Flames Win Shootout Thriller, Wranglers Earn Road Victory, and Calgary Teams Prep for Busy Week
Calgary hockey delivered across every level. The Flames edged Dallas 3-2 in a shootout behind Devin Cooley and Nazem Kadri, while the Wranglers earned a 3-2 win in San Diego powered by Frk, Kerins, and Gridin. The Flames now visit Vancouver before a challenging road swing, and the Wranglers and Hitmen both return to action today as Calgary’s busy week continues.
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.
Flames Fall in Shootout to Jets as Wranglers Win 6-4 Behind Frk’s Hat Trick and 200th AHL Goal
A full Saturday of Calgary hockey delivered drama at every turn. At the Saddle Dome, the Flames battled the Jets to a shootout after a late tying goal from Matt Varnado. In Henderson, the Wranglers exploded for a 6-4 win highlighted by Martin Frk’s 200th career AHL goal and hat trick. William Stromgren added a three-point night and Calgary earned wins and points across both leagues. Here is the full recap from the NHL and AHL action.
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.