New York. Hop lives in Calgary.
Just a day after the devastating loss against Chicago, the Flames, led by the great Jacob Markström, were able to beat Winnipeg – the western rival in the battle for a playoff spot.
– I’m still angry after the last game and I used it, Marcan says after the 3-1 victory.
There were many who thought dreams of a Flames game died with last night’s loss to Chicago, because just 24 hours after that blow, how would it be possible to beat the mightier Winnipeg Jets – the all-star team from Alberta they’re trying to catch up on – on the road?
Well, it turns out it’s very possible.
They certainly found themselves trailing 1-0 at half-time, but fought relentlessly and turned around to eventually win 3-1.
“It’s not an accessible hall, but we knew it was an indispensable match and we did a great job,” says Jakob Markström when he meets the media afterwards.
Markan’s own work was particularly remarkable. He stopped 34 of 35 shots and made saves.
– I was still angry after yesterday’s game and used it. There were more strong feelings tonight, the 33-year-old host continues.
With the victory, the Flames are up to the same points as the Jets — 89 — but they have one more game to play so they’re still on the wrong side of the line.
However, hope springs back to life in the Alberta oil city.
Mikael Backlund even played one of the goals.
The New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning didn’t have much to play for at Madison Square Garden — both teams are longtime playoff contenders and their places in the standings — but it seemed like anything was on the line as passions and intensity soared. It was as high as in the critical drama.
– Well, we ran into each other a lot last year, so it got really hot, says Mika Zibanejad when Sportbladet interviewed him next.
He could then grin, though, because the Rangers capitalized on the emotional rush and won 6-3.
It’s a very good feeling to be able to win a game against such good opposition before the playoffs start,” continues Stockholmer, who contributed three assists.