flames’ Lomberg Embodies Grit with Goal and Fight in One Electrifying Shift
The calgary Flames witnessed a display of raw emotion and impactful play recently, all encapsulated in a single, unforgettable shift by forward Blake Lomberg. He scored his first goal of the season,then immediately engaged in a spirited fight,embodying the team’s growing physicality and determination.
Lomberg initially intended to address a previous hit on teammate Matthew coronato. He revealed he was planning to ask the opposing player to fight a couple shifts earlier, but a timely goal changed those plans – momentarily.
“I asked him right after and he said yes,” Lomberg explained. “Obviously, in their position, down 3-1, it was a good opportunity for them, and for me, just sticking up for our boys.”
A Battle Earned
Despite a shaky start, losing his footing early in the bout with the 6-foot-3, 225-pound opponent, Lomberg quickly regained composure. The ensuing fight energized the crowd and punctuated the Flames’ 3-1 lead.
He acknowledged the challenge, noting, “He’s a big boy, he kind of pushed me over and I lost my balance.” Fortunately, a display of sportsmanship prevailed.
“I asked him to let me up and he did,” Lomberg continued. “Nobody wants to see that, so he was more than happy to let me up and continue the fight.”
The sequence was particularly memorable, prompting a question about whether Lomberg had ever scored and fought in the same shift before. He responded with a smile, “I don’t remember one, but that’s a great stat right there, I’ll take it.”
Teamwork Fuels the Fire
lomberg was speedy to credit linemate,Martin Pospisil (referred to as “Zar” by Lomberg),for the goal that sparked the sequence. He described a crucial play where Pospisil head-manned the puck.
“Initially, I was getting all the speed to block out the defenceman,” Lomberg said. “But it looked like Zar was at the end of the shift, so he head-manned the puck and I almost lost it. I don’t know if he ever would have looked at me the same way if I lost it, but luckily I put it in and I owe him something for sure.”
“the Shift” Captivates
Lomberg’s energy proved infectious, contributing to a strong team performance. mikael Backlund scored twice,Devin Cooley attempted a late empty-net goal,and Jonathan Huberdeau scored while sliding on his seat. MacKenzie Weegar and Pospisil each recorded three assists.
However, it was Lomberg’s shift that truly captured the attention of everyone involved.teammates have affectionately dubbed it “The Shift.”
Weegar highlighted Pospisil’s vision and Lomberg’s response. “It was a good play by Zar putting the puck on the right guy’s stick in that situation.Lombo did the right thing.”
A Valuable Presence
Beyond the goal and fight,Weegar emphasized lomberg’s overall value to the team. “I thought lauzon and Klapper were kind of talking all night and I think lombo was all fired up after that. He’s great for the locker room and for just life in general – he’s the man.”
Weegar even playfully suggested a more fitting name for the sequence, referencing hockey legend Gordie Howe.”I would have liked him to come back and get an assist and then we could have called it the Gordie Howe Shift.”
lomberg’s performance serves as a powerful example of the grit, determination, and team spirit that are defining the Calgary Flames’ season.It’s a shift fans won’t soon forget, and one that underscores the importance of players willing to stand up for their teammates and deliver on both ends of the ice.
