Calgary Flames Seek Fifth Straight Win Against Ducks The Calgary Flames aim to extend their winning streak to five games as they face the Anaheim Ducks in a matchup set for 7 p.m. MT on Sportsnet. The game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season, with both prior contests requiring overtime or a shootout to decide. The Flames’ young core, including first-time NHL scorers Zayne Parekh and Matvei Gridin, are expected to play pivotal roles in the contest. Parekh’s first career goal, assisted by Gridin and Matt Coronato, came in the third period of a game against the Kings, marking a significant milestone for the 19-year-old rookie. Despite his OHL dominance, Parekh has faced challenges adapting to the NHL, but his coach, Ryan Huska, praised his progress. “He’s learning how to play the game at the NHL level,” Huska said. “He’s a smaller defenceman, and it’s hard to break in as a 19-year-old. The points are going to come for him.” Gridin, a Russian forward, has also shown growth, with Huska noting his improved understanding of the game has translated into offensive production. “He’s always had swagger, but now he’s finishing chances,” Huska added. The Ducks, meanwhile, enter the game with a five-point lead in the Pacific Division, having secured 16 of their 40 wins in overtime or shootouts this season. Their recent victory over the Canucks highlighted their resilience, with Mikael Granlund and Mason McTavish contributing key goals. John Carlson, a new addition to the Ducks, has thrived in his early days with the team, posting three assists in his most recent game. Head coach Joel Quenneville praised Carlson’s ability to read the game and create opportunities, calling him a “great stabilizer” for the team.#calgary_flames #anaheim_ducks #ryan_huska #zayne_parekh #matvei_gridin
Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov Aims to Extend Dominant Road Form Against Calgary Flames The Tampa Bay Lightning, known for their aggressive playstyle, seek to complete an undefeated road trip when they face the Calgary Flames on Sunday. The team has already secured three one-sided victories during their current journey, including a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night. Kucherov, the team’s standout performer, has been instrumental in these wins, showcasing his elite scoring ability and helping the Lightning move closer to a perfect road record. The Lightning’s recent performance has been impressive, with the team outscoring opponents 17-6 in their current road streak. This surge follows a string of consecutive 6-2 victories against the Seattle Kraken and Vancouver Canucks, marking a significant turnaround from their earlier struggles. Before this winning streak, the Lightning had lost six of their previous seven games, but Kucherov’s resurgence has shifted the momentum. Kucherov’s contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary. In the latest game against the Oilers, he recorded two goals and two assists, pushing him to the top of the NHL’s scoring leaderboard with 118 points. His consistency is evident in his ability to post three or more points in five consecutive road games, with a total of six goals and six assists in the first three games of this trip. Forward Brandon Hagel praised the team’s progress, calling the recent wins “another step in the right direction to get us out of this little funk.” The Lightning’s dominance against Pacific Division teams has also been notable, with a 12-14 record this season. Their upcoming matchup against the Flames adds to this challenge, as the Flames are all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.#tampa_bay_lightning #calgary_flames #matt_coronato #nikita_kucherov #ryan_huska
