leading to overtime. The extra period saw no goals scored, pushing the game into a shootout.
In the shootout, Yegor Sharangovich emerged as the hero for the Flames, scoring the decisive goal while Flames goaltender Dan Vladar made crucial saves to secure the victory. The Flames' triumph marked a significant moment in their season as they continue to vie for a playoff spot.
Head coach Jared Bednar of the Avalanche had expressed the need for his team to regain their winning form after a disappointing loss to the St. Louis Blues that ended their 11-game home winning streak. The Avalanche had been aiming to build chemistry and production among their top players, with MacKinnon and Makar leading the charge.
Despite the loss, the Avalanche remain a strong contender in the Central Division, likely facing the Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs. With eight games remaining, the Avalanche are focused on solidifying their position while the Flames are desperately trying to close the gap in the Western Conference wildcard race.
For the Flames, Nazem Kadri has been a standout player, reaching the 30-goal mark earlier in the season and looking to build on that success. The Flames had been facing an uphill battle to secure a playoff berth, trailing seven points behind both the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild, but victories like this one against the Avalanche are crucial for their aspirations.
The game was officiated by referees Cody Beach and Graham Skilliter, with linesmen Scott Cherrey and Andrew Smith overseeing the action. The atmosphere at Ball Arena was electric, as fans witnessed a nail-biting contest filled with skill, determination, and excitement.
As the Flames celebrate their hard-fought victory, they will look to carry this momentum into their next games, while the Avalanche will seek to regroup and refocus as they prepare for the playoffs. The stakes are high, and every game counts as the regular season winds down.
