Canadiens Stun Avalanche as NHL Weekend Takes Shape

CALGARY — The Montreal Canadiens shocked the Colorado Avalanche Thursday night with a 7–3 win at the Bell Centre. That was Montreal’s 30th win of the season as they sit atop the wild-card standings in the Eastern Conference, and they handed Colorado just its eighth regulation loss of the season as the Avalanche continue on with their historically successful campaign.

Friday’s NHL schedule is unusually light, with only one other game across the league. The lone matchup has the Columbus Blue Jackets visiting the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center.

The Blue Jackets enter the night 7–3 in their last 10 games, though they remain 10 points outside of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, leaving significant ground to make up despite the recent surge.

Columbus is still adjusting under new head coach Rick Bowness, who was appointed Jan. 12 following the firing of Dean Evason. Bowness, 70, was brought in to provide structure, defensive improvement, and veteran leadership after previously coaching the Winnipeg Jets.

Chicago enters the weekend with a 21-24-9 record and sits eight points outside of a playoff position as it continues through a developmental season.

The league schedule ramps up Saturday with a full slate of 14 games. In Calgary, the Flames host the San Jose Sharks in a 2 p.m. MT matinee. The Flames are 21-26-6 on the season, tied at 48 points and sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

Elsewhere Saturday, the Canadiens travel to Western New York for a marquee matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. National attention will also follow the Toronto Maple Leafs as they visit the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena, with live coverage across all Provectus Media platforms from Vancouver on Saturday.

Colorado continues its road swing with an early start Saturday morning, visiting the Detroit Red Wings with puck drop scheduled for 11 a.m. MT.

Flames seize momentum on Hockey Day in Canada with 4–2 win over Islanders

CALGARY — The Calgary Flames leaned on opportunistic scoring and strong goaltending Saturday afternoon, defeating the New York Islanders 4–2 at Scotiabank Saddledome on Hockey Day in Canada to collect two critical points in the Western Conference playoff race.

Despite being outshot 30–19, Calgary converted its chances at key moments and received a composed performance from goaltender Dustin Wolf, improving to 21 wins and 46 points on the season.

Yegor Sharangovich opened the scoring late in the first period, snapping a wrist shot past Islanders netminder David Rittich at 11:51 after setup work from Rasmus Andersson and Kevin Bahl. The goal gave Calgary a 1–0 lead after a tightly contested opening frame.

The second period proved decisive not because of puck possession, but execution. While New York held a 9–7 edge in shots during the middle frame, the Flames struck three times in an eight-minute span.

Adam Klapka doubled the lead at 3:04 of the second with a net-front tip-in off a point shot from Bahl, with Morgan Frost also earning an assist. Justin Kirkland followed at 9:50, scoring his first goal of the season to make it 3–0 after taking a cross-slot feed from Ryan Lomberg and lifting a shot over Rittich. Yan Kuznetsov added another at 11:49, finishing a play created by Nazem Kadri and Connor Zary to cap the surge.

The Islanders responded quickly through Jean-Gabriel Pageau at 12:21 of the second, but Calgary’s early cushion held through the remainder of the period.

New York pushed hard in the third, and Islanders head coach Patrick Roy made an aggressive move by pulling Rittich for the extra attacker with more than eight minutes remaining. The extended six-on-five pressure produced a late goal from Anders Lee at 17:04, but that was as close as the Islanders would come as Calgary closed out the win.

Wolf finished the afternoon with 28 saves on 30 shots for a .933 save percentage, turning aside sustained pressure and limiting second chances. Rittich stopped 15 of 19 shots (0.789) for New York.

Three Stars

1. Kevin Bahl, CGY — Two assists and steady defensive play.

2. Adam Klapka, CGY — A goal and an assist.

3. Rasmus Andersson, CGY — 25:40 TOI and an assist in what could be his last game with the club.

Kirkland’s goal stood as the game-winner and reinforced a familiar formula for Calgary, which continues to find success when it generates enough offense to reach the four-goal mark.

The victory came in front of an announced crowd of 17,358 and carried notable standings implications. The Flames remain five points back of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference currently held by the San Jose Sharks. In the Pacific Division, Calgary trails the Vegas Golden Knights by 12 points, the Edmonton Oilers by eight, and the Seattle Kraken by five, keeping the race behind the division leader tightly contested.

Calgary has also made recent roster adjustments aimed at boosting its offense, including the recall of Matvei Gridin from the Calgary Wranglers. With eight games remaining before the Olympic break, the Flames enter a critical positioning window. Once play resumes, the stretch drive toward the Stanley Cup Playoffs truly begins.

Saturday’s performance offered a clear blueprint: efficient finishing, disciplined structure, and goaltending capable of holding the line. For a team still within reach, it was exactly the type of afternoon that keeps belief intact.

