Sad Streaks Snapped As Flames Get Rare Win On Road

Four goals in regulation for the first time since Game 3 of the season. More importantly, the Calgary Flames got two points away from home — which has also been a bit of a struggle since that victory in Edmonton on Oct. 13.

The Flames’ 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators Tuesday night snapped an eight-game losing streak on the road. It wasn’t easy. The Flames were desperate and played that way all night, clawing back from three different single-goal deficits to get the best of the Preds.

Nazem Kadri, Kevin Rooney and Brayden Pachal made sure things didn’t get out of hand after Jonathan Marchessault (2) and Tommy Novak kept one-upping the visitors.

Jonathan Huberdeau gave the Flames everything they needed late in the second period: their first fourth goal in what must have felt like forever; a powerplay tally that made a difference; and a win in what was the Flames’ final road game before Christmas.

“We've been talking about it for some time now about being better on the road,” Rooney told reporters in Nashville. “It felt really good to finally get one on the road.”

Related: What Would Nazem Kadri Fetch On The NHL Trade Market This Year?

The scoreless third period was made possible in part by Flames goaltender Dan Vladar and some sacrifices by his teammates who blocked several shots in the dying minutes as the Predators pushed for the equalizer.

“I was just in a blender. Scramble mode,” Vladar said post-game. “I was just trying to keep the puck in front of me. I don't even know. So many things happening out there, you don't even know, you're just trying to battle.”

There was no shortage of that battle.

“Just sacrifice and doing everything to win,”Vladar added. “Literally leaving our heart out there.”

Well, close enough. Vladar may need to look up the definition of literal, but the team definitely showed heart out there.

It’s something they’ll need more of with five games at home before a brief holiday pause.