In the second game of a back-to-back, the Toronto Maple Leafs emerged victorious, beating the Calgary Flames 2-1! The blue and white were looking to bounce back after a harsh loss last night in Edmonton, and did they ever. The Calgary Flames got out to an early lead, but Joseph Woll and the Maple Leafs battled all the way through for the comeback victory in Calgary.
As the puck was finally dropped and play was finally underway, the Calgary Flames came out with a blazing start! The former Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning gave the Flames an early 1-0 lead shorthanded, 2:32 into the game. While defending a power-play opportunity for the Maple Leafs, Flames forward Blake Coleman converted an absolutely beautiful breakaway goal for his 14th goal of the season.
After the Calgary Flames took an early lead, the Toronto Maple Leafs bounced right back. Although they couldn’t beat Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom in the opening frame, the Maple Leafs dominated early in hopes of leveling the game. The blue and white outshot the Calgary Flames in the opening period 10-7, yet Calgary still held the 1-0 lead going into intermission.
After the first period concluded, the Maple Leafs came out with some spark. The Maple Leafs tied the game 7:36 into the second period. After nearly getting the tying goal, the Maple Leafs finally broke through after Leafs star Mitch Marner scored his 22nd goal of the season. Some vintage Mitch Marner magic was on full display as the 25-year-old danced around a couple of Flames before perfectly placing a shot through Calgary goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
Once the blue and white tied the game, the Calgary Flames stole the momentum right back. After Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner was called for high-sticking, ex-Maple Leaf forward Nazem Kadri scored on the Flames power play. After Kadri’s shot went through Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll, Maple Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe challenged the play for offside. After the play was reviewed, the goal was called back, and the game remained tied.
In the final ten minutes of the second period, both sides went back and forth in hopes of taking the lead. After even-strength play resumed, the Maple Leafs started to get some looks, but so did the Flames. After neither side could capitalize before the second intermission, we had a tie game heading into the final frame.
After the second intermission was over and the third period began, the Toronto Maple Leafs came out fast! Playing with authority, Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly skated in on a partial breakaway, nearly beating Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Once, the 33-year-old goaltender was unable to swallow up the rebound, leaving a loose puck available for Leafs forward Calle Järnkrok to score! This was Calle Järnkrok’s 13th goal of the season, giving the Maple Leafs the lead early.
After Calle Järnkrok’s goal 2:20 into the third, the Maple Leafs defended well, limiting the opportunities for the Calgary Flames. With 24-year-old goaltender Joseph Woll in goal, it was crucial the Maple Leafs kept the danger to the outside, and they did. The Maple Leafs goaltender stood strong, closing out the Leafs’ 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on the road. It’s always a bit harder playing in the second game of a back-to-back, especially on the road. However, the blue and white stood strong, winning this one 2-1.
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