Miikka Kiprusoff makes 31 saves as Calgary Flames win 2-1 SO against the Los Angeles Kings - NHL Update
Calgary Flames kept their nerve to win a tense shootout and end their two game losing streak with a 2-1 shootout win over Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, January 19, 2012, at the Staples Center.
Calgary Flames, who have had a very inconsistent National Hockey League (NHL) season, returned back to winning ways.
Flames entered the game after losing a shootout against San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, resulting in a 2-1 loss, but kept their nerve this time.
Flames had their goaltender, Miikka Kiprusoff, to thank for keeping them in the game in regular time as the veteran goaltender put in a brilliant performance, making 31 saves during the game.
Flames' coach, Brent Sutter was happy with his side’s performance in the gritty low scoring encounter.
"The effort was there," Brent Sutter said.
"We played hard. They're going to get opportunities, but [Kiprusoff] stood tall. We were able to find and a way, and that's what you need to do. We did a lot of good things. It was a game where you had to get into the trenches and compete, and both teams
did that here tonight."
The victory edges the Flames closer to the playoff spots with a 22-20-6 record and 50 points with the team in a good position to start a winning run and move up into eighth spot in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles Kings failed to win consecutive games since December 28th, while coincidently also avoiding consecutive losses.
Kings have won four and lost four of their past eight games before facing the Flames and entered this encounter on the back of a close 3-2 shootout victory over Vancouver Canucks.
The Kings loss keeps them in seventh spot in the Western Conference with a 23-15-10 record and 56 points.
Coach Darryl Sutter after the game told reporters.
"It's two pretty even teams, and you've got two of the top five or six goaltenders in the league out there tonight," Darryl Sutter said. "I thought it was a hard-fought game. I thought we had a real good first period, which is something that we have been
working on."
Kings took the lead in the first period.
Justin Williams got into the Flames' end-zone and sent a square pass across the goal and Dustin Brown arrived just in time to beat Kiprusoff at 3:28.
The Kings looked better in offence but Kiprusoff was up to the task and kept his team in the game.
Kiprusoff’s heroics were rewarded in the second period as the Flames equalised. Jarome Iginla put in the equaliser past Kings Goaltender Jonathan Quick at 9:15 on the power play.
With no scoring in the third period and overtime as both goaltenders kept each others offences at bay the match was set to be decided by a shootout.
Justin Williams beat Kiprusoff in the first attempt to give the Kings a 1-0 lead but the Flames equalised immediately as Olli Jokinen beat Quick.
Jack Johnson’s attempt was saved by Kiprusoff and Quick was beaten by Michael Cammalleri as the Flames took the advantage. Kiprusoff completed a brilliant performance saving from Mike Richards to give the Flames a much needed win.
Flames will now travel to face the Edmonton Oilers in what should be an easier game while the Kings will look to avoid a consecutive loss against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.
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