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Maybe, Jacob Markstrom was impressed by a group outing the earlier afternoon to the Rocky statue, considered one of Philadelphia’s iconic landmarks.
He’s the explanation that the Calgary Flames had even a combating likelihood to win this feisty, penalty-filled affair at Wells Fargo Heart. If he continues to play like he has since getting back from a fractured finger, like he did throughout Saturday’s 3-2 loss to the Flyers, he may give them a combating likelihood within the wildcard race.
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Yeah, Calgary’s go-to goalie is in that kind of groove.
As Flames bench boss Ryan Huska advised reporters in Philly: “Jacob was the explanation why this recreation was shut.”
Echoed top-pairing defenceman MacKenzie Weegar, who helped out with 4 blocked pictures: “That recreation, I believe, may have gotten a little bit out of hand if he wasn’t there for us.”
Bang on, coach.
Effectively stated, Weegs.
Markstrom, who confronted a number of breakaways, racked up 39 saves in what was each a pointy and scrappy efficiency. He apparently had loads of pep after Friday’s climb up the stone steps made well-known by the Rocky Balboa films.
At a third-period whistle, none-too-pleased about being slashed as he smothered a rebound, the Swedish stalwart even landed a punch together with his trapper.
Garnet Hathaway, who precipitated that kerfuffle on the crease and definitely wasn’t shying away from a shoving match with Markstrom, was referred to as for roughing.
Bother is, the Flames botched an entry on the following power-play, and Travis Konecny’s shorthanded snipe stood because the game-winner.
“Robust loss,” Markstrom groaned. “Three targets in opposition to is just a few too many. Sadly, I couldn’t maintain it a tie recreation there within the third.”
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He’s the explanation it was tied as much as that time.
The Flames have been aiming Saturday for a fourth consecutive victory, however they as a substitute stumbled again to .500 at 17-17-5.
They have been strong within the opening interval.
Regardless of a breakaway bury by Jonathan Huberdeau after which a career-best ninth notch of the season for Weegar, they have been principally below siege within the second, fortunate to be even after 40 minutes. The pictures in that center body have been 24-10 in favour of the house facet, with Philadelphia’s two tallies approaching a rebound by Morgan Frost and a cheeky bank-shot from Sean Couturier.
And within the third, the Flames did not reward their netminder for protecting them in it. Noah Hanifin did tickle twine with just below seven minutes remaining, however it didn’t rely as a result of Connor Zary had simply been busted for interference, responsible of a agency shove that spilled Nick Seeler to the ice as he defended the slot.
Within the residence crease, Carter Hart wanted to ship solely 22 saves to safe the win.
Huska was blunt in his post-game evaluation — “The primary interval was OK, however I believed within the second and third, we acquired outworked.”
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Aside from one man.
“Marky was battling for us that entire recreation,” Weegar advised media at Wells Fargo Enviornment.
“Marky was nice,” agreed Andrew Mangiapane throughout a post-game interview on Sportsnet 960 The Fan. “He has been unbelievable this entire season, actually, and we’re going to want him. He’s an awesome goaltender on this league. He makes huge stops at key occasions, and that’s large for us.
“I believe we let him down at the moment. Hopefully, in his subsequent begin, we’ll be higher.”
Markstrom will seemingly be spectating because the Flames wrap this four-game road-trip with Sunday’s showdown in opposition to the Chicago Blackhawks within the Windy Metropolis (1 p.m. MT Sportsnet West/Sportsnet 960 The Fan). In a back-to-back state of affairs, Dan Vladar is one of the best guess to be between the pipes in opposition to the Blackhawks, who shall be with out rookie sensation Connor Bedard as a result of a damaged jaw.
Some roll their eyes when the Flames discuss in regards to the wildcard race, particularly since they need to be purchasing their soon-to-be free brokers previous to the commerce deadline. But when they can punch a playoff ticket, Markstrom shall be an enormous a part of it. He’s the spine for what must be a stingy bunch.
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In seven begins since a two-week damage layoff, Markstrom has posted a .935 save share and a couple of.03 goals-against common. One of many challenges is managing the remaining for a man who will flip 34 later this month and would somewhat by no means take an evening off.
“He’s been a brick wall for us,” Weegar stated after Saturday’s loss in Philly. “The entire time since he’s come again, he’s been excellent for us. He was undoubtedly our greatest participant at the moment.”
“Since he’s come again from his damage, he has been our most constant participant, for certain,” Huska concurred. “Each night time that he’s performed, he’s given us an opportunity to win. There was nothing completely different at the moment.”
wgilbertson@postmedia.com
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