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Kirkland leaves Flames game early with an injury

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Nov 29 2024, 9:29 pm
Kirkland leaves Flames game early with an injury
Sergei Belski/USA TODAY Sports

The Calgary Flames will be without Justin Kirkland for the remainder of today’s game, and possibly even longer.

Kirkland was banged up early in the first period this afternoon versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 27-year-old was spotted heading down the tunnel, and was ruled out shortly after with what the Flames are deeming a lower-body injury.

It’s not exactly clear what caused the injury, but it goes without saying that losing Kirkland for any extended period of time would be a big blow for the Flames.

The 28-year-old has been one of the NHL’s best stories through the first quarter of the season. Signed to a one-year deal this past summer, Kirkland was expected to spend the majority of the 2024-25 season in the AHL. However, he got an opportunity following an injury to Kevin Rooney in the Flames’ season opener and has more than made the most of it.

Kirkland has not only chipped in offensively with two goals and eight points through 20 games, but he’s also quickly proven to be great in shootouts, converting on three of the four opportunities he’s had this season.

Losing Kirkland is one of many things that have gone wrong for the Flames so far this afternoon versus the Columbus Blue Jackets, as they currently find themselves trailing 3-1 late in the second period.

The Flames will be back in action tomorrow versus the Pittsburgh Penguins, a game that Kirkland could very well miss given the quick turnaround. Head coach Ryan Huska will likely have an update on him following the conclusion of today’s outing.

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