Ducks’ rally falls short as Flames spoil Jakob Silfverberg’s home farewell
Sam Colangelo scores in his NHL debut for the Ducks, who trim a four-goal margin to one before Calgary hands them a 6-3 loss. The game was the last at Honda Center for retiring longtime Ducks forward Silfverberg.
Longtime Ducks forward Jakob Silfverberg waves to fans acknowledging his last home game after their 6-3 loss to the Calgary Flames on Friday night at Honda Center. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Ducks forward Sam Colangelo celebrates after scoring his first NHL goal during the third period of their game against the Calgary Flames on Friday night at Honda Center. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) shoots during the first period of the team’s NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames, Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Calgary Flames left wing Andrew Mangiapane (88) is congratulated for his goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Ducks center Leo Carlsson (91) shoots as Calgary Flames center Yegor Sharangovich (17) defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) controls the puck as Calgary Flames center Kevin Rooney (21) chases during the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) waves to people in the stands during the first period of the team’s NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames, Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. Silfverberg announced that he plans to retire after the season. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (91) celebrates his goal against the Anaheim Ducks with defenseman MacKenzie Weegar (52) and center Martin Pospisil (76) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Anaheim Ducks right wing Brett Leason (20) shoots past Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington (58) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras (11) controls the puck past Calgary Flames defenseman Daniil Miromanov (62) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Calgary Flames center Jonathan Huberdeau (10) shoots past Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (4) and defenseman Urho Vaakanainen during the second period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Calgary Flames left wing Andrei Kuzmenko (96) scores past Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (36) and Ducks’ Urho Vaakanainen during the second period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Calgary Flames center Connor Zary (47) and Anaheim Ducks left wing Alex Killorn (17) vie for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Calgary Flames center Connor Zary (47) celebrates his goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Calgary Flames right wing Matt Coronato (27) shoots past Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (7) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Anaheim Ducks forward Sam Colangelo (64) scores his first NHL goal, past Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) during the third period of a hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Anaheim Ducks forward Sam Colangelo (64) celebrates his first NHL goal, during the third period of the team’s NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames, Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Anaheim Ducks forward Sam Colangelo (64) celebrates his first NHL goal with defenseman Jackson LaCombe (60), during the third period of the team’s NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames, Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Anaheim Ducks celebrate a goal by right wing Frank Vatrano (77) during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames, Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger (51) shoots during the third period of the team’s NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames, Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger (51) celebrates his goal against the Calgary Flames during the third period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (91) celebrates his goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (91) is congratulated for his goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. The Flames won 6-3. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Calgary Flames left wing Andrei Kuzmenko (96) is congratulated for his goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 12: Urho Vaakanainen #5 of the Anaheim Ducks checks Matt Coronato #27 of the Calgary Flames during the first period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
John Gibson #36 of the Anaheim Ducks adjusts his helmet after it fell off during the first period of a game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
John Gibson #36 of the Anaheim Ducks loses his helmet after it fell off during the first period of a game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Bo Groulx #24 of the Anaheim Ducks checks Kevin Rooney #21 of the Calgary Flames during the first period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
John Gibson #36 looks back as Cam Fowler #4 of the Anaheim Ducks controls the puck during the first period of a game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Nazem Kadri #91 of the Calgary Flames shoots the puck during the first period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Jakob Silfverberg #33 of the Anaheim Ducks waves to fans as this game was announced as his last home game during the first period of a game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
