The Calgary Flames faced off against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on March 20, 2025, with the puck dropping at 7 p.m. ET. This highly anticipated match saw the Flames entering with a record of 31 wins, 25 losses, and 11 overtime losses, while the Devils boasted a stronger record of 37 wins, 26 losses, and 6 overtime losses.
Coming off a recent victory against the New York Rangers, the Flames aimed to carry their momentum into this game. Coach Darryl Sutter confirmed that the Flames would dress the same 18 skaters who contributed to their 2-1 win. Key players for the Flames included Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, and Blake Coleman, who were expected to lead the charge against the Devils.
On the opposing side, the Devils, coached by Sheldon Keefe, awaited the return of several players who were game-time decisions due to minor injuries. Ondrej Palat, Tomas Tatar, and Curtis Lazar all faced uncertainty due to “bumps and bruises,” which Keefe indicated had the potential to impact the team’s offensive strategy.
In a league where every point counts as the playoffs approach, both teams were eager to showcase their abilities on this crucial evening.
As the match unfolded, the Flames aimed to overcome their home-ice disadvantage, which had recently plagued them throughout the season. The Devils certainly had the edge on paper, but the Flames were determined to show their worth and clinch an important win.
Historically, these two teams have had dynamic encounters on the ice, often leading to thrilling outcomes. With the Flames in pursuit of playoff positioning, the stakes were high for both sides.
In the first period, the Flames showcased offensive prowess, rallying behind their leading players. The Devils, looking to strike back, relied on star captain Nico Hischier to set the tone for their play. High-paced action kept fans on the edge of their seats as both teams traded opportunities to score.
The match grew increasingly intense as players battled for every inch on the ice. As the second period started, the score remained tied, with goalies Dustin Wolf for the Flames and Jacob Markstrom for the Devils showing impressive performances to keep their respective teams in contention.
The crowd at the Prudential Center roared with every close play, encapsulating the excitement surrounding the match. The tension often boiled over, leading to physical confrontations, evident of both teams’ determination to claim victory.
As the final minutes approached, the strategies employed by both coaches became apparent. Flames' goalie Wolf had to remain on high alert to thwart the offensive threats led by Hischier. On the other hand, Markstrom was equally astute, focusing intensely on the Flames' sharp shooters.
As the clock dwindled, every moment counted. Flames coach Sutter's reliance on key players grew palpable as they fought to gain the upper hand. With the playoffs looming close, the significance of points was not lost on anyone.
Finally, in a thrilling final stretch of the game, the Flames managed to ignite their offense, landing several key shots on goal. The pressure mounted on the Devils' defense, making it difficult for them to maintain their composure against the frantic Flames.
Just past the midway mark of the final period, the breakthrough came when a shot from Blake Coleman beat Markstrom, sending Flames fans into a frenzy. The Devils, taken aback, scrambled to regroup and find their footing.
As the game continued, the Flames scored again, securing their lead and extinguishing the Devils' hopes of a comeback. Dusting off their recent successes against the Rangers, the Flames relished this critical win as they continued their pursuit of a playoff spot in the ever-competitive NHL.
When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read in favor of the Flames, bringing relief and excitement to their fans who had endured crucial moments of anxiety during the match. Post-game comments from both coaches highlighted the intensity of the encounter, with Sutter praising his players for their resilience and effort on the ice.
Overall, the Flames left Newark with a sense of accomplishment, demonstrating their fortitude against a competitive Devils squad. With this win, they shifted the perspective on their playoff aspirations, proving they could rise to the occasion in high-stakes scenarios.
As the NHL season progresses, every game becomes crucial for teams vying for playoff spots, and this game against the Devils was a testament to that urgency.