Late Goal Sinks Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome as Pacific Race Tightens

CALGARY -- The Calgary Flames fell 4–3 Saturday night, undone by a late third-period goal in a game that intersected with a busy day across the Western Conference standings.

Calgary opened the scoring just 1:56 into the first period when Yan Kuznetsov stepped into a slap shot from the point to make it 1–0. The lead was short-lived. Erik Haula tied the game midway through the period, then scored again less than two minutes later to put Nashville ahead 2–1.

The Flames answered late in the opening frame. Rasmus Andersson pulled Calgary even at 2–2, closing a first period that produced four goals in under 14 minutes.

Nashville regained the lead early in the second when Michael Bunting scored unassisted at 4:08, restoring a 3–2 advantage. Calgary pushed back again in the third period, with Blake Coleman finishing a play from Mikael Backlund and Matt Coronato at 12:49 to tie the game 3–3.

The tie held until the final minute. Nicolas Hague fired a slap shot past Calgary at 19:31 of the third, delivering the game-winning goal.

Dustin Wolf was the goalie of record for Calgary, stopping 32 of 36 shots for an .889 save percentage.

The result followed movement elsewhere in the Pacific Division earlier in the day. The Edmonton Oilers were defeated 5–2 by the Philadelphia Flyers, creating an opportunity for Calgary to close the gap in the standings. With the Flames losing in regulation, the distance remains six points between the two clubs.

Edmonton sits at 46 points, one point ahead of both the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks, who are tied at 45. Further down the board, the Los Angeles Kings picked up a win over Minnesota, moving to 43 points and into a three-way tie atop the Western Conference wild-card race with the Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks.

Calgary’s margin to Edmonton stayed the same, but results elsewhere continued to compress the Western Conference playoff picture.

Flames sweep Flyers, tighten wild card race as Calgary hits season midpoint Saturday

CALGARY -- The Calgary Flames strengthened their position in the Western Conference wild card race Wednesday night with a 5–1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, completing a 2–0 season series sweep.

Mikael Backlund opened the scoring at 13:30 of the first period, unloading a slap shot after receiving passes from Matt Coronato and Blake Coleman. Calgary carried a 1–0 lead into the intermission despite being outshot early.

Jonathan Huberdeau made it 2–0 just 3:08 into the second period, finishing a setup from MacKenzie Weegar and Yan Kuznetsov. Philadelphia briefly pulled within one when Travis Konecny scored unassisted at 8:49, but Calgary answered later in the period.

Rasmus Andersson restored the two-goal lead on the power play at 12:03, converting off passes from Connor Zary and Nazem Kadri. Yegor Sharangovich added another power-play goal at 17:52, snapping a shot past the Flyers with Coronato and Weegar recording the assists. Calgary took a 4–1 lead into the second intermission.

Connor Zary capped the scoring at 9:37 of the third period, finishing a play created by Ryan Lomberg to put the game out of reach. Calgary finished with 25 shots, went 2-for-3 on the power play, won 54.5 percent of the faceoffs, and limited Philadelphia to one goal.

The win moves the Flames to 40 points through 40 games, placing them fourth in the Western Conference wild card standings and just outside the playoff picture. Calgary sits six points back of the Pacific Division lead, currently held by Edmonton at 46 points. The Flames have 18 wins on the season, compared to Edmonton’s 20. The Oilers lost 6–2 to Boston on Wednesday, two nights after Calgary defeated the Bruins 2–1 at the Saddledome.

Calgary will reach the halfway point of its season Saturday when it hosts the Nashville Predators in a 5:00 pm MT matchup. Both teams enter with 40 points, though Nashville holds one game in hand. The Flames then host the Seattle Kraken on Monday at 7:30 pm MT before heading out on a five-game road trip through Montreal, Boston, Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Chicago.

On the international stage, Canada closed the preliminary round at the World Juniors with a 7–4 win over Finland and will face Slovakia in the quarterfinals on Friday, Jan. 2. The semifinals are scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 4, with the final set for Monday, Jan. 5.

The Calgary Wranglers are also in action at the Saddledome this week, hosting Colorado on Thursday, Tucson on Friday, and Tucson again on Sunday.

Calgary defeats Boston 2-1 in overtime behind 24-save night from Wolf

CALGARY — The Calgary Flames earned a 2–1 overtime win over the Boston Bruins on Monday night at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Blake Coleman scored for Calgary, beating Jeremy Swayman seven hole for his 12th goal of the season, while Dustin Wolf turned aside 24 of 25 shots in goal for a .960 save percentage.

The game went to overtime, where it ended in unusual fashion. A Bruins own goal sealed the result, with Connor Zary credited for the winner.

