Adam Ruzicka broke a deadlock early in the third period and the visiting Calgary Flames snapped a two-game skid with a 4-3 win over the struggling Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night.
Jonathan Huberdeau, Walker Duehr and Blake Coleman also scored for the Flames, who had dropped the first two affairs of a five-game road trip. Goaltender Dan Vladar stopped 24 shots to net the victory in his first start of the season. Calgary has won six consecutive games in Buffalo.
Erik Johnson, Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka replied for the Sabres, who have lost three of four games to start the season. Goalie Devon Levi made 32 saves.
With the score tied 3-3, Ruzicka gave his team its fourth lead of the game at 4:35 of the final frame. Just 81 seconds after the hosts drew even, Ruzicka buried a one-timer from the left faceoff dot for his second goal in as many games.
Vladar held strong the rest of the game in a 12-save third period for the Flames, who had 12 skaters register a point.
Calgary received the quick start it needed when Huberdeau opened the scoring 49 seconds into the clash. During a scramble, his sharp-angled shot ricocheted off Levi’s leg and into the net for Huberdeau’s second goal of the season.
The Flames have scored first in all four of their games to start the season.
Johnson’s first marker of the season, and first regular-season goal since April 26, 2022, tied things just over five minutes later, as his long point shot went through a screen and into the top corner.
Duehr’s first goal of the season put the Flames ahead just past the 10-minute mark, another scramble that Calgary was able to take advantage of.
Thompson again tied the score at 14:28 of the first. While on the power play, Thompson — who scored 47 goals last season — buried a wrist shot from the left faceoff dot.
Coleman’s first goal of the season, a one-timer during a four-on-two rush, gave Calgary a third lead 1:52 into the third period, but Peterka evened the score again 82 seconds later.
–Field Level Media
