Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev laid his body on the line in Monday’s 2-1 overtime victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, blocking a shot with his face in the third period to help keep the score tied.
Golden Knights forward William Karlsson had a good scoring chance in front of the net with eight minutes remaining in the final frame, but Tanev threw caution to the wind and stepped up to make the play.
A bloody Tanev remained down on the ice for a few seconds before he was accompanied to the bench and locker room by a member of Calgary’s training staff.
Chris Tanev exited the game against the Vegas Golden Knights after getting hit in the face with the puck while diving to block William Karlsson’s shot. pic.twitter.com/qYjwfzBuGb
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 28, 2023
The 33-year-old did not return to the game but reporters on the scene indicated he appeared to be fine. The win surely took some of the pain away.
Flames head coach Ryan Huska praised his veteran blueliner after the victory and hopes Tanev’s grit will rub off on other members of the club.
“You wish that everybody has what he has,” Huska told reporters. “He’s got a different level of courage that if you can give a little bit of what he’s got to other guys on your team, oh man. He’s a pretty special person.”
Tanev’s sacrifice helped pave the way for MacKenzie Weegar’s overtime heroics, as the defenseman scored the winner with five seconds remaining in the extra frame.
The Flames kicked off a six-game homestand on a positive note as they continue to turn their season around after a disappointing October. Calgary has steadily climbed the standings in recent weeks and currently occupies the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Vegas, on the other hand, is 3-5-2 since getting off to an 11-0-1 start.
“It just feels right now that we don’t find ways to win,” Golden Knights forward Nicolas Roy said after losing to Calgary. “Obviously every team in this league is going to have bad stretches. We’re in one right now.”
