CALGARY – The Canadiens had to work hard to erase two deficits, but they finally paid for one of the big hitters in the Western Conference.
Ben Chiarot scored his second goal of the game after 63 seconds in overtime and the Montreal squad defeated the Calgary Flames 5-4 on Thursday at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
The Canadian had to come from behind 1-0 and 3-1 before finally taking the lead when Mike Hoffman scored late in the third period. However, Elias Lindholm replied for the Flames with less than 30 seconds left in regulation time.
Chiarot played the heroes in extra period, deflecting a Rem Pitlick throw-in into the goal.
The Canadian had erased a 4-0 deficit on Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets, before losing 8-4. This time, his fighting spirit was rewarded.
“We fought in Winnipeg. I’m not surprised to see that we fought tonight, said the Canadiens’ interim head coach, Martin St-Louis. The guys trust that with the way we play we’re never out of a game.
“We proved it in Winnipeg, we proved it tonight. And it’s nice to see the guys being rewarded. »
The Canadiens have won six of their last seven games and ended the Flames’ 11-game home win streak.
“We are starting to prove that we can play anyone. The Flames are equipped to go far in the playoffs, recalled St-Louis. It was a big challenge for us and I’m happy with how things went. »
“We won’t stop fighting”
Hoffman also had three assists and Chiarot one, while Nick Suzuki had a goal and two assists for the Canadian (14-34-7). Jeff Petry also scored a goal and Andrew Hammond stopped 30 shots.
“It’s the best game I’ve seen Suzuki play and I’m not saying that because he wasn’t good before,” St-Louis said. Tonight, he took his game up a notch against a big team. He faced a good challenge and he was a leader for us on the ice. »
Andrew Mangiapane had a goal and two assists, while Johnny Gaudreau and Blake Coleman were the other scorers for the Flames (32-14-7), who had won their previous 11 home games. Jacob Markstrom stopped 30 shots.
Striker Michael Pezzetta and defender Kale Clague were included in the Canadian’s lineup at the expense of Mathieu Perreault and Corey Schueneman.
Jake Evans did not return to play in the third period. He was shouldered to the head by Brett Ritchie and hit in the face by sticks. The Canadian simply indicated that he was injured in the upper body.
The Canadiens will be back in action on Saturday when they visit the Edmonton Oilers.
Action from start to finish
The Flames took advantage of the Canadian’s largesse in its territory to quickly knock on the door, without however taking advantage of it.
That match de Ben Chiarot!
It took until 11:06 of the first twenty to see the Flames capitalize. Coleman was overlooked in net by Petry and Jake Evans and the Flames forward deflected a nice delivery from Mangiapane into the back of the net.
The Flames threatened on a power play late in the first period, but Hammond was skilled at frustrating Lindholm and Tyler Toffoli. He also played luck when a throw-in from Gaudreau deflected off his glove before ricocheting off the post, never crossing the goal line.
Just at the end of the penalty to Brett Kulak, the Canadian took advantage of a turnover from Oliver Kylington to counter-attack in excess and tied the game with 26 seconds on the clock. Artturi Lehkonen had his shot blocked by Markstrom, then Suzuki sent the return in front of the net. Petry was passing by and his throw snuck into the goal.
The Flames regained the lead at 12:08 of the second period. Alexander Romanov struggled to control a throw-in from Hammond in the corner and Gaudreau took the opportunity to collect the puck and step towards the net. Gaudreau scored thanks to a shot in the top corner.
Mangiapane doubled the Flames’ lead shorthanded, with 4:20 to go in the second period. He scored with a good backhand shot.
The Canadian closed the gap with 2:16 left in the second period, on a two-man power play. Posted at the mouth of the net, Suzuki surprised Markstrom with a low shot on the far side.
Chiarot finally brought everyone back to square one after 4:38 of play in the third period. After a nice climb from Suzuki, Mike Hoffman gave up the puck to Chiarot, whose throw from the slot a beat Markstrom.
There were plenty of chances for both teams after that and Hoffman finally gave the Canadian the lead with 2:45 to go.
The Flames, however, had time to respond. Lindholm was able to shoot into an open net with 27.3 seconds left, as Markstrom was replaced by an extra forward and after two straight disallowed clearances to the Habs.
Chiarot finally allowed the Canadian to have the last word in overtime.
Chiarot ties Calgary
Chiarot plays heroes in overtime