Monday, January 9, 2012

Iginla celebrates 500th career goal as Flames roast Wild on home ice

CALGARY, Alberta — Jarome Iginla's 500th career goal came in the perfect scenario — it was at home and served as the game-winner in an important victory.

Iginla got his milestone goal about 8? minutes into the third period and the Calgary Flames beat the Minnesota Wild 3-1 Saturday night.

"It's definitely a lot more special to do it here at home, and as part of a win. The crowd was great tonight, they were into the game," said Iginla, in his 15th NHL season.

Iginla became the 42nd player in NHL history to reach the 500-goal mark, and the 15th to do it with one team.

"I've been very blessed in hockey to have some great moments and memories that will stick with me," he said. "Been part of different games and scoring some different goals, but that's one that I'll definitely remember."

Lance Bouma got his first NHL goal and Curtis Glencross had his team-leading 17th of the season for the Flames. Mikka Kiprusoff finished with 27 saves.

Iginla sent the sold-out crowd at Scotiabank Saddledome into a frenzy with his goal that gave the Flames a 2-0 lead. The Calgary captain came down the right wing and sent a pass in front that went off the skates of two Minnesota players and in past Wild goalie Nicklas Backstrom.

At first, Iginla said he didn't know it was his goal because both Jay Bouwmeester and Glencross were going to the net. It became clear shortly after and the crowd of 19,289 erupted into a standing ovation and every Calgary player spilled off the bench to offer congratulations.

Canucks 4, Bruins 3

In Boston, Henrik Sedin broke a tie with the third of Vancouver's four power-play goals and the Canucks beat the defending champion Bruins in the first game between the teams since the Stanley Cup finals.

Flyers 3, Senators 2

In Philadelphia, Danny Briere had three goals and scored at 4:54 of overtime to send the Flyers over Ottawa.

Stars 4, Oilers 1

In Dallas, Jamie Benn scored twice, including the tiebreaker in the third period, rookie Richard Bachman made 25 saves and the Stars beat Edmonton.

Blue Jackets 1, Kings 0

In Los Angeles, Curtis Sanford made 31 saves for his sixth career shutout and defenseman Grant Clitsome scored.

Maple Leafs 4, Red Wings 3

In Toronto, Joffrey Lupul scored at 7:10 of the third period to lift the Maple Leafs after they gave up a three-goal lead.

Jets 2, Sabres 1 (OT)

In Buffalo, Johnny Oduya scored 57 seconds into overtime.

Canadiens 3, Lightning 1

In Montreal, Mike Blunden and Max Pacioretty scored in the second period, Carey Price made 23 saves, and the Canadiens won their second straight.

Devils 3, Penguins 1

In Pittsburgh, Ilya Kovalchuk and Adam Henrique each had a goal and an assist as New Jersey handed the Penguins their fourth consecutive loss.

Predators 5, Hurricanes 2

In Nashville, Patric Hornqvist scored two power-play goals to lead the Predators to their fourth win in five games.

Blues 4, Avalanche 0

In St. Louis, Kevin Shattenkirk had a goal and an assist, Brian Elliott made 15 saves for his fifth shutout, and the Blues ended Colorado's four-game winning streak.

Coyotes 5, Islanders 1

In Glendale, Arizona, Shane Doan scored at the buzzer for the first hat trick of his 16-year NHL career for Phoenix.

Sharks 5, Capitals 2

In San Jose, Patrick Marleau scored the tiebreaking goal early in the third period off a nifty, no-look pass from Joe Thornton.


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