Calgary Flames Before Nazem Kadri had some choice words about refereeing after his team’s 5-3 defeat against Winnipeg Jets on Saturday evening.

The Flames and Jets were tied 3-3 with just over five minutes left in the third period when Kadri was called for a minor hit on the Jets defenseman. Neal Pionk.

Cole Perfetti took advantage of the penalty, scoring on the ensuing penalty to give the Jets the lead they would never relinquish.

“I think both teams are playing very well. It’s great hockey. It was just a hand-to-hand battle, and someone made a few too many decisions on the game,” Kadri told reporters after the match. “What are you going to do? It’s a great match. We had a great match on our hands. It’s a shame that this is what it had to come down to.”

Kadri was then charged with misconduct with just over a minute of regulation time remaining as tempers heated up to end the match.

“I think (the game was taken away from us),” Kadri said. I think it’s quite natural to feel this way. I mean both teams are fighting and scraping every inch. Obviously having that not work in your favor and just not letting the players decide is frustrating, that’s for sure.

The Flames are 5-2-1 to start the 2024-25 campaign and will face the Vegas Golden Knights Monday.