Flames Top Kings 3-1 in Sergeev's NHL Debut

In Calgary, Alberta, rookie goaltender Arsenii Sergeev stopped 27 of 28 shots in his first NHL start to lead the Flames to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night, closing out the regular season at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The win improved Calgary's record to 34-39-9, securing the fourth-best odds in next month's NHL Draft Lottery with a 9.5 percent chance at the No. 1 pick. A loss would have given the Flames the third-best odds and guaranteed no worse than fifth overall, but the team competed fully despite fan hopes for a higher draft position. Zayne Parekh broke a 1-1 tie at 6:08 of the third period with his fourth goal of the season, deking past a defender before beating Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg. Morgan Frost opened the scoring on a power play at 5:21 of the second period for his 22nd goal, assisted by Matvei Gridin and Matt Coronato. Quinton Byfield tied it less than two minutes later with his 24th goal for Los Angeles. Joel Farabee sealed the win with an empty-netter in the final minute, reaching 20 goals on the year. Ryan Strome added two assists for Calgary, while Forsberg made 18 saves.

Sergeev, a 23-year-old Russian and seventh-round pick in...