The recent matchup between the St. Louis Blues and the Calgary Flames raised a pivotal question: how did the Flames manage to secure a 2-1 victory despite having three goals disallowed? The answer lies in a series of successful challenges by Blues coach Jim Montgomery, marking a significant moment in the game.
During the contest held at the Scotiabank Saddledome on March 18, 2026, the Flames had three goals nullified due to successful offside and high stick challenges from the Blues. The first disallowed goal was attributed to Kevin Bahl being offside, followed by Connor Zary’s goal being overturned for a high stick, and finally, Joel Farabee’s goal was also ruled offside.
Despite these setbacks, the Flames managed to win the game in a shootout, with two goals scored compared to the Blues’ one in regulation. This victory is particularly noteworthy as it marks Montgomery as the first coach to win three challenges in a single game since March 2023.
As of this game, the Blues rank 13th in the Western Conference with 64 points, while the Flames sit at the bottom with 59 points. The Blues have recorded 27 wins, 30 losses, and 10 overtime losses this season, whereas the Flames have 26 wins, 34 losses, and 7 overtime losses.
Key players in the game included Robert Thomas, who has accumulated 44 points in 50 games this season, and Mikael Backlund, who has scored 15 goals. In goal, Joel Hofer for the Blues has a goals-against average of 2.7 and a save percentage of .906, while Flames’ Dustin Wolf has a goals-against average of 3.0 and a save percentage of .896.
Connor Zary commented on the unusual situation, stating, “We’ve all been part of a disallowed goal, but to have three straight… It was pretty nuts, honestly.” Flames coach Ryan Huska expressed his concerns about the officiating, saying, “I would rather a linesman not blow down on a close play to negate a potential two-on-one, if it was onside.”
Looking ahead, both teams will need to address their standings as the season progresses, with the Blues and Flames vying for improved positions in the Western Conference. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes in player lineups or strategies as they prepare for their upcoming games.
