The Calgary Flames had already fallen behind in the series 2-0. The Anaheim Ducks had won six straight playoff games as they swept the Winnipeg Jets in the first round and were potentially looking for back to back sweeps to keep their team well rested. But the Flames were hot tonight and difficult to contain.
Just over two minutes into the opening period, Brandon Bollig was able to get the Flames on the board by getting one past Frederik Andersen. He was assisted by both Mason Raymond and Markus Granlund. This was such a big goal though for the Flames as they had been shutout in game 2 and were anxious to get anything past Andersen early in game 3. The lead would not last long forever though, as Patrick Maroon scored at the 6:57 mark and then Corey Perry scored at the 14:10 mark in the opening period to give the Ducks a 2-1 lead after the opening period of play. This should have come as no surprise as there were hardly any shots on goal in the first period, with Anaheim outshooting Calgary 8-5.
Things looked like they could get worse for the Flames in the second period when Matt Stajan got an early penalty for tripping. During that penalty kill they did have something fortunate happen as Joe Colborne was able to get the unassisted shorthanded goal to tie the game up at two a piece. About four minutes later though, Matt Beleskey was able to give the Ducks a one goal advantage again as he beat Karri Ramo, and that would be the final goal of the second period.
That looked like it was going to be the way that the game would end, as it appeared Anaheim would win another postseason game and go into game 4 with a 3-0 series lead. But they were able to get on a power play thanks to a Sami Vatanen penalty for delay of game. Kris Russell missed on a few shots and then got the puck to Johnny Gaudreau who would tie the game up with just 20 seconds remaining. Then it was just a brief four minutes of sudden death overtime before Mikael Backlund would score the game winner for the Flames to get the Calgary crowd loud and wild before they would head home for the evening.