Depth Steps Up as Flames Outpace Islanders with Balanced Attack
On a night when Canada celebrated its national game, the Calgary Flames gave their fans plenty to cheer about. With a 4-2 win over the New York Islanders at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Flames leaned into their depth, capitalized on their chances, and got a timely performance from some of their lesser-known names.
This wasn’t just about the stars. It was about the supporting cast stepping up and delivering in key moments - and that’s often what separates good teams from great ones.
Flames Strike First, Sharangovich Stays Hot
Calgary didn’t waste time setting the tone. Midway through the first period, Yegor Sharangovich continued his recent heater, ripping a glove-side shot past David Rittich to open the scoring.
The setup came courtesy of Rasmus Andersson, who, despite being in the middle of trade rumors, looked locked in and ready to contribute. That assist marked Sharangovich’s fifth point in his last three games - and the confidence is showing every time he touches the puck.
Second Period Surge: Flames Turn the Tide
The second period was where the Flames really took control. After surviving a couple of early pushes from the Islanders, Calgary flipped the script with a flurry of goals that came fast and furious.
First, it was Adam Klapka who got a piece of a Kevin Bahl point shot, redirecting it past Rittich to make it 2-0. That tally was Klapka’s first of the night, and Bahl, who’s been quietly steady on the blue line, earned his second assist of the game.
Then, just over a minute later, Ryan Lomberg and Justin Kirkland executed a textbook 2-on-1. Lomberg fed Kirkland, who made no mistake, roofing it for his first goal since last November. Klapka was in the mix again with the secondary assist, showing he wasn’t just on the ice - he was making an impact.
And the Flames weren’t done. Yan Kuznetsov jumped into the rush, walked in from the blue line, and hammered a shot off the crossbar and in.
It was a confident, assertive play from the young defenseman, and it capped off a four-goal outburst on just 10 shots. Efficient?
Absolutely. Overwhelming?
You bet.
Islanders Push Back, But Flames Hold Firm
To their credit, the Islanders didn’t fold. Jean-Gabriel Pageau answered quickly, getting one back less than a minute after Kuznetsov’s goal to cut the lead to 4-1. It was a necessary response, but the Flames stayed composed.
In the third period, things got a little wild. With over eight minutes left, Islanders head coach Patrick Roy pulled his goalie in a bold attempt to spark a comeback.
The aggressive move nearly backfired in dramatic fashion when Flames netminder Dustin Wolf launched a shot toward the empty net that just missed wide. A goalie goal was this close to happening - and you could feel the crowd holding its breath.
The Islanders did manage to get one more when Anders Lee scored his 300th career NHL goal on a sharp-angle shot that somehow found its way through Wolf. It was a milestone moment for Lee, but not enough to derail Calgary’s night.
Three Key Takeaways
1. Efficiency Was the Name of the Game
The Flames didn’t need a barrage of shots to get the job done. Through the first half of the game, they had just eight shots on goal - and three of them found the back of the net.
When you’re converting at that rate, you’re putting serious pressure on the other side to be perfect. The Flames weren’t just opportunistic - they were clinical.
2. Depth Players Deliver in a Big Way
This win wasn’t carried by the usual suspects. Adam Klapka had a goal and an assist, Justin Kirkland scored a confidence-boosting goal, and Ryan Lomberg chipped in with a helper.
That kind of production from the bottom six is exactly what coaches dream about - and it gave Calgary the edge they needed.
3. Zary Keeps the Engine Running
Connor Zary continues to be one of the most consistent offensive contributors for Calgary. With an assist in this one, he extended his point streak to five games.
That’s two goals and four assists over that stretch. He’s not just riding a hot hand - he’s becoming a reliable part of the Flames’ offensive identity.
This was a night where the Flames didn’t just win - they showed what can happen when the entire lineup contributes. From young call-ups to veterans under the microscope, everyone had a hand in the victory. On Hockey Day in Canada, Calgary played a complete game, and they’ll take that formula into the next one with confidence.