Competing in their first playoff game since 2009, the Calgary Flames did what they do best: overcome a third period deficit to win in exciting fashion.
Flames vs. Canucks, NHL playoffs 2015 results: Flames fight back to top Canucks, 2-1
Calgary stormed back to earn another come-from-behind win.
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Kris Russell, the same Kris Russell who registered just four regular season goals in 79 appearances this year, scored with 30 seconds left in regulation to give Calgary a 2-1 victory over Vancouver. David Jones notched the Flames' other goal earlier in the third period.
GIF: Flames Kris Russell wins it from the point in Vancouver pic.twitter.com/u3Bk5YC2BK
— The Cauldron (@TheCauldron) April 16, 2015 The Canucks out-possessed the Flames, as expected, but Calgary turned on the jets when it mattered most. Bob Hartley’s crew fired five shot attempts in the final four minutes of the third, while Vancouver mustered only one.
Canucks forward Bo Horvat broke the 0-0 tie with 7:52 left in the middle frame. Daniel Sedin had an impressive game for Vancouver, as well, putting six shots on net. At even strength he was on the ice for 19 shot attempts for and only five against -- doing so without cushy deployment.
Netminders Jonas Hiller and Eddie Lack each saw 30 shots and were named the first and second stars, respectively. Hiller has now allowed two or fewer goals in four straight starts. It'll be interesting to see if Vancouver head coach Willie Desjardins goes with Lack in Game 2 or opts to start his older, more expensive goaltender, Ryan Miller.
These Pacific Division rivals will resume play in Vancouver on Friday at 10:00 p.m. ET.
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