Thrilling Matchup in Calgary
In a thrilling matchup on Sunday night in Calgary, the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Calgary Flames 4-3, thanks to a standout performance from rookie Beckett Sennecke. The game was decided in overtime, with Sennecke netting his first NHL hat trick just 2:54 into the extra period. He skillfully executed a 2-on-1 play, maintaining possession before delivering a precise shot that found the back of the net just inside the post, overcoming Flames’ goaltender Dustin Wolf.
Ducks’ Winning Streak
This victory marked the Ducks’ seventh consecutive win, a streak that has propelled them to a record of 28 wins, 21 losses, and 3 overtime losses for the season. Alongside Sennecke’s three-goal contribution, Chris Kreider also found the net, while Mikael Granlund and Alex Killorn each provided two assists. In goal, Lukas Dostal made 32 saves, improving his record to 19 wins against 12 losses and 2 overtime losses.
Sennecke’s Rising Star
Sennecke’s impressive hat trick brings his total season tally to 18 goals, effectively securing him 41 points, placing him second in the rookie scoring race behind Montreal’s Ivan Demidov, who has 43 points through 11 goals and 32 assists. This win puts Anaheim just one point shy of the second-place Edmonton Oilers in the Pacific Division, with the Ducks holding a game in hand. The two teams are set to face each other on Monday, further intensifying the race for playoff positioning.
Flames Struggle Continues
On the other side, the Flames faced another tough night, remaining winless in their last four games (0-2-2) and slipping to a record of 21 wins, 25 losses, and 6 overtime losses. Jonathan Huberdeau, Matt Coronato, and rookie Hunter Brzustewicz, who scored his first NHL goal, were the scorers for Calgary. Huberdeau’s ninth goal is particularly noteworthy as it ended a lengthy 10-game goal drought. The Flames had entered the match struggling offensively, having scored only once in their previous three games since the departure of defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
Game Highlights
The Flames built an early 2-0 lead with goals from Huberdeau and Brzustewicz within the first eight minutes of the game. However, the Ducks equalized by the end of the second period, leading to a frantic final frame, where Coronato’s third-period goal gave Calgary a brief lead before Kreider’s response ensured the game would go to overtime.
With this win, the Ducks have achieved their second seven-game winning streak of the season, the first time accomplishing multiple seven-game runs in a single season since 2014-15.
