What Happened
Calgary scored two first-period power-play goals and held on for a 2-1 home win over Minnesota on Thursday. Aydar Suniev opened the scoring at 10:49, and Joel Farabee added a rebound goal just over three minutes later. Devin Cooley made 36 saves as the Flames moved to 3-6-0 with a second straight home victory. Michael McCarron scored for the Wild at 4:39 of the third, but Minnesota (6-3-2) could not equalize.
Key Details
- Suniev's goal was his third of the season and the first power-play goal of his career.
- Farabee's first goal of the season came on a rebound past Jesper Wallstedt.
- Minnesota took three minor penalties in the first 14 minutes.
- Calgary captain Mikael Backlund is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
- Ben Jones made his season debut for the Flames.
- Blake Coleman returned to Calgary after five seasons with the Flames.
What It Means
The win gives Calgary consecutive victories on home ice despite missing its captain. Cooley's 36-save outing was the difference against a Minnesota team that outshot the Flames and had won six of 11 entering the night. Farabee's first goal and Suniev's power-play marker gave Calgary secondary scoring beyond its top line.
What's Next
Calgary will monitor Backlund's upper-body injury on a day-to-day basis as it looks to extend its home winning streak. Minnesota continues its schedule after a second loss in three games.