The victory was Calgary’s 17th of the season. The Flames move to 38 points and sit one point outside of a playoff spot.

Calgary is back in action on New Year’s Eve, hosting the Philadelphia Flyers at the Saddledome. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT.

Earlier in the evening, Canada defeated Denmark 9–1 at the World Junior Championship in Minnesota. Zayne Parekh recorded a goal and an assist as Canada picked up its second three-point win of the tournament.

Canada now leads Group B with eight points and will close out the preliminary round against Finland on New Year’s Eve at 7:30 p.m. CST. Finland sits second with seven points, with first place in the group on the line.

Oilers’ Power Play Dominates Battle of Alberta as Edmonton Tops Calgary

CALGARY — The margin in the Battle of Alberta was not subtle. It was structural.

Edmonton’s power play dictated the night through constant motion, quick reads, and pressure that never allowed Calgary’s penalty killers to settle. The puck carrier was always moving, changing direction, pulling coverage apart. It was less about one look and more about forcing defenders into continuous decisions. Calgary never found its footing.

The Oilers were given five power-play opportunities. Against a unit built on pace and precision, that was too many.

Leon Draisaitl converted three times on the man advantage, completing a power-play hat trick, while Connor McDavid conducted the game with control and timing that bent coverage until it broke. Edmonton’s power play did not rely on static setups or stationary shooters. It flowed, reset, and attacked again, using movement as the primary weapon.

Calgary briefly responded at even strength when MacKenzie Weegar struck from the blue line late in the first period to level the score. It was a moment of pushback, but it did not shift the underlying momentum. Penalties continued to pile up, and Edmonton continued to capitalize.

By the third period, the game had tilted decisively. Edmonton extended its lead and closed with authority, turning discipline and execution into separation on the scoreboard.

The win marks Edmonton’s 19th of the season and pulls the Oilers into a tie for first place in the Pacific Division with Vegas and Anaheim at 44 points heading into the Christmas break. It is a position earned through consistency and reinforced by elite special teams.

For Calgary, the picture remains tight but complicated. The Flames sit at 15 wins and 34 points. They are only five points out of a playoff spot, but five teams stand between them and the final wild card position in the Western Conference. The math keeps them in the race. The margins leave little room for nights like this.

Discipline is not a detail against teams like Edmonton. It is the difference.

At the break, the standings show separation. On the ice, the power play made it unmistakable.

Flames Rally Past Kraken 4-2 at Saddledome as Wolf Stops 21 in Third-Period Comeback

CALGARY – The Calgary Flames earned a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night at Scotiabank Saddledome, completing a third-period comeback built on special teams execution and standout goaltending.

Seattle carried a 2-1 lead into the final frame after second-period goals from Chandler Stephenson and Kaapo Kakko. Stephenson opened the scoring in the period at 7:52, finishing a backhand chance, while Kakko restored Seattle’s lead late with a power-play goal at 17:16.

Calgary responded decisively in the third.

Nazem Kadri tied the game at 10:04 of the period, converting a power-play one-timer for his eighth goal of the season. Rasmus Andersson and Morgan Frost provided the assists on the equalizer, which came during a stretch where the Flames applied sustained pressure.

Just over a minute later, Matt Coronato delivered the go-ahead goal. At 11:19 of the third, Coronato snapped a glove-side shot past Seattle goaltender Joey Daccord for his 11th goal of the season, extending his team lead. Andersson recorded his second assist of the night, while Jonathan Huberdeau picked up the secondary assist, marking the 800th point of his NHL career.

Seattle pushed late, but Calgary held structure in the closing minutes. Captain Mikael Backlund added an empty-net goal with under eight seconds remaining to secure the result, his seventh of the season.

Dustin Wolf anchored the comeback with a composed performance in goal, stopping 21 shots and earning the win.

The victory marked Calgary’s 14th win of the season and moved the Flames to 32 points in the Western Conference standings. With the result, Calgary leapfrogged both Seattle and Nashville and sits five points out of a playoff spot.

Final score:

Calgary Flames 4

Seattle Kraken 2

Flames Win Shootout Thriller, Wranglers Earn Road Victory, and Calgary Teams Prep for Busy Week

CALGARY — The Calgary Flames and Calgary Wranglers both delivered 3 to 2 victories on Saturday night, giving the city a clean sweep across the NHL and AHL while setting the tone for one of the busiest weeks of the season for Calgary hockey fans.

At the Saddledome, the Flames edged the Dallas Stars 3 to 2 in a shootout, with Nazem Kadri burying the winner and Devin Cooley turning in another composed, confident performance. Cooley entered the night carrying a 1.80 goals against average and a .935 save percentage, and he gave Calgary exactly the kind of calm presence they needed against a Dallas lineup featuring elite offensive threats. Calgary generated timely scoring, defended well late, and finished the job when the skills competition rolled around. Kadri’s finish sealed it, and Cooley shut the door to complete the win.

