Calgary Flames defenseman Kevin Bahl checks Colorado Avalanche forward Parker Kelly as goaltender Dustin Wolf keeps an eye on the play during the first period of their NHL game in Calgary on Friday, March 14, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
Parker Kelly played the hero for the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night, scoring twice to lead his team to a 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames. His standout performance helped Colorado extend its point streak to eight games (7-0-1) and move within three points of the Dallas Stars for second place in the Central Division. This was Kelly’s second career two-goal game, the first happening in 2022 when he played for the Ottawa Senators.
Avalanche Keep Climbing
Colorado (40-24-3) continues to surge, showing no signs of slowing down. Ryan Lindgren opened the scoring in the first period, breaking a 28-game goalless drought. Kelly struck late in the second period to end his own 21-game dry spell, putting the Avalanche in control. Valeri Nichushkin sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final moments.
Goaltender Scott Wedgewood was another key factor in Colorado’s win. He made 22 saves and extended his personal shutout streak to 125 minutes before the Flames finally broke through early in the third period. With this victory, Wedgewood improved his season record to 9-6-1.
Flames Fall Short
Calgary (30-24-11) came into the game with momentum, having picked up points in six straight outings (2-1-3). However, this loss dropped them into a tie with the Vancouver Canucks for the second Western Conference wild-card spot.
Blake Coleman finally got on the scoresheet, netting his first goal in 15 games to cut Colorado’s lead in the third period. Jonathan Huberdeau also found the net, but despite several strong scoring chances, Calgary couldn’t complete the comeback. Rookie goalie Dustin Wolf put up a solid fight with 24 saves but fell to 22-13-5 on the season.
Injury and Suspension Woes for Calgary
The Flames were missing key players, which made the challenge even tougher. Team captain Mikael Backlund was ruled out with an upper-body injury, ending his impressive streak of 328 consecutive games played. Forward Connor Zary also sat out, serving the first of a two-game suspension. With two top-nine forwards unavailable, the Flames had to rely on younger players. Rookie Adam Klapka stepped into the lineup, and Dryden Hunt was called up from the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers.
Game-Changing Moment
After Coleman’s goal brought the Flames within one, Calgary pressed hard for an equalizer. They created multiple scoring opportunities and appeared close to tying the game. However, a costly turnover by MacKenzie Weegar behind Calgary’s net allowed Ross Colton to set up Kelly for his second goal of the night at 5:55 of the third period. That goal took the wind out of the Flames’ rally and secured the win for Colorado.
Stat to Watch
The Avalanche have been dominant in the third period this season, leading the NHL with 92 goals in the final frame.
What’s Next?
The Avalanche will face the Dallas Stars on Sunday in a crucial matchup for playoff positioning. Meanwhile, the Flames begin a four-game road trip on Monday, starting with a tough test against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
