CALGARY, Alta. - Yegor Sharangovich's third-period strike was the difference on Sunday as the Carolina Hurricanes fell to the Calgary Flames 3-2 at Scotiabank Saddledome.
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Playing their second game in as many days, the Canes went into battle without the scorching Mark Jankowski, who was ruled out pre-game with a lower-body injury.
In his absence, the two teams skated to a scoreless first period, but those who were tasked with filling his responsibilities made their presence felt in the second.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who filled Jankowski's roles on special teams, opened the scoring 6:09 into the frame after whacking home a net-front setup from Nic Deslauriers, who drew into the lineup with the available spot at forward.
That goal set the tone for what would be a period mostly dominated by the visitors, but a stunning turning of the tide led to Calgary posting a one-two punch in a span of 1:09 to take the lead. However, before Carolina went back to its locker room trailing, a seeing-eye wrist shot from Jalen Chatfield reset the score with just three seconds on the clock.
Momentum, however, stayed with the hosts after the break as they built a 12-2 shot advantage through the first 10 minutes of the final frame. That push paid off with 4:08 to play, as Sharangovich wired a one-timer off the rush to nudge his team back in front for the final time. Carolina threatened to equalize once more in the waning moments of action, but a combination of Flames goaltender Devin Cooley and the iron behind him kept the Canes at bay.
Brandon Bussi turned in the team's first 30-save performance of the season with 31 stops on 34 shots.