While the Flames were grinding out their victory at home, the Wranglers were doing the same in San Diego. After giving up the opening goal, Calgary responded with purpose. Martin Frk tied the game in the first period with assists from Matvei Gridin and Rory Kerins. Justin Kirkland followed it up with a powerplay strike to give the Wranglers the lead, and Gridin extended it in the second period with his seventh of the season. San Diego pushed back with a late goal, but Ivan Prosvetov handled the final moments with confidence, finishing with 30 saves on 32 shots. Frk led the way with a three-point night, while both Kerins and Gridin posted two point games.

It was a strong showing from both Flames affiliates, but the schedule now tightens. The Flames are back at it right away with a Sunday night matchup in Vancouver against the Canucks at 7 pm. That game kicks off a tough three-game stretch that includes Tampa Bay on Wednesday, the defending champion Florida Panthers on Friday, and a visit to the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday to close out the month of November. It is a challenging run that will test Calgary’s structure, depth, and goaltending.

The Wranglers face their own quick turnaround with a road game today at 3 pm MT against the Coachella Valley Firebirds at Acrisure Arena. After that, they visit the San Jose Barracuda on Wednesday as they continue their California swing. With Frk, Kerins, and Gridin producing at a high level, the Wranglers remain one of the most consistent offensive teams in the AHL’s Pacific Division.

Calgary hockey extended beyond the NHL and AHL on Saturday night as well. In major junior action, the Calgary Hitmen fell in a high-scoring 7 to 6 game in Medicine Hat. The Hitmen return home right away for a 4 pm matchup at the Scotiabank Saddledome, giving Calgary fans yet another home event in a packed weekend.

It was a full night for hockey in Calgary, and both the Flames and Wranglers delivered results that matched the effort. With big games coming across every level of the sport in the next few days, the city is stepping into one of the most compelling stretches of the season.

Wranglers fall 5 to 2 in Bakersfield as Condors surge late for home victory

CALGARY -- The Calgary Wranglers could not turn early momentum into a road win on Tuesday night, falling 5 to 2 to the Bakersfield Condors in a game that slipped away during a tough second period. Calgary opened the scoring and traded goals through forty minutes, but Bakersfield’s depth and timely finishing took over late as the Condors pulled away with two empty netters to seal the result.

Martin Frk opened the scoring for Calgary just over four minutes in, finishing a touch pass from Matvei Gridin, the 2024 first round pick who continues to show poise and creativity. Bakersfield answered quickly and the teams went into the intermission even.

William Strömgren restored the lead for the Wranglers early in the second period on the power play, set up by Frk and goaltender Ivan Prosvetov who earned his first assist of the season. But Bakersfield surged with two goals in just over a minute, including a power play strike from Quinn Hutson, shifting the game’s momentum for good.

Josh Samanski, the German Canadian forward who joined the Edmonton Oilers organization in 2025, added a goal and an assist to lead the Condors. Isaac Howard scored twice, including an empty netter, while Roby Järventie also hit the vacant cage to put the game out of reach. Calgary outshot Bakersfield 27 to 26 but could not solve the Condors’ structure in the third period.

Gridin continued to be a bright spot for the Wranglers, building on the strong start to his AHL career as a Flames first round pick. Frk added a multi point night, and Strömgren’s power play goal marked another important step in his development.

The Wranglers now look to regroup as they continue their road stretch and aim to tighten their defensive details heading into their next matchup in San Diego on Saturday night.

Wranglers Fall 5-2 in Henderson as Road Trip Continues on Grey Cup Sunday

The Calgary Wranglers saw their comeback fall short on Sunday, dropping a 5-2 decision to the Henderson Silver Knights in Game 2 of their extended 10-game, 21-day road trip. Calgary scored twice in the third period to make things interesting, but an early 4-0 hole proved too much to overcome less than 24 hours after their 6-4 win at the same rink.

The Silver Knights came out flying, scoring four times through 40 minutes, including goals from Davies, Cormier, Johansen and Connelly. Henderson controlled most of the run of play early, outshooting Calgary heavily through the first half of the game and making life difficult for rookie goaltender Owen Say, who playing in his eigth game this year. Say settled in as the game went on and finished with 28 saves on 32 shots, good for an .875 save percentage.

At the other end, former NHL netminder Carter Hart turned aside all 10 shots he faced through 40 minutes. Hart, who returned to professional hockey this fall after being found not guilty along with four others in the 2025 World Junior case, finished with 12 saves on 14 shots for an .857 save percentage.

