National Hockey League
BOXSCORE | RECAP
Calgary 3, Vancouver 1
When: 10:00 PM ET, Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta
Referees: Brian Pochmara, Dan O'Rourke
Linesmen: Brian Murphy, Mark Shewchyk
Attendance: 19289

CALGARY, Alberta -- Rookie left winger Johnny Gaudreau scored his first Stanley Cup playoff goal as the Calgary Flames beat the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 in Game 4 of their Western Conference playoff series.

Right winger Jiri Hudler and center Sam Bennett had the other goals for the Flames, who lead the series 3-1 and can clinch their first playoff series since 2004 Thursday night in Game 5 at Vancouver.

Center Henrik Sedin replied for the Canucks, his first goal of the series, while goalie Ryan Miller made his playoff debut for Vancouver, replacing Eddie Lack after a shaky first period when he allowed three goals on seven shots.

Miller, who played just one game since Feb. 22 due to a lower-body injury, kept the Flames off the scoresheet to give his team a chance at a comeback. He made a great save on a Flames rush when Hudler set up a tip for center Sean Monahan midway through the third period.

A few minutes later, Miller robbed Flames center Matt Stajan twice from point-blank range in the slot. The Canucks now have a big decision to make on their starting goalie for a win-or-go-home Game 5 on Thursday.

At the other end, Flames goalie Jonas Hiller made 28 saves for the win, including a couple of great ones in the final minute when the Sedin line was pressing.

The home team emerged from a wild first period with a 3-1 lead as three goals were scored on the first three power-play opportunities.

The Flames made the Canucks pay for an undisciplined start. After Canucks left winger Ronald Kenins took a boarding penalty on Bennett, the Flames' top power-play unit struck.

Hudler dug the puck out from behind the Canucks net, chipped it to defenseman Dennis Wideman at the side of the crease, and he found Gaudreau on the other side for a wide-open look to open the scoring at 3:23.

Just as in Game 3 on Sunday, the early Flames lead didn't last long. Flames defenseman David Schlemko took a slashing penalty on Canucks center Brandon McMillan, and on the subsequent power play, Sedin scored on a shot from the hashmarks that Flames defenseman Kris Russell deflected past Hiller at 8:12 as he went down for the block attempt.

The Flames stormed right back, once again on the power play. Wideman was set up for a blistering one-timer at the hashmarks that Hudler deflected up over Lack. That goal came at 9:20 with Vancouver center Nick Bonino in the box for roughing up Brodie.

Brodie would have some revenge as he ripped a shot past Lack from the right wing to give the Flames a 3-1 lead at 19:18 of the first.

Miller replaced Lack in net after the first period, as Lack gave up goals on three of the seven shots he faced.

Neither team scored in the second period.

NOTES: During the morning skate, Canucks RW Alex Burrows sustained what is believed to be a broken rib. He was taken from the Saddledome in an ambulance, but the Canucks announced he will be released from hospital in time to fly home with the team. The Canucks dressed LW Brandon McMillan in Burrows' place. ... The Canucks called up former Flames LW Sven Baertschi, and he warmed up but didn't dress. The 22-year-old played three games for the Canucks down the stretch, scoring three goals. ... Vancouver also scratched RW Brad Richardson due to an undisclosed ailment, meaning RW Linden Vey made his playoff debut. Vey played 75 games with the Canucks this season, scoring 10 goals and adding 14 assists. ... With their American Hockey League team done for the season, the Flames recalled 11 players from Adirondack.
Top Game Performances
 
Vancouver   Calgary
Henrik Sedin 1 Points Jiri Hudler 2
Henrik Sedin 1 Goals Jiri Hudler 1
Alexander Edler 1 Assists Dennis Wideman 2
Henrik Sedin 1 Power Play Goals Jiri Hudler 1
N/A Short Handed Goals N/A
Ryan Miller 1.000 Save Percentage Jonas Hiller .966
Ryan Miller 15 Saves Jonas Hiller 28
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Shots Goals Power Play Penalty Kill Penalty Mins Face Offs Won
Vancouver 29 1 1-2 2-4 8 29
Calgary 22 3 2-4 1-2 14 33
Upcoming Games
  • Calgary will play their next game on the road against Vancouver. The Flames have a W/L % of .511 after a win and .595 after a loss.
  • Vancouver will play their next game at home against Calgary. The Canucks have a W/L % of .521 after a win and .676 after a loss.