3 major takeaways from Calgary Flames' 4-3 S/O win over Pittsburgh Penguins

The Calgary Flames remain scorching hot (no pun intended) to begin the 2024-25 NHL season, impressing fans and pundits alike in their quest to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a two-year absence.

The Flames earned a 4-3 victory over the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins via shootout at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary. They did so in a comeback fashion thanks to Nazem Kadri's game-tying goal late in regulation.

Defenseman Rasmus Andersson got the scoring started for Calgary, beating goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic with a snapshot just after the midway point of the game's opening frame.

However, Pittsburgh's Bryan Rust would knot the score at 1-1 in the second period with his second goal of the season.

The offense progressed in the third period as both teams traded pairs of goals; Rikard Rakell gave the Penguins the lead, while MacKenzie Weegar responded.

After neither team scored in overtime, it was Justin Kirkland who played the role of hero for Calgary in the sixth round of the shootout:

Wolf finished with 35 saves, while Nedeljkovic turned aside 22 Flames shots. Here are the three biggest takeaways from the Tuesday night drama.

#1. The Flames have officially made franchise history

The Flames have yet to lose a game in regulation this season and have begun the campaign with points in their first six contests—a new franchise record since they moved to Calgary after having initially been known as the Atlanta Flames.

#2. Head coach Ryan Huska sent a message of tough love to Martin Pospisil

The Flames forward took an ill-advised penalty in the second period, opening the door for Rust's power-play goal to knot the score.

In response, Flames head coach Ryan Huska stapled Pospisil to the bench for the remaining 13 minutes of the second period.

#3. Goaltender Dustin Wolf is proving to be a reliable figure in net

While not many were sure how the Flames would handle losing a bonafide starter between the pipes, especially after the trade of Jacob Markstrom to the Devils, Wolf has responded very well.

Thanks to his performance on Tuesday, Wolf now has a perfect 3-0 record with a 2.30 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage, well above his career average of .902.

The Flames will look to continue their momentum on Thursday night when they host the Carolina Hurricanes at the Saddledome. Game time is scheduled for 9:00 PM EST.