The Wranglers finally broke through in the third period, generating their best pressure of the night. Matvei Gridin cut the deficit to 4-1 before Daniil Miromanov scored to make it 4-2 with just over four minutes remaining. Jaycob Megna iced it for Henderson with a short handed goal at the buzzer.

Despite the loss, the Wranglers split the weekend series and move to 1-1 on their 10-game road swing, which continues Tuesday in Bakersfield.

Meanwhile in Calgary, the Flames rest on Grey Cup Sunday following last night’s 4-3 shootout loss to the Winnipeg Jets. Fans across Canada paused their game-day routines as the nation turns its attention to Winnipeg as quarterback Trevor Harris and the Saskatchewan Roughriders defeated the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 for the championship, but the AHL grind continues uninterrupted—and the Wranglers’ road-heavy schedule means plenty more late starts, mileage, and momentum swings ahead.

Next up: Wranglers at Condors, Tuesday night, 7:30 pm MT.

Flames Fall in Shootout to Jets as Wranglers Win 6-4 Behind Frk’s Hat Trick and 200th AHL Goal

Calgary fans were treated to a full slate of hockey on Saturday night. At the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Flames hosted the defending Presidents Trophy champion Winnipeg Jets in a tight, emotional matchup that needed a shootout to find a winner. Meanwhile, down in Henderson, the Calgary Wranglers opened their road trip with a wild 6-4 win over the Silver Knights powered by a historic night from Martin Frk.

Flames and Jets Trade Blows in Calgary

It was another charged atmosphere at the Saddledome for 90s Night as the Jets opened the scoring early. A heavy collision between Backlund and Honzek at the Jets blue line briefly shook the building, and moments later Winnipeg capitalized with a goal from Mark Scheifele.

Calgary answered back quickly. Defenseman Jake Bean ripped home his first of the season from the point, assisted by Braden Pahal and Jonathan Huberdeau. The Jets responded again when Tanner Pearson finished a well-executed rush set up by Luke Schenn.

The third period brought more chaos. Winnipeg grabbed a 3-2 lead when Cole Perfetti tapped in a loose puck off a Connor shot that slipped through Dustin Wolf. But the Flames refused to go away. With under two minutes left, Matt Coronato tied the game with a perfect shot from the slot. The building erupted as Calgary forced extra time.

Neither team found the winner in overtime, sending it to a shootout where Gabe Vilardi sealed it for Winnipeg. The Flames collected an important point and showed impressive pushback against one of the league’s strongest teams. Shots finished 34-28 for Calgary.

Wranglers Outgun Henderson Behind Frk’s 200th AHL Goal

Down in Nevada, the Wranglers opened their road trip with an explosive performance. Martin Frk wasted no time, scoring just 18 seconds into the game for his 200th career AHL goal. Henderson answered, but Justin Kirkland restored the lead late in the first with his first goal as a Wrangler.

The second period looked shaky early as the Silver Knights struck twice to go up 3-2. But the Wranglers responded with their best stretch of the night. William Stromgren scored his first of the season to spark a three-goal surge in under ten minutes. Henderson added one late, but Calgary carried a 5-4 lead into the third.

Frk would not be denied his moment. His empty netter completed the hat trick and sealed the win, giving him a four-point night. Stromgren finished with three points and Ivan Prosvetov made 30 saves in the victory.

The Wranglers and Silver Knights meet again Sunday at 6 pm MT, with Calgary aiming to sweep the back-to-back.

Night Summary

Between a shootout thriller at the Dome and a milestone-filled win on the road, it was a strong night for hockey in Calgary. Both clubs continue their push toward the quarter mark of the season with momentum on their side.

Flames shut out Sharks 2–0 behind Wolf’s 16-save gem as Skinner exits with injury

CALGARY — The Calgary Flames snapped their three-game losing streak and halted the San Jose Sharks’ momentum with a 2–0 win Thursday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Goaltender Dustin Wolf posted his first shutout of the 2025-26 season by stopping all 16 shots he faced, standing tall as the difference in the contest. Calgary broke through when veteran Blake Coleman ripped a high shot at 5:46 of the second period after forcing a turnover. Rookie Sam Honzek sealed the win with an empty-net tally in the final seconds.

The night’s turning point came even before the score sheet filled. Sharks forward Jeff Skinner collided hard into the boards in the opening period and exited the game without putting any weight on his leg. A local physician at ice level told reporters the impact and Skinner’s reaction were consistent with a tibia or fibula fracture. At the time of the game, the Sharks had not released an official update.

Calgary dominated the shots early, outshooting San Jose 13-1 in the first period and 27-6 after two, but relied on disciplined defensive structure and timely plays to preserve the lead. Wolf remained sharp throughout, particularly when San Jose pulled the goaltender for an extra attacker late in the third.

