Timely goaltending and clutch goals weren’t overly plentiful in recent Calgary Flames games but definitely were Sunday in a 3-2 overtime win in Chicago against the Blackhawks.
As well as the fast-developing trademark of hard work and resilience all were needed in the Flames ending a 13-game losing streak in Chicago.
Players stated afterwards they weren’t aware of the past woes at the home of the Stanley Cup champions. Understandably since none of the Flames on the ice were part of the last triumph in the Windy City.
The inspiration came from a goaltender from Switzerland making his NHL debut.
Reto Berra, whose nickname to his Flame teammates is Yogi, delivered a clutch performance like that of Yogi Berra (who branded frequently as a baseball great in the clutch with the New York Yankees in the 50’s and 60’s).
The 26-year-old Berra gave his new teammates big confidence in him in the first period when he stopped all 18 shots the Blackhawks fired. Berra allowed his first big-league goal to Patrick Kane at 6:25 of the second period but was undaunted.
The first of Calgary’s clutch goals came 50 seconds later when Mike Cammalleri tipped a Dennis Wideman shot tying the game at 1-1.
Curtis Glencross gave the Flames a 2-1 lead at 2:16 the third period only to have Marian Hossa tie it for the Hawks a second after a 5-on-3 powerplay ended with 4:17 left in regulation time.
Then at 1:32 of overtime, defenceman Kris Russell scored the biggest clutch goal when his shot hit the crossbar and dropped into the net.
Berra, called up a day earlier, had told coach Bob Hartley he wanted to play vs. the champs in his inaugural and he was more than ready for the challenge. He made 42 saves and had the Hawks shaking their heads all night.
The next test for Berra figures to come Tuesday in Minnesota.
