ELMONT, N.Y. – Jonathan Huberdeau, reflecting on his New York experience post-game, simply exhaled.
“That’s one incredible road trip,” remarked Huberdeau, ready to board the flight home. The team can take pride in achieving the franchise`s first-ever three-game sweep in the tri-state area.
“With so much emotion invested, all you want to do now is relax with a good beer.”
There was ample reason to celebrate after a 4-3 overtime victory against a determined Islanders team, a game packed with more drama than a Law & Order episode.
Following two thrilling comeback wins in Manhattan and New Jersey, the Flames again needed to summon timely heroics. Kyle MacLean`s fortunate rebound goal put the Islanders ahead 3-2 with just 2:51 remaining.
But in a flash, Huberdeau, battling through cross-checks, deflected a shot from Rasmus Andersson past Marcus Hogberg, leveling the score.
New life ignited.
A remarkable glove save by Dan Vladar with only 13 seconds left in regulation set the stage for a controlled overtime period. The Flames maintained puck possession for the majority of four minutes, culminating in Nazem Kadri’s game-winning goal.
Tristan Blackwood