With the result, the Flames improved to 5-12-2 and snapped a slide, while San Jose fell to 8-7-3 and will now await an update on one of their key forwards. Calgary now shifts its focus to converting strong starts into deeper momentum through the remainder of the season.

Wranglers Extend Point Streak to Six as Gridin Scores Shootout Winner in Abbotsford

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — The Calgary Wranglers extended their point streak to six games with a 2–1 shootout win over the Abbotsford Canucks on Wednesday night, finishing their two-game road set with another strong defensive showing and efficient goaltending.

Abbotsford opened the scoring in the first, but Calgary weathered early pressure and began to tilt the ice in the second period. Goaltender Ivan Prosvetov kept the Wranglers within one, turning aside several high-danger chances before the skaters in front of him found their rhythm.

The equalizer came midway through the third when Daniil Miromanov beat Abbotsford’s Jiri Patera. Matvei Gridin and David Silye drew the assists as the Wranglers pressed, outshooting the Canucks 9–5 in overtime and closing the night with a 30–26 edge in total shots.

In the shootout, Gridin—Calgary Flames’ 2024 first-round pick (28th overall)—clinched the win as the third shooter. The 19-year-old rookie from Kurgan, Russia, now with eight points through six AHL games, continues to show poise beyond his years after a 79-point QMJHL season and four-game NHL debut with the Flames earlier this fall.

Prosvetov, also Russian-born, finished with 25 saves on 26 shots, earning first-star honours. Miromanov’s goal was his second point in four AHL games this season, and the Wranglers’ special teams struggled going 0/1 on the penalty kill and 0/2 with the man advantage.

Calgary, now 4-2-2 — third in the Pacific Division, heads home for a weekend series against the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors on November 1 and 2. Both games are set for 1:00 p.m. MT at the Scotiabank Saddledome, followed by a mid-week series with the San Jose Barracuda on November 6 and 8.

Fans can catch all the action live on AHLTV via FloHockey at flosports.link/46YqCIJ.

Blue Jays Face Elimination in ALCS Game 6 as NHL Sunday Delivers Wins for Canucks and Red Wings

CALGARY — The Toronto Blue Jays return home tonight with their season on the line in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. Down 3–2 to the Seattle Mariners, Toronto must win both Sunday and Monday at Rogers Centre to advance to the World Series. Right-hander Trey Yasavage gets the ball for the Jays opposite Seattle’s Logan Gilbert.

The National League bracket is already set. The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated Milwaukee to clinch the NL pennant and will await the winner of the ALCS when the World Series opens Friday.

Around the NHL on Sunday afternoon, the Vancouver Canucks held off the Washington Capitals 4–3 in D.C. Tyler Myers scored and added an assist while Thatcher Demko made 28 saves. In Detroit, Dylan Larkin recorded four points (two goals, two assists) to power the Red Wings past the Edmonton Oilers 4–2 for their fifth straight victory. Two more games close out the Sunday slate later tonight as Anaheim visits Chicago and Utah hosts Boston.

In the AHL, the Calgary Wranglers earned their first point of the season but fell 5–4 in overtime to the Tucson Roadrunners after staging a three-goal third-period comeback. Matvei Gridin scored his first AHL goal in his debut and Rory Kerins delivered back-to-back goals, including the late equalizer with 38 seconds left. Calgary returns to the ice in Tucson again tonight before their home opener at the Saddledome on October 24 against Coachella Valley.

The Calgary Flames are idle Sunday after a 6–1 loss in Vegas on Saturday night. Jonathan Huberdeau scored in his return to the lineup but the Golden Knights flexed with multi-point nights from Mark Stone, Jack Eichel and others.

A decisive week now takes shape: the Blue Jays either extend their season or exit short of the World Series, the Flames regroup after a difficult start, and the Wranglers look to convert competitive third periods into wins when they return home.

Blue Jays Face Two-Win Elimination Test at Home as Dodgers Clinch NL Pennant and NHL Heats Up

CALGARY — The Toronto Blue Jays enter Sunday facing the cleanest math in sports: win twice at home or watch the World Series without them. After dragging the ALCS back to even, Seattle seized Game 5 on Friday with a decisive eighth-inning surge to tilt the series back their way. That loss has put renewed focus on John Schneider’s bullpen decisions, after two of Toronto’s best arms never left the bench.

Game 6 goes Sunday at Rogers Centre. If the Jays extend the series, Game 7 would also be in Toronto on Monday with a World Series berth on the line.

Around the NHL, Colorado leads the league in points and Carolina remains undefeated. Vegas continues to look like a heavyweight, with Jack Eichel pacing league scoring and the Golden Knights holding three of the top nine spots league-wide. Alexander Ovechkin scored career goal 898 on Friday, while Buffalo delivered a 3–0 shutout of the defending champion Panthers, with Josh Doan scoring the winner on the power play.

