CALGARY - Embattled Justin Kirkland scored his first goal in more than 14 months on Saturday and his big smile afterwards spoke volumes.
鈥淔eels pretty good, that's for sure,鈥 said Kirkland, whose last goal was on Nov. 12, 2024. 鈥淭hat was a long time coming. It means a lot.鈥
The second-period marker ended up being the game winner as the Calgary Flames beat the New York Islanders 4-2.
鈥淐ontributing offensively is a good feeling,鈥 said Kirkland. 鈥淎 weight off the shoulders too, to get that first one. So, a lot of different things roll through the head, but great play by my linemates to set that up.鈥
Kirkland was a feel-good story for the Calgary Flames last season getting his first NHL goal and point at age 28 and going on to put up eight points (two goals, six assists) in 21 games while gaining notoriety for his proficiency in the shootout, going 3-for-4.
However, his season came to a crushing halt on Nov. 29, 2024, when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during a game in Columbus.
Surgery was performed immediately and that was followed by several months of extensive rehab. Re-signed to a one-year deal in the summer, he made the Flames opening night roster this season, but struggling to get back to NHL game speed, he was put on waivers in mid-November and then sent to the minors.
Since he was recalled on Dec. 18, he's been in and out of the Flames' lineup.
鈥淎 lot of different stuff goes into getting back here,鈥 admitted Kirkland.
On the decisive goal, the 6-foot-3 fourth-line centre was set up on a two-on-one by a nifty feed from veteran Ryan Lomberg, and they were both beaming when they came together behind the net for a lengthy embrace.
鈥淚t's cool,鈥 said Kirkland. 鈥淲e've known each other for a long time, so, I appreciate everything he's done for me over the last couple years.鈥
Kirkland also acknowledged the thunderous ovation he received from the Saddledome crowd of 17,358.
鈥淚t's so cool playing in front of our fans. Our home record (13-7-2) speaks to how we've done here this year and what they mean to us,鈥 said Kirkland. 鈥淥n a day like today with it hockey day in Canada, and a pretty packed crowd with lots of energy, it makes it more special.鈥
Coach Ryan Huska complimented Kirkland for how he has handled all the challenges put before him.
鈥淗e's had a long road to get himself back, and I think every day is a bit of a struggle,鈥 said Huska. 鈥淲hen you don't play a ton in that fourth-line role, to get yourself up to speed consistently is a hard thing to do.鈥
But he's liked what he's seen since his most recent recall.
鈥淗e's been a good player for us, penalty-kill wise, and adding some size to our fourth line.鈥
Chasing his NHL dream hasn't been easy for Kirkland, who didn't make his NHL debut until age 26.
Drafted in the third round by Nashville in 2014, his NHL debut came with Anaheim in 2022-23 playing seven games. He also got into two games with the Arizona Coyotes in 2023-24.
鈥淭he one thing I will say about Justin is he's very mature,鈥 said Huska. 鈥淗e wants to contribute more, for sure, I think he wants to have that impact, but he understands what is expected out of him, what the team needs from him, maybe, most importantly.鈥
Yegor Sharangovich, Adam Klapka and Yan Kuznetsov also scored for Calgary, which has won three of its last four. Dustin Wolf made 28 saves to end his five-game losing streak.
This report by 好色tvwas first published Jan. 17, 2026.
