NEW YORK (AP) — The Calgary Flames edged out the New York Rangers with a tight 2-1 victory at Madison Square Garden on March 18, 2025. In a must-win game, Nazem Kadri and Matt Coronato provided early sparks with first-period goals, allowing Calgary to snap a frustrating three-game losing streak.
Defensive specialist MacKenzie Weegar contributed significantly, recording two assists in this critical win. Calgary's goalie, Dan Vladar, showcased his skills by making 12 saves, ensuring the Flames maintained their lead throughout the match.
On the opposing side, Artemi Panarin notched his 30th goal of the season for the Rangers, while Igor Shesterkin protected his net with 33 saves. However, the Rangers faced another disappointing night at home, marking their second consecutive loss and falling to a subpar shooting ratio, with Calgary outshooting them 35-13.
The game started with an exhilarating pace as Panarin scored just 1 minute and 13 seconds into the first period, pushing New York ahead. But the Flames quickly responded. At 10:22, Kadri capitalized on a loose puck in the crease, slipping it past Shesterkin, tying the game at one goal each.
Coronato struck at a pivotal moment with less than two minutes remaining in the first period, pushing the Flames ahead with a power-play goal, marking his 17th goal this season. Coronato, a promising 22-year-old forward from Long Island, was a first-round selection by Calgary in the 2021 draft.
The matchup highlighted New York's struggle at home, now bringing their record down to 16-16-3 at Madison Square Garden after a strong performance from last season, where they recorded 30 wins and only 11 losses at the same venue.
Despite the heartbreak, Panarin reached a milestone, achieving the 30-goal mark for the third time in six seasons with the Rangers, and the fifth time in his 10-year NHL career.
Vladar's crucial play was evident when he stopped a fluttering shot from defenseman Urho Vaakanainen early in the third period, a key moment that helped preserve Calgary's 2-1 lead.
Calgary’s performance improved slightly, as they won just their third game out of the last ten (3-4-3), keeping them in contention for a wild card playoff spot in a tightly contested Western Conference race that includes teams like St. Louis and Vancouver.
Following this intense matchup, the Flames are set to visit the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, March 20, 2025, looking to build on this hard-fought victory, while the Rangers will be gearing up to face the Toronto Maple Leafs on the same night, hoping to bounce back quickly from their recent setbacks.
As the NHL season progresses into its final stretch, both teams will be pushing hard to secure their playoff chances, making every game significant. With players like Panarin delivering standout performances and emerging talents like Coronato stepping up, the excitement is palpable as they race towards the playoffs.
