3 Takeaways From Flames' 3-2 Overtime Loss to Senators – Hockey Writers – Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames dropped their second straight game in overtime, falling to the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in the finals on Thursday night. This one had everything, from great goals to great saves, and some questionable managers. It was another packed game at the Saddledome, one of the most packed so far this season.

Related: Yegor Sharangovich's Expanding Flames May Be a Mistake

The Flames now sit at 15-11-7 through 33 games, despite a record fans didn't expect for the season. While the win could have been big last night, it was still nice to see them pick up some points against a busy Senators team. That being said, here are three key takeaways from last night's game.

Huberdeau also scored

Jonathan Huberdeau is quietly putting together a big season for the Flames. He leads the team with 23 points, and his 12 goals are tied with Nazem Kadri who is at the top. He managed to find the net last night, and in just 33 games, he has already equaled his goal total from last season.

Huberdeau is currently on pace for 32 goals, which would set a new career high. The points may not roll in the way they did for him with the Florida Panthers, but given the way the past two seasons have gone, Flames fans would be happy to see him reach the 30-goal plateau. He is a big part of the reason this team has had such a good start to the season.

Missed Calls From Ref

This game was not a banner night for the linemen. Flames fans were furious with the referee late in the first half after Shane Pinto punched Martin Pospisil without saying a word. Many in the building saw it as clear as day, but the two who could make the call missed it.

There was another call in overtime, as Huberdeau got on the board after missing a breakaway for taking a stick from Brady Tkachuk in the face. As he stayed on the ice, the Senators took the puck the other way, and it was Tkachuk who scored the winner. Huberdeau skated to the refs to plead his case, but to no avail.

“I saw an opportunity to make two phone calls, but they were not picked up.” Then, the guy who should have been sitting in the box for four minutes ends up scoring,” said Ryan Huska who plays after the game.

In defense of the players, another questionable call went in favor of the Flames, as Huberdeau's second-half goal looked like a kick to many. It was called a goal on ice, and it ended up standing after a review.

Flames Came Out of the Hot Door

For the most part this season, the Flames were the team that walked away with two points because of a hot goalie, this one, it was the exact opposite, as they deserved two points but were sent back. 2022-23 Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark.

Related: Insider believes the Flames and Bennett could reunite this offseason

Ullmark turned aside 29 of the 31 shots he faced, and is now on a seven-game winning streak. He also had an assist on the Senators' game-winning goal. Through 22 games with his new team, he has a 2.37 goals against average (GAA) and a .916 save percentage (SV%).

Facing the Flames

By gaining one point, the Flames managed to stay ahead of the Colorado Avalanche for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They have just one game left in their schedule before the holidays, which will come tomorrow afternoon at the Saddledome when they face the Chicago Blackhawks, who are hot on the heels of three consecutive wins. If the Flames can get a win, they could be in a playoff spot by the holidays.