Gaudreau scores on penalty shot as Flames down Stars to even series

Johnny Gaudreau, who had previously bungled a breakaway, made no mistakes on his penalty shot.

Gaudreau’s conversion of a third-period penalty shot prompted the Calgary Flames to win Monday’s 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars, to even their playoff series at two wins each.

Rasmus Andersson, Elias Lindholm, and Mikael backlund also scored for the Flames. They had three unanswered goals prior to Dallas’ counter in the third period.

Jacob Markstrom, Flames goaltender, made 34 saves to win the match with Jake Oettinger of Dallas. Oettinger stopped 50 shots during the loss.

Calgary hosts Game 5 in the best-of-7 series. Wednesday’s Game 5 will be played at the Saddledome.

Game 6 will be played in Dallas on Friday, while Game 7 would be in Calgary on Sunday, if necessary.

Gaudreau: “It’s nice getting that win, but it’s important to keep the momentum going. But I think we’re going home now and playing in front our fans,” Gaudreau said. “Now it is a three-game series.”

WATCH l Gaudreau’s penalty shot lifts Flames over Stars:

Calgary (50-21-11), topped the Pacific Division, and was ranked sixth in NHL regular season. The No. The No. 15 Stars (46-30-6), entered the post-season in the Western Conference as the first wildcard.

The Flames won by 1-0 at Saddledome, then lost 2-0 to the Stars. Calgary was doubled by the Stars in Game 3 at American Airlines Center.

The Flames trailed by one goal in Game 3 on Saturday when a streaking Gaudreau couldn’t raise the puck above Oettinger’s pad in the final three minutes of the game.

John Klingberg, Stars defenceman, hooked him on a breakaway to give him the penalty shot.

Oettinger was given more time Monday to plan his moves and Oettinger was able to stretch Oettinger with a backhand. Oettinger scored five holes at 7:47 in the third period.

“Since Game 1 I felt that I’d been playing well and hard against this group. Gaudreau: “The results weren’t there.” said. “Last time, there was a breakaway in the last game with only two minutes remaining. That one was my wish. Tonight, a different story. The net was found.”

In Game 4, more even-strength Hockey was played after nearly 16 minutes four-on-four in the second and third series games.

Calgary was sixth in the NHL for even-strength goals.

Dallas had more consistent offensive-zone pressure on the Flames than Dallas.

Andersson stated, “I think there were around 50 shots. We had a lot long shifts within their zone.” said. “We didn’t take too many penalties tonight, so we get five on five and that’s where we’re a really strong team.”

Lindholm scored the Flames’ only even-strength goal of the series at 11.53 in the third period, giving Calgary a 3-0 lead.

Gaudreau ate Gaudreau’s boards and fed him at the haveh marks, where Lindholm beat Oettinger by a low wrist shot. This was his third win in the series.

Calgary had outshot Dallas in all three of their first games but was limited to only three goals and two even-strength goals.

Calgary was denied second chances by the Stars’ defense in front of the crease. Oettinger allowed only a few rebounds, but Calgary continued to grind at the Flames until cracks were visible.

The Flames broke through Monday with a five-on-3 goal at 9:41 in the second period.

Andersson’s slap shot just above Oettinger hashmarks beat Oettinger high stick side. Stars Jani Haganpaaa (tripping), Radek Faksa, and Radek Faksa were both penalized in a 12-second time span.

Markstrom, Oettinger both shine

Markstrom and Oettinger exchanged heroics throughout this game.

Dallas gave up the puck in their zone in the second period. Oettinger saved a Gaudreau try from close range.

“I told Rick Bowness, Stars head coach, that we just wasted an excellent goaltending performance.” said.

“Their guy made big saves. Otter was outstanding, and it was why it was 1-0 going to the third.”

Markstrom stopped Stars forward Tyler Seguin from driving up to his house four minutes into the first period. Calgary outshot the hosts 18-8 in a goal-free period. The margin was 39-23 after two.

Oettinger did not give Tyler Toffoli, Calgary, a chance to rebound in the first period. Oettinger, who was in a prone position, stopped Tyler Toffoli’s attempt at lifting the puck over the Stars’ goalie at 9 :14.

Gaudreau was late to the game for a few shifts. When he and Vladislav Namstnikov collided in the Stars’ zone, his head looked like he was suffering from whiplash.

Gaudreau was able to get dressed up and returned to the ice at the halfway point of the first quarter.

He replied, “It’s all okay.” said.

Darryl Sutter, Flames head coach, swapped forward Brett Ritchie in favor of defenceman Michael Stone to deploy 11 forwards as well as seven defensemen Monday.

Sutter was looking for reinforcements on the back. The toll of the extra defenseman in the series opener (when Andersson was ruled out for a game misconduct) was starting to show in the series.

The coach said, “We wanted some fresh legs back then.” said.