3 Takeaways From Flames Big Win Over Kings

The Calgary Flames shut down one of the Western Conference's top teams on Saturday night, defeating the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 thanks to another Jonathan Huberdeau game-winning goal and an outstanding 31-save performance by Dustin Wolf.

Even though the Vancouver Canucks won their game on the East Coast, the Flames, with their victory, are keeping pace with their rival as Calgary remains one point outside of the second wildcard spot but have a game in hand.

Wolf is a Dark Horse for the Calder Trophy

The hype surrounding the Calder Trophy was focused on Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov all summer, but then Lane Hutson joined the conversation. Usually, the Rookie of the Year goes to a skater, considering it's been 16 years since a goalie, Steve Mason, won the award.

If the Flames make the playoffs, Wolf's play down the stretch will be one of the leading contributing factors. He's been brilliant on home ice, and on Saturday, he gave one of his best performances of the year.

Even though Wolf plays in the West with late starts for East Coast viewers, his place in the race is undisputed, as he's among the top 15 netminders in the NHL. As a future Vezina Trophy winner, Wolf can be the first Flames player since Sergei Makarov (1990) to be Rookie of the Year.

Lomberg is a Fan Favorite

On Saturday, Ryan Lomberg dropped the gloves twice, with the second fight taking play seconds after a hit on Walker Duehr in the corner. As one of the newest Flames, joining the club as a free agent this past summer, he's blended right in and has become a fan favorite.

Lomberg is up to five fights this season, three more than last season with the Florida Panthers. Whether singing the National Anthem or Country Roads, sticking up for his teammates, and playing his role as a bottom-six forward, he's become a welcomed addition to the club.

Flames Will Go As Far As Huberdeau Leads the Charge

The Flames had a solid game plan against one of the top teams in the Pacific Division. They executed it without much compromise, getting a lucky bounce when Huberdeau buried the game-winner.

On top of leading the team in first goals (six), he's also the Flames leader in game-winners with four now, including the last two against Anaheim and Los Angeles.

The 31-year-old has 18 goals and is the closest to the 20-goal plateau, which would be the first time he has reached the mark in three seasons.

When dissecting Huberdeau's goal total, ten of his 18 goals have meant a lot to the Flames, whether they were the game-winners or gave the team a lead. As the catalyst for the offense, Calgary will only go as far as he leads them on the scoreboard.

Flames & Kings Trivia Answers

How did you score in our Game Day Trivia quiz? Here are the answers.

1. Johnny Gaudreau

2. Marcus Nilson

3. Theo Fleury

4. Tim Hunter

5. Theo Fleury

6. Miikka Kiprusoff

7. Trevor Kidd

8. Rejean Lemelin

9. Craig Conroy

10. Three (Iginla, Conroy, Phaneuf)

Related: Iginla, Kiprusoff, & Gaudreau Headline Flames Quarter-Century Teams

Related: Flames New Heavyweight Drops Gloves In Second & Third Periods