A couple of early Flames goals put them in a lead they would never relinquish while delivering a 4-2 road win in the opening of back to back games against Nottingham Panthers.
Tristan Frei and Daniel Tedesco had Flames enjoying a 2 goal advantage just over 5 minutes into the contest, but Tanner Sorenson at 6:05 cut Panthers deficit to a single; a count that remained through the end of the frame.
As the evening approached the midway point, former Panther, Robert Lachowicz re-stored a 2 margin for the visitors, and they were still 2 goals to the good when the puck dropped on period 3.
Just 21 seconds into the final set, Brett Ferguson extended the lead to three which was more than enough against a Panthers single reply inside the final minute through Adam Brady.
Eamon McAdam took the net for the visitors. He had 23 saves on 25 shots while Jack Berry guarding Panthers cage was 32 of 36.
“That was one of the better 60 minute, all 3 zone, solid performances we have had this season,” explained Head Coach Paul Dixon.
“We were good in all areas and while we were able to press, we also played well in our end when Panthers had possession.”
“I was particularly pleased with the 3rd period where on several occasions this season we have not played well in the final 20 minutes, even on some occasions when we still won the night. This time there was no question that we carried what we had done early to the end and that is a really good sign.”
“We want to try and carry what we did here through to tomorrow night when we pair up with Panthers again on home ice.”