In an exhilarating matchup on Sunday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Anaheim Ducks achieved a stunning comeback against the Calgary Flames, largely thanks to rookie phenom Beckett Sennecke. The game, part of East Asian Celebration Night, saw Sennecke impressively secure his first NHL hat trick, culminating in a thrilling overtime goal scored just 2:54 into the extra period, leading the Ducks to a 4-3 victory. This win marks Anaheim's seventh straight triumph, a feat not accomplished twice in a single season since the 2014-15 season, which adds to the excitement surrounding the team.
Sennecke's remarkable three-goal performance not only clinched the crucial extra point for Anaheim but also earned him a spot in the NHL history books. Remarkably, he became the ninth rookie ever to achieve a hat trick that included an overtime winner. With his current tally standing at 18 goals and 41 points over 52 games, the Toronto native leads all rookies in goals and ranks second overall in rookie scoring, just behind Montreal’s Ivan Demidov, who has accumulated 43 points. According to ESPN Research, "Sennecke's winning goal came during a 2-on-1 break, during which he skillfully managed the puck and fired a precise shot past goalie Dustin Wolf, hitting the mark just inside the post."
The Ducks (28-21-3) faced significant challenges throughout the game, particularly early on. The Flames (21-25-6), eager to end a three-game scoring drought following the trade of defenseman Rasmus Andersson, started the game with intensity. They dominated the first period, outshooting the Ducks by a staggering margin of 17-3, and capitalized on this momentum with two quick goals. Jonathan Huberdeau ended his personal scoring slump by netting his ninth goal of the season at 6:17, taking advantage of a loose puck after Mikael Backlund's shot was saved. Less than two minutes later, rookie defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz scored his first NHL goal, his attempted cross-ice pass deflecting off a defender’s stick and slipping past Lukas Dostal.
Despite the early setbacks, the Ducks regrouped effectively in the second period. Sennecke ignited Anaheim's offense at 3:22, finishing a well-coordinated three-way passing sequence. He followed this up at 12:41 with another goal, tying the game with a precise shot taken from a sharp angle, beautifully set up by a cross-ice pass from Mikael Granlund. The composure Sennecke displayed in these moments was a testament to his ability to perform under pressure.
The Flames briefly regained the lead in the third period when Matt Coronato, stationed at the side of the net during a power play, converted a pass from Matvei Gridin at 4:50. The crowd erupted as Calgary took a 3-2 lead, but the resilient Ducks were determined to fight back. Chris Kreider, a recent addition to Anaheim's roster, equalized once more at 13:08, capping a successful 2-on-1 rush with a perfect assist from Ryan Poehling.
As the score stood at 3-3, overtime loomed, filling the arena with palpable tension. Both teams exchanged several chances, but it was Sennecke who ultimately embraced the moment. During a pivotal 2-on-1 break, he chose to retain possession and unleashed a powerful shot past Dustin Wolf, finding the net just inside the post. His celebration was met with exuberance from his teammates on the bench, while the Flames were left to contemplate yet another missed opportunity.
"This is a dream come true for me," Sennecke expressed gleefully after the game. "Getting my first hat trick and helping the team secure an overtime win—it truly doesn't get any better than this." His teammates were quick to commend his standout performance. Mikael Granlund, who contributed two assists, stated, "He possesses that clutch quality. Beckett consistently finds a way to deliver when it counts most." Alex Killorn also made his mark with two assists, showcasing the depth of Anaheim's offensive lineup.
In goal, Lukas Dostal was solid, saving 32 of the 35 shots he faced, improving his record to 19-12-2. His steady presence in net helped stabilize the Ducks following a shaky first period. Conversely, Dustin Wolf managed 17 saves for Calgary but saw his record dip to 15-21-2. Despite the Flames outshooting Anaheim 36-21 and dominating significant stretches of the game, they were left lamenting their squandered opportunities.
This loss extended Calgary's winless streak to four games (0-2-2) and solidified their struggles with a 3-7-2 record over their last 12 contests. The Flames have had difficulty generating offense since Andersson's departure, managing only one goal in each of their previous three games prior to Sunday’s match. Nevertheless, there were bright spots: Huberdeau's goal ended a 10-game drought, and Brzustewicz's milestone marker hinted at the team's promising future on defense. Coronato's power-play goal and assist highlighted his emergence as a key contributor as well.
"We executed many aspects well," remarked the Flames' coach in his postgame comments. "However, we need to learn how to close out games, especially when we have the home advantage. Full credit to Anaheim—they kept pushing and capitalized on their chances."
The implications of the Ducks’ victory are significant for their playoff aspirations. This win brings Anaheim within a single point of the second-place Edmonton Oilers in the Pacific Division, with Anaheim holding a game in hand. The two teams are set to clash on Monday in Edmonton, a matchup that could prove pivotal as the race for postseason positioning intensifies. The Ducks are seeking their first Stanley Cup playoff appearance in eight years, and their league-leading total of 12 wins in extra time underscores their resilience in closely contested matches.
Sunday's encounter also underscored the impact of injuries on both teams. Calgary was missing several key players, including Blake Coleman, Samuel Honzek, Jake Bean, Zayne Parekh, and John Beecher. Meanwhile, Anaheim was without Petr Mrazek, Leo Carlsson, Frank Vatrano, Troy Terry, and Mason McTavish. The depth of each roster was tested, but it was Anaheim's supporting cast that ultimately rose to the occasion.
Looking forward, the Ducks will head to Edmonton for a vital game against the Oilers. At the same time, the Flames will aim to regroup before facing the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, hoping to turn their fortunes around and reignite their playoff ambitions.
As the dust settles in Calgary, one thing is abundantly clear: Beckett Sennecke's star is ascending, and the Anaheim Ducks are surging at just the right moment. With historical achievements in their favor and building momentum, the competition for playoff spots in the Pacific Division has just become significantly more intriguing.
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