The Calgary Flames secured a massive Pacific Division 2–1 overtime victory against the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday night, with MacKenzie Weegar singlehandedly delivering the game-winning goal just five seconds before the end of the extra period.
In a surprising turn of events, starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom was a late scratch due to coming down with the flu. The Flames went and sparked some magic in the hockey world, signing Dusty Nickel, a former Mount Royal Cougars goalie, to an amateur tryout agreement. He didn’t play, but any day there’s emergency backup goaltender action is a good day. Ultimately, Dan Vladar stepped up to the challenge and put on a stellar performance in the absence of Markstrom.
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The first period saw Vegas take the lead with a power play goal by William Karlsson at 13:53. The second period featured remarkable saves by Vladar, who denied Nicolas Roy on multiple occasions. Vladar’s standout performance included a sensational post-to-post save with his left pad which kept the game close—something that sparked the Flames to keep up with the Golden Knights.
A.J. Greer—a waiver pickup—continues to contribute in his role. He had the game-tying goal early in the third, bringing the score to 1–1. Nazem Kadri‘s initial shot rebounded right into the slot, and Greer skated in and capitalised, beating Calgary-born goalie Adin Hill. Throughout regulation, the Flames played a good game and their offensive systems have looked vastly improved compared to the start of the season. However, the same can’t be said about their snakebitten power play.
As the game progressed into overtime, both teams had their chances, and a late-game power play transitioned from regulation into the extra frame. Unfortunately, the Flames couldn’t get the game-winner on the man advantage. With a handful of seconds to go with the Flames in their own zone, MacKenzie Weegar was chased around the net by Mark Stone. Cue the coast-to-coast burst. The defenceman initiated a solo rush from behind his own goal line and entered the Golden Knights’ zone. Weegar secured the Flames victory with just five seconds remaining in overtime.
A big win came from solid goaltending from Vladar and opportune plays from the skaters. Charts from the win are below!
Game events
Goals
| Goal | Assists | Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Karlsson (PPG) | Nicolas Roy, Michael Amadio | 13:53 | 1st | VGK 1 – 0 CGY |
| A.J. Greer | Nazem Kadri, Connor Zary | 2:31 | 3rd | VGK 1 – 1 CGY |
| MacKenzie Weegar | Unassisted | 4:55 | OT | VGK 1 – 2 CGY |
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