The storybook season continued for Calgary Flames forward Justin Kirkland last night.
Kirkland, who has quickly become a fan favourite in his first year with the Flames, was able to put home his second shootout winner of the season last night. It marked his third shootout attempt, all three of which he’s gone with the same patented move that gave him plenty of success at the AHL level.
Justin Kirkland wins it in the shootout for the Flames!#Flames pic.twitter.com/QfRoDe3LE7
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) November 20, 2024
“The excitement and adrenaline is always going to be there,” Kirkland said about scoring a shootout winner. “It’s a credit to Dustin [Wolf]. He makes two big saves and gives me an opportunity.”
Kirkland’s shootout winner against the Pittsburgh Penguins helped build buzz around his name in Calgary, though last night’s may have been bigger on a personal level, as he revealed afterward his parents were in attendance to watch it live.
“I don’t think it’s something I’ve gotten used to yet. It’s still a little bit of a pinch-me moment,” Kirkland said. “Pretty special tonight, I had my parents in the stands. Pretty cool to be able to do it in front of them. They’ve supported me all throughout this.”
Despite not making the Flames’ roster out of training camp, Kirkland was called up after the season opener following an injury to Kevin Rooney. Though Rooney has since returned, Kirkland’s impressive play in mainly a fourth-line role has allowed him to remain in the NHL.
Not only is Kirkland a sound penalty killer who has been able to chip in with some secondary scoring, but fans have quickly realized just how elite he is in the shootout. As pointed out by Ryan Pike of Flames Nation, he has gone 22-for-35 in the AHL, helping show why head coach Ryan Huska has so much confidence using him in those situations.
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