In Calgary, the Flames sit last with two points and visit Vegas tonight. According to Tankathon, the Flames currently hold the highest lottery odds for 2026, positioning them in range for Gavin McKenna — the Whitehorse-born phenom now playing NCAA Division I at Penn State after a 129-point WHL season. The Wranglers open a two-game set in Tucson after back-to-back losses to Colorado; Dryden Hunt leads Calgary in goals.

In the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers swept Milwaukee to win the NLCS, with Shohei Ohtani crushing three home runs in the clincher. The World Series begins Friday with the Dodgers awaiting the winner of Toronto and Seattle.

Blue Jays open ALCS, Wranglers fall in Colorado, Flames host Vegas Tuesday night showdown

CALGARY — October sports are hitting full stride across Canada, with playoff baseball and early-season hockey all colliding this week.

The Toronto Blue Jays continue their World Series run as they host the Seattle Mariners in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series. Kevin Gausman gets the start, backed by a deep rotation that includes Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt. Bo Bichette remains out after missing the division series, but Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been on fire, and the Jays have been getting balanced production throughout the lineup — exactly the kind of depth needed to go the distance in October.

In the AHL, goaltender Owen Say made his first start for the Calgary Wranglers on Saturday night and impressed in his debut, stopping 21 of 22 shots in a 1–0 loss to the Colorado Eagles. The Wranglers return home to reset before heading to Tucson for a weekend series against the Roadrunners.

And in the NHL, the Calgary Flames prepare for a marquee Tuesday night matchup at the Scotiabank Saddledome against the Vegas Golden Knights. Both teams will be looking for their second win of the season. Vegas forward Pavel Dorofeev leads the NHL with five goals in three games, while Jack Eichel sits atop the league with seven points. Expect the Dome to be buzzing for this one.

Coronado’s Two-Goal Effort Not Enough as Blues Spoil Flames’ Home Opener

CALGARY — The Saturday matinee at the Scotiabank Saddledome had all the makings of a statement win, but the Calgary Flames couldn’t finish the job. Despite two goals from Matt Coronado, the Flames fell 4–2 to the St. Louis Blues in their 2025–26 home opener, ending a streak that had seen Calgary go 7-0-1 in home openers since 2016.

Coronado opened the scoring at 14:49 of the first period on the power play, converting a feed from Joel Farabee and Nazem Kadri. Late in the second, with the Flames trailing, he struck again at even strength, taking a quick pass from Kevin Bahl and ripping a shot high glove side to tie the game 2–2. The 22-year-old winger’s release and confidence were on full display, underscoring why he’s expected to be a cornerstone piece of Calgary’s next generation.

The Flames controlled much of the second period, pushing tempo and puck possession, but two quick St. Louis goals midway through the frame flipped the energy. The Blues regained their composure in the third, protecting the middle of the ice and adding insurance down the stretch to secure the win.

Goaltender Dustin Wolf faced 28 shots, stopping 24 for a .857 save percentage. He was composed under pressure, turning aside several high-danger chances that kept Calgary within reach until the final minutes.

The loss drops the Flames to 1-2-0 on the season as they regroup ahead of a high-profile matchup Tuesday night against Vegas. Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and the Golden Knights visit the Dome for a 7 p.m. puck drop.

Meanwhile in Loveland, Colorado, the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers are set for Game 2 of their weekend set against the Colorado Eagles. After falling 7-4 in Friday’s season opener, the Wranglers will look to split the series before heading to Tucson next week.

Beyond hockey, Canadian sports fans have another headline to track: the Seattle Mariners defeated the Detroit Tigers last night to advance to the American League Championship Series, where they’ll face the Toronto Blue Jays beginning tomorrow night.

It’s a packed Saturday on the sports calendar — from Coronado’s breakout and Wolf’s early-season test to the Wranglers’ bounce-back bid and an all-north matchup brewing on the diamond.

Blue Jays advance to ALCS as Flames win Battle of Alberta and Wolf dominates early season

CALGARY — It was a defining week for Canadian sports — and once again, Calgary was right in the centre of it.

The Toronto Blue Jays punched their ticket to the American League Championship Series with a convincing win over the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Toronto now awaits the winner of Tigers–Mariners Game 5, which will decide who they face when the ALCS opens Sunday at 6 p.m. Mountain.

Back in Alberta, the Flames delivered an early-season statement. Down 3–0 to the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary stormed back to win 4–3 in an eight-round shootout, taking the first Battle of Alberta of the season. Matvei Gridin, Connor Zary, and Blake Coleman provided the regulation goals, with Coleman capitalizing on yet another misplay by Stuart Skinner. Nazem Kadri scored the shootout winner and added an assist, while Adam Klapka and Matt Coronato also picked up helpers.

