Flames End Losing Streak With 2-1 Win Over Rangers

NEW YORK (AP) — The Calgary Flames defeated the New York Rangers 2-1 on Tuesday night, marking a crucial victory that ended a three-game losing streak. Flames' forward Nazem Kadri and rookie sensation Matt Coronato found the back of the net in the first period, with MacKenzie Weegar contributing two assists in the game.

The match showcased both teams' current struggles and aspirations, particularly as the Flames fight for playoff positioning in a tightly contested Western Conference. Goaltender Dan Vladar saved 12 shots, playing a role in securing the win against a Rangers squad that showcased significant firepower.

Artemi Panarin opened the scoring just 1:13 into the game, putting the Rangers ahead early. However, Kadri responded for the Flames at the 10:22 mark, pushing a loose puck past New York goaltender Igor Shesterkin to tie the game. Just before the end of the first period, Coronato gave Calgary the lead with a power-play goal at 18:03, a promising sign for the 22-year-old forward selected by the Flames in the first round of the 2021 draft. This brought his goal total for the season to 17.

Despite the early deficit, the Rangers put together a subpar performance, ultimately being outshot 35-13. Shesterkin faced a barrage of shots throughout the matchup, managing to make 33 saves, but it was not enough to salvage the evening for New York. Following this loss, the Rangers dropped out of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, particularly hurt by Montreal’s 6-3 victory over Ottawa.

The defeat continued a pattern of home letdowns for the Rangers, whose record fell to 16-16-3 at Madison Square Garden after entering the previous season with a remarkable 30-11-0 home record. This season, they have struggled to find their rhythm, especially at home, despite their roster's talent.

The key moment of the night came in the final frame, where Vladar made a critical save on a shot from defenseman Urho Vaakanainen at 5:54. This preserve the Flames’ lead and demonstrated his solid performance under pressure.

Panarin's goal marked his 30th of the season, achieving this milestone for the third time in six seasons with the Rangers and the fifth time in his ten-year NHL career. "After Panarin scored 1:13 into the game, Kadri pushed a loose puck in the crease past Shesterkin to tie it at 10:22," noted The Associated Press, highlighting the significant exchange of momentum in this tightly contested game.

With only three wins in their last ten games, Calgary's resolve will be tested in their next matchup against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Rangers, facing considerable scrutiny, will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on the same day, looking to bounce back and reclaim their footing in the playoff race.

This matchup serves as a reminder of the volatility in the NHL standings, as both teams navigate their turbulent seasons. Each game carries heavy implications at this point in the schedule, and teams like the Flames right now have the chance to solidify their playoff aspirations as they inch closer to the end of the regular season.