Flames Hold On for Win Over Struggling Devils

Mikael Backlund scores 600th career point in Calgary's 5-4 victory over New Jersey

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:16am

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The visiting Calgary Flames held on for a 5-4 win over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night. Mikael Backlund scored a key third-period goal for his 600th career point, and John Beecher had two goals for the Flames. The Devils made a late push with goals from the Hughes brothers, Jack and Luke, but couldn't complete the comeback.

Why it matters

This game was an important win for the Flames as they look to solidify their playoff positioning, while the struggling Devils continue to search for consistency this season. Backlund's milestone point also highlights his impressive longevity and productivity with the Flames organization.

The details

The Flames opened the scoring early in the first period with a goal from Beecher. They extended their lead to 2-0 later in the period on a goal from Kevin Bahl. The Devils got one back before the end of the first to make it 2-1. In the second period, Beecher scored shorthanded to make it 3-1 Flames, but the Devils responded quickly to cut the deficit to 3-2. Calgary then regained their two-goal lead late in the second on a goal from Yegor Sharangovich. Backlund's milestone goal in the third period gave the Flames a 5-2 advantage, but the Devils mounted a late comeback with goals from the Hughes brothers to make it close at 5-4.

  • The Flames opened the scoring 5:04 into the first period.
  • Calgary made it 2-0 with 5:46 remaining in the first period.
  • The Devils got a goal back with 3:46 left in the first period.
  • Beecher scored shorthanded 54 seconds into the second period.
  • Luke Hughes scored with one second remaining on a Devils power play in the second period.
  • Backlund scored his 600th career point 4:10 into the third period.

The players

Mikael Backlund

An 18-year veteran with the Calgary Flames who scored his 600th career point in the game.

John Beecher

A Flames player who scored two goals in the game, including a shorthanded tally.

Jack Hughes

A Devils player who scored a goal in the third period to cut the Flames' lead.

Luke Hughes

A Devils player who scored a goal in the final seconds to make it a one-goal game.

Jacob Markstrom

The Devils' goaltender who made 24 saves in the game.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Flames' ability to hold on for a key road win despite a late push from the struggling Devils. Backlund's milestone point underscores his importance to the Flames' franchise, while the Hughes brothers' goals showed the Devils' fight to the end despite the loss.