Vladar Credits Unlikely Flames' Staff Member After Shutout Win Over Markstrom

In a tense goaltending duel that held both teams scoreless until the final minutes, the Calgary Flames exploded with three late goals to defeat the New Jersey Devils 3-0 on Friday night.

Blake Coleman scored twice, but Flames goalie Dan Vladar was the hero of the night. He secured a shutout with 22 saves while also earning an assist, becoming only the fourth goalie in franchise history to achieve both in a single game.

After the game, Vladar credited his success to the strong defensive play in front of him and expressed gratitude to his goalie coaches Jordan Sigalet and Jason LaBarbera for helping him prepare for the matchup against his friend and former teammate, Jacob Markstrom. He said he was nervous going up against a great friend and mentor. He needed to get his head right because he didn't feel ready to play. The coach got him psyched and ready and it worked.

“The guys did an awesome job in front of me,” Vladar added, noting that the team played with extra motivation to honor Mikael Backlund’s 1,000th NHL game. Backlund was honored before the game and it was easy to see the Flames were amped up to perform for their captain.

Coleman, facing his former team, finally broke the deadlock with just five minutes left in regulation, tipping in a pass to give Calgary a 1-0 lead. 28 seconds later, Jonathan Huberdeau scored his fifth of the season. Minutes later, Coleman struck again with an empty-netter, sealing the win for Calgary.

The victory snapped Calgary’s four-game losing streak, lifting the team's record to 6-4-1.

The Flames now turn their focus to the upcoming Battle of Alberta, where they’ll face the rival Edmonton Oilers in what promises to be another hard-fought matchup.