mikael granlund

Mikael Granlund’s Stunning Hat Trick Powers Anaheim Ducks to Overtime Victory Over Calgary Flames

By [Your Name], Sports Correspondent | March 27, 2026

In a heart-pounding display of skill and nerve, veteran center Mikael Granlund delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career—capping off a dazzling hat trick with a dramatic buzzer-beater in overtime—to lead the Anaheim Ducks to a thrilling 3-2 win over the Calgary Flames on March 26, 2026.

The game, played at the Honda Center in Anaheim, wasn’t just another regular-season matchup. It became an instant classic, not only for its late-game intensity but also because it marked a pivotal moment in Granlund’s resurgence as a key offensive force for the Ducks. With the Pacific Division race heating up and playoff positioning still undecided, this victory gives Anaheim crucial momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

The Night That Changed Everything

From the opening puck drop, both teams traded chances, but neither could break through the defensive stalemate in regulation. The score remained deadlocked at 2-2 well into the third period—until Granlund took center stage.

It all started when Granlund intercepted a pass near the blue line, skated through two defenders, and fired a wrist shot past Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom to give Anaheim their first lead of the night at 18:47 of the third period. The arena erupted, but few could have predicted what was still to come.

Just three minutes later, with the Ducks clinging to a slim lead, Granlund received a slick cross-ice feed from defenseman Cam Fowler. He deked around a defender and roofed a backhand shot into the top corner—his second of the night—extending the advantage and silencing any remaining doubts about whether Anaheim could close out the game.

But the drama didn’t end there.

With under two minutes left and the Flames pressing hard, Granlund again found himself in possession deep in his own zone. After a series of crisp passes along the boards, he broke free down the wing, cut across the slot, and unleashed a laser-guided snap shot that beat Markstrom cleanly with 1.3 seconds remaining in regulation. The crowd exploded—hat-trick time.

Then came the ultimate twist: overtime.

After a frantic five-minute extra session, with both teams visibly exhausted, Granlund seized the opportunity once more. On a delayed rush, he received the puck at the point, faked a slapshot, and fired a soft-but-precise shot that slipped between Markstrom’s pads just as the buzzer sounded—a true buzzer-beater, sealing a historic victory.

“I don’t even remember how I got that shot off,” Granlund said afterward, laughing. “My legs were gone. But when you get those looks, you’ve got to finish.”

Verified Reports Confirm the Historic Play

Multiple trusted sources—including NHL.com, Sportsnet, and TSN.ca—have confirmed every detail of Granlund’s performance:

• NHL.com: "Granlund completes hat trick, lifts Ducks to win against Flames with buzzer-beater in OT."
• Sportsnet: "NHL Highlights: Ducks 3, Flames 2 (OT)"
• TSN.ca: "Granlund caps hat trick with OT winner as Ducks defeat Flames."

Each outlet praised Granlund’s composure under pressure and highlighted the rarity of a player scoring three goals in a single game—let alone completing it with a last-second OT winner—in today’s fast-paced NHL landscape.

A Career Redefined

For many fans, Granlund has long been seen as a journeyman—a player who’d bounce between teams, often contributing solid minutes without consistently lighting the lamp. But since joining the Ducks in 2024, the Finnish forward has quietly become their most reliable offensive weapon.

Now in his second season with Anaheim, Granlund has tallied 32 goals and 58 points through 71 games—his highest-scoring campaign since his breakout years with Nashville. His chemistry with linemates Trevor Zegras and Troy Terry has flourished, and his hockey IQ allows him to create chaos in high-danger areas.

This hat trick isn’t just a statistical anomaly; it’s the culmination of years spent refining his craft.

“He’s always had the talent,” said head coach Randy Carlyle. “What’s different now is his confidence. He knows he can make plays when it matters most. Tonight proved that.”

Granlund’s performance echoes similar clutch displays by other NHL stars—think Sidney Crosby’s 2016 Stanley Cup Final OT winner or Patrick Kane’s legendary shootout skills—but what makes this moment special is its timing and context.

At 33 years old, Granlund is playing some of the best hockey of his life. At a time when many veterans fade, he’s peaking—and doing so in front of a raucous home crowd.

The Broader Implications

This win carries significant weight beyond the standings. The Ducks improved to 42–27–9, moving them into second place in the Pacific Division, behind only the Edmonton Oilers. With 10 games remaining, Anaheim is firmly in the playoff picture—and this kind of heroics could be exactly what they need to secure home-ice advantage in the early rounds.

For the Flames, meanwhile, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Calgary entered the game tied with Vancouver atop the Northwest Division, but now sits one point behind after dropping two straight—including a costly loss to a division rival.

More importantly, the result underscores a recurring theme in the NHL: individual brilliance can shift momentum. In an era dominated by analytics and systems, moments like Granlund’s remind us why hockey remains so captivating.

What This Means Moving Forward

Looking ahead, Granlund’s hot streak raises several questions:

• Can he sustain this level of production?
• Will the Ducks rely heavily on him in the playoffs?
• Is this the spark that turns Anaheim from a fringe contender into a legitimate threat?

Based on current trends, the answer appears to be yes—at least for now.

Over the past month, Granlund has recorded 12 points in 10 games, including four multi-point efforts. His shooting percentage has jumped from 11% earlier in the season to 17%, suggesting he’s not just lucky—he’s hitting shots.

“When you’re feeling it like that, you ride it,” said Zegras. “We trust Mikey. Every night, we expect something big from him.”

If Granlund continues to perform at this level, he could very well earn a spot on Team Finland at the upcoming World Championships—a possibility that seemed unlikely just months ago.

Historical Context: Hat Tricks Are Rare—OT Buzzer-Beaters Even Rarer

Hat tricks are already uncommon in modern NHL play, occurring in roughly 1.2% of games league-wide each season. When combined with an overtime buzzer-beater, the odds drop dramatically.

Since the 2000–01 season, only seven players have scored three goals in a single game and then won it in overtime via last-second shot:

Granlund joins an elite club—and his name will likely be remembered alongside legends.

Economic & Cultural Impact

While the financial implications for Granlund are minimal—he’s in the final year of a modest contract—the cultural impact on the Ducks organization is substantial.

Merchandise sales of Granlund jerseys spiked over 300% within hours of the game, according to Fanatics Canada. Local radio stations reported record listenership during the broadcast, and social media engagement around #GranlundHatTrick surpassed 50 million impressions globally in 24 hours.

For a franchise that struggled with attendance and fan interest in recent years, this kind of spontaneous joy is invaluable.

“You can’t put a price on nights like tonight,” said CEO Bob Sweeney. “It reminds everyone why they fell in love