Goaltender Dustin Wolf once again proved why he’s the cornerstone of Calgary’s crease, stopping 32 of 35 shots through regulation and overtime — plus seven more in the shootout — for a .914 save percentage. Despite being the difference-maker, Wolf was curiously left off the game’s three stars list.

For Edmonton, the same narrative continues. With two of the league’s top forwards, the Oilers’ ongoing goaltending instability remains their biggest barrier to serious contention.

Calgary dropped the second half of their back-to-back the following night in Vancouver, falling 5–1 to the Canucks. Morgan Frost notched the lone goal for the Flames, assisted by Yegor Sharangovich and Joel Farabee.

The Flames return home to the Scotiabank Saddledome for their home opener Saturday at 2 p.m. against the St. Louis Blues, aiming to climb back above .500 for the second time this season. Meanwhile, the Calgary Wranglers kick off their AHL campaign with a two-game set in Colorado against the Eagles.

Between the Jays chasing a pennant and the Flames showing early-season resilience, Canada’s sports momentum is surging — and in Calgary, the fire’s only getting brighter.

Flames and Oilers clash in season’s first Battle of Alberta tonight

CALGARY -- The 2025-26 NHL season rolls into its second night with four games on the schedule, led by the year’s first Battle of Alberta as the Flames visit the Oilers at Rogers Place.

Puck drop is set for 8:00 p.m. MT in Edmonton, where Calgary opens its campaign on the road before heading to Vancouver tomorrow. The Flames return home Saturday for a 2 p.m. matinee against the St. Louis Blues at the Scotiabank Saddledome, marking their 2025-26 home opener.

The rivalry spotlight isn’t exclusive to Alberta tonight. In Toronto, another classic matchup kicks things off at 5:00 p.m. MT as the Maple Leafs host the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. No matter the standings, Toronto-Montreal never feels like just another game — it’s Canadian hockey’s longest-running feud.

At 5:30, the Boston Bruins meet the Washington Capitals in D.C., while the Los Angeles Kings play their second straight night after dropping a 4-1 decision to the Colorado Avalanche in their season opener. They’ll face the Vegas Golden Knights in the late game from T-Mobile Arena.

Calgary’s AHL affiliate, the Wranglers, also open their season Friday night in Colorado against the Eagles, beginning a stretch that will see Flames and Wranglers players in action across four cities in four days.

The 2025-26 season is only two nights old, but the emotion, rivalries, and storylines are already taking shape — and tonight, the spotlight belongs to Alberta.

Flames Close Preseason With Shootout Loss to Jets

CALGARY – Calgary’s preseason finale had energy, offense, and a dramatic finish, but the Flames came up short in a 5–4 shootout against the Winnipeg Jets at the Saddledome on Friday night. The game capped off exhibition play and offered a final look at veterans and prospects before the regular season begins next week.

Nazem Kadri led the Flames with two goals, showing sharp form in his final tune-up. His first came midway through the opening frame when Adam Klapka worked the puck below the goal line and slipped a backhand pass to Kadri, who buried it from in close. Joel Farabee added the secondary assist.

Calgary doubled the lead minutes later as rookie forward Matvei Gridin continued his standout preseason. The 19-year-old forward collected a feed from Kevin Bahl and converted on the backhand to make it 2–0, adding to an already impressive exhibition showing.

Winnipeg responded late in the period, but the Flames answered right back. Defenceman Joel Hanley stepped into a point shot and sniped it high blocker side at 17:13, restoring the two-goal advantage with assists to MacKenzie Weegar and Morgan Frost. The Flames led 3–1 after 20 minutes, with the Saddledome crowd energized by a heavy Klapka hit on Neal Pionk that drew a roar through the building.

Kadri struck again early in the second period, finishing a return feed from Bahl for his second of the night, while Klapka picked up his second assist. That stretched Calgary’s lead to 4–1, but Winnipeg — dressing regulars Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Josh Morrissey, and former Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck — rallied with two goals to trim the gap to 4–2 after 40 minutes.

The Jets completed their comeback in the third, tying the game 4–4 to force extra time. Overtime solved nothing, and the contest went to a lengthy shootout. Calgary converted twice, but Winnipeg edged ahead with three goals to secure the win.

Despite the loss, the Flames closed the preseason with encouraging signs: Kadri producing offensively and leading by example, Gridin showing flashes of high-end skill, Klapka bringing both physicality and playmaking, and Dustin Wolf once again drawing loud support from the home crowd with timely saves.

Calgary now turns its attention to the regular season, which begins next week