Calgary Flames’ Huberdeau Fights Back in Gritty 3-2 Win

UPDATE: The Calgary Flames showcased remarkable team spirit in a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory over the Dallas Stars on December 2, 2023, despite holding the worst record in the NHL. Veteran forward Jonathan Huberdeau made headlines by fighting for teammate Matt Coronato, who was injured after a dangerous hit from Mikko Rantanen late in the second period.

In a stunning display of camaraderie, Huberdeau dropped the gloves for the first time in seven seasons, rushing to defend Coronato after he was checked headfirst into the boards. Bloodied but determined, Coronato returned to the bench with a serious gash on his nose, igniting his teammates’ resolve. “I just had to have Matty’s back,” Huberdeau proclaimed, emphasizing the necessity of protecting teammates in such intense moments.

Flames head coach Ryan Huska called Rantanen’s hit a “terrible hit,” showing no surprise at Huberdeau’s response. “Hubie is one of the best team guys I’ve been around,” Huska remarked. “He gave us a lot of energy tonight.” The Flames’ victory not only highlights their fighting spirit but also underscores the importance of unity in overcoming a challenging season.

The Flames now sit at 7-13-3, positioned in 31st place in the NHL standings, just one point ahead of the Nashville Predators. While the climb back to playoff contention seems daunting, Saturday’s win demonstrated their potential against one of the league’s top teams. “We were a fast team tonight,” Huberdeau noted, reflecting on what many consider their best performance of the year.

Flames goalie Devin Cooley praised Huberdeau’s leadership, stating, “He’s making $10 million a year, star player, and he’s going to drop the gloves to stick up for our guys.” This kind of energy, according to Cooley, resonates throughout the locker room, invigorating the entire team.

Calgary’s victory was not just a testament to their on-ice skills but also their emotional resilience. Coronato, who scored the opening goal and now holds a career-high four-game goal streak, expressed gratitude for Huberdeau’s actions. “It means a lot. He’s one of our best players,” Coronato said, highlighting the strong bond within the team.

The Flames’ win comes amid a rough start to the season, with Rantanen leading the NHL in penalty minutes after receiving a game misconduct for his reckless hit. Meanwhile, the Stars, boasting a formidable 13-5-4 record, were taken aback by the Flames’ grit, proving that Calgary can compete with the best when they stand united.

As the Flames look to build on this momentum, fans can expect them to channel the emotional energy from this victory in their upcoming games. The road ahead remains tough, but with a display of heart like this, there’s hope for a turnaround.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Flames navigate the rest of their season!