Lindholm and Markstrom lead Flames over punchless Blackhawks 1-0 to halt skid

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Elias Lindholm scored a power-play goal late in the second period and Jacob Markstrom made 32 saves as the Calgary Flames snapped a four-game losing streak with a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night.

The last-place Blackhawks (14-34-2) have been shut out in two consecutive games, three of their last four and four of the past six. Minus injured rookie star Connor Bedard, they've lost 10 straight on the road and are winless in their last 20 away from home (0-19-1). The franchise record is 22 games (0-20-2) set in 1950-51.

It was the 20th career shutout and second this season for Markstrom, who improved to 14-13-2 as Calgary (22-22-5) finished a 2-4-0 homestand.

Petr Mrazek stopped 30 shots for Chicago but fell to 12-19-1.

Calgary broke through when its 30th-ranked power play cashed in at 15:55 of the second.

Lindholm set up Yegor Sharangovich in front, whose one-timer was blocked by defenseman Jarred Tinordi. But the puck caromed right to Lindholm at the side of an open net and he fired it in for his ninth goal of the season with Mrazek trapped out of position.

That ended a 15-game goal drought for Lindholm, who was selected by the NHL as Calgary’s representative for the upcoming All-Star Game. It was just his second goal in the last 25 games.

Chicago had a wide edge in the quality of chances, with Markstrom turning aside five breakaways in the first 40 minutes.

The Flames announced left wing A.J. Greer will be out eight weeks with a broken foot sustained in Thursday night’s loss to Columbus.

UP NEXT

Blackhawks: Return from the All-Star break to host Minnesota on Feb. 7 in the opener of a five-game homestand.

Flames: Play at Boston on Feb. 6 in their first game after the break, starting a four-game trip.

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AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL