The Calgary Flames also advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs with a come-from-behind defeat of the Vancouver Canucks, 7-4. They will face the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center where the Flames currently hold a 20-game losing streak.
The Flames were up in the series 3-2. Everyone in the arena wore red, which made it look like the ice was surrounded by fire. But could the fire melt the ice under the Canucks?
Calgary pulled Jonas Hiller after he gave up two goals on three shots. Karri Ramo allowed another goal on the first shot he faced to put Vancouver up 3-0.
Ramo calmed down and the Flames did not give up. Even though the Canucks swallowed all the energy from the arena, the Flames fought with energy. Michael Ferland put the team on the board with three minutes left in the game. The Flames found their fuel.
Sean Monahan scored one minute into the period. The fire in the audience burst open. The Flames scored four minutes later to provide enough oxygen for the fire to stay. Tied 3-3.
The Canucks burst into the zone and scored to steal back the lead.
That was the last time. The third period was a complete meltdown by the Canucks. Jiri Hudler scored a power-play goal six minutes into the period and that is all the Flames needed as they took all control of the game. Nothing but Flames. Matt Stjan scored with five minutes left, which took out any air in the Canucks.
It was over.
Hudler scored an empty net goal with thirty seconds left. The Canucks did not return goalie Ryan Miller to the net, which allowed Ferland to score the second empty goal with three seconds left.
Calgary finally advanced past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in eleven years.
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