John Gibson #36 of the Anaheim Ducks defends against a shot by Jonathan Huberdeau #10 of the Calgary Flames during the first period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Radko Gudas #7 of the Anaheim Ducks pushes Martin Pospisil #76 of the Calgary Flames during the first period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Jackson LaCombe #60 of the Anaheim Ducks controls the puck past Martin Pospisil #76 of the Calgary Flames during the first period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Oliver Kylington #58 of the Calgary Flames battles Sam Colangelo #64 of the Anaheim Ducks for a loose puck during the second period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Walker Duehr #71 of the Calgary Flames attempts to block a shot by Troy Terry #19 of the Anaheim Ducks during the second period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
MacKenzie Weegar #52 of the Calgary Flames defends against Bo Groulx #24 of the Anaheim Ducks during the second period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Sam Colangelo #64 of the Anaheim Ducks skates past Oliver Kylington #58 of the Calgary Flames during the second period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Dustin Wolf #32 of the Calgary Flames pushes off a puck during the second period of a game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Daniil Miromanov #62 and Dustin Wolf #32 of the Calgary Flames defend against the screen of Brett Leason #20 of the Anaheim Ducks during the second period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 12: Jakob Silfverberg #33 of the Anaheim Ducks waves to fans acknowledging his last home game after a game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Olen Zellweger #51 of the Anaheim Ducks controls the puck during the third period of a game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Sam Colangelo #64 of the Anaheim Ducks skates during the second period of a game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Sam Colangelo #64 is congratulated at the bench after scoring his first NHL goal during the third period of a game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Sam Colangelo #64 is congratulated at the bench after scoring his first NHL goal during the third period of a game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Sam Colangelo #64 of the Anaheim Ducks skates past Oliver Kylington #58 of the Calgary Flames during the second period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Jackson LaCombe #60 and Isac Lundestrom #21 congratulate Sam Colangelo #64 of the Anaheim Ducks after his first NHL goal during the third period of a game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Connor Zary #47 of the Calgary Flames pushes Radko Gudas #7 of the Anaheim Ducks during the third period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Olen Zellweger #51 of the Anaheim Ducks is congratulated at the bench after scoring a goal during the third period of a game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
John Gibson #36 of the Anaheim Ducks is unable to stop a goal by Andrei Kuzmenko #96 as Andrew Mangiapane #88 of the Calgary Flames looks on during the first period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Yegor Sharangovich #17, MacKenzie Weegar #52 and Andrew Mangiapane #88 congratulate Nazem Kadri #91 of the Calgary Flames after his goal during the third period of a game as John Gibson #36 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Sam Colangelo #64 of the Anaheim Ducks skates during the second period of a game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Sam Colangelo #64 of the Anaheim Ducks skates past Oliver Kylington #58 of the Calgary Flames during the second period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Olen Zellweger #51 and John Gibson #36 of the Anaheim Ducks cover up a puck as Martin Pospisil #76 of the Calgary Flames looks on during the first period of a game at Honda Center on April 12, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Longtime Ducks forward Jakob Silfverberg waves to fans acknowledging his last home game after their 6-3 loss to the Calgary Flames on Friday night at Honda Center. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM — Jakob Silfverberg’s last home game as a Duck was also Sam Colangelo’s first, and they skated on a line together in the final 60 minutes of the season at Honda Center, where Calgary prevailed, 6-3.
“Right as we got here, they had a big surprise for me, my family was already here, the owners were here, the front office and a lot of people, it’s been a (unique) day with a lot of emotions,” said Silfverberg, who announced this week that but will continue his career in Sweden.
“Tough start to the game, but we made a good push in the third and played some really good hockey. The crowd was awesome,” he continued. “Unfortunately we couldn’t make it all the way but I’m really appreciative of what the team has done for me, personally, and my family. It’s been an awesome day that me, my kids and my wife will remember forever.”
Ducks Coach Greg Cronin first praised Silfverberg as a person, father and husband, as well as a mentor who was willing to step outside his comfort zone and become more vocal in the midst of some very young teammates.
“When Leo [Carlsson] gets done playing or when he’s at the peak of his career, when he’s a superstar, he’s going to reflect back on how blessed he was to have (Silfverberg) as a role model,” Cronin said.
All sentimentality and fanfare receded quickly as the result of a quick start from the Flames, who struck twice in each of the first two periods. The juxtaposition of a soon-to-retire mainstay and a recent college graduate making his NHL debut got overshadowed by an even more stark contrast, that of the Ducks’ first 40 minutes Friday to their final 20, in which they nearly erased a four-goal deficit with three unanswered goals.
