Flyers rally to beat Flames in shootout

The Calgary Flames coach, Brent Sutter demands must not have reached every corner of the Calgary Flames’ dressing room. Because Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Flames built a 3-0 mid-game lead then got promptly outshot 27-9 the rest of the way. Not exactly grabbing any bulls by any horns. Lead horribly frittered, the Flames went on to suffer a 5-4 shootout loss National Hockey League action at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Flyers looked like an outfit that could put the puck in the net. But, thanks in part to the shoddiness of goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, the Flames roared out to a 3-0 lead, an offensive outburst capped by Kostopoulos’ second-period shortie.

All of which appeared to rally the Flyers, who took over immediately. First, Giroux set up Jaromir Jagr, who misfired on a great chance. Giroux then roared into Calgary territory and hit the post. And Voracek stole the puck from Derek Smith, barrelled in and snapped a shot through Kiprusoff’s five-hole, ending the Flyers’ goalless drought after 95:47.

And they weren’t done.

In the final minute of the second period, Coburn rumbled down the right wing and drifted a slapshot. The low drive, going wide, clunked in off Scott Hannan’s skate, with the Flyers holding a 30-13 shot advantage.