John Gibson stopped 21 shots in the final home game of the sixth consecutive non-playoff season for the Ducks, who have lost 15 of 18. They finished with just 12 home victories this season, fewer than every team except NHL-worst San Jose with 11.
Flames goalie Dustin Wolf, a former Junior King, had 19 saves, getting the call since No. 1 goalie Jacob Markstrom faced the Kings on Thursday.
Between the Flames’ first-period goals by Andrew Mangiapane (5:54) and Nazem Kadri (11:53), there was a video salute and spirited ovation for Silfverberg, complete with a chorus of “Ohh, ahh, Silfverberg” from those on hand for fan appreciation night.
Mangiapane scored his first goal in 11 games, while shorthanded. He pressed Carlsson on the forecheck and lifted Carlsson’s stick to create a turnover, later finishing what he started at the back post.
Kadri tallied despite being the only Flame among four Ducks after a failed poke check by Trevor Zegras at the defensive blue line. Kadri eased ahead, burned Jackson LaCombe with a cut inside and then snapped a shot past Gibson.
“It seemed like we were still in the celebration mode, and they were coming out buzzing after they played last night, and they sustained it for two periods,” Cronin said, adding that he had difficulty singling out a player who was performing effectively early.
Calgary extended its lead 5:43 into the middle frame, completing its variety pack of goals with a power-play marker. Andrei Kuzmenko, who finished with a hat trick, received the puck at the left post and glided across the goal crease to stuff the puck through Gibson.
The Flames singed the Ducks a fourth time with 1:32 left in the frame. Connor Zary beat Alex Killorn off the left-wing wall to start a give-and-go play with Jonathan Huberdeau, which concluded with Zary lifting a backhand shot up over Gibson’s shoulder from in tight.
At the 2:54 mark of the third period, before which Cronin said he implored his club to offer the fans more, the Ducks gave them something to appreciate with Colangelo’s first career goal, and then again at 6:13 with a dazzling dish from Zegras to Frank Vatrano.
Isac Lundeström won an offensive-zone faceoff and then tipped a Radko Gudas point shot. With the puck teetering in front of the goal line, Colangelo pushed it home for his first glorious moment as a pro.
“It felt incredible,” said Colangelo, who had his parents and two of his closest friends in the stands. “I kind of blacked out for a second there. Just tried to get a little celly in and enjoy it with the teammates. They were great to me all day, the last couple of days. It was a great feeling.”
“It just makes me want to work even harder. I want to chase that feeling and have that feeling many more times in my career.”
Then, Zegras got the puck from LaCombe, moving behind the net to his right and looking in that direction before making a no-look backhand pass to his left for Vatrano’s tap-in tally, his team-best 34th of the season.
“Credit to Frankie for being down there and having his stick loaded, ready to go. If that’s somebody else, maybe they don’t see it coming, it was a Magic Johnson [style] pass,” Cronin said.
The Ducks trimmed their deficit to one with 12:59 to play. Rookie defenseman Olen Zellweger skated silkily to the top of the left circle and let fly with a snapshot for his second career goal.
That influx of emotion proved ephemeral as with 5:38 remaining the Flames scored for the second time with the man advantage. Kadri and Huberdeau each snagged their second assist and Kuzmenko’s second goal of the game effectively decided its outcome.
“You have this low of being emotionally flat to this high of making it 4-3 and all the momentum in the world, and we take a penalty, which has been, seriously, a thorn in our rear end since the beginning of the year,” Cronin said.
With 2:41 showing on the clock, Kuzmenko completed his hat trick, the second of his career, with both coming against the Ducks. He followed up to pop home Martin Pospisil’s rebound. Pospisil and MacKenzie Weegar each earned their second assists of the evening, leaving the Ducks’ rally to fall short.
“It was an emotional rollercoaster of a game,” Cronin said.
Before the game, Silfverberg received a Rolex watch, a customized table tennis table and a gaming chair from different portions of the organization.
Ducks forward Sam Colangelo (64) celebrates after scoring his first NHL goal during the third period of their game against the Calgary Flames on Friday night at Honda Center. The Ducks lost, 6-3. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
