Another third period comeback keeps the Calgary Flames alive, defeating e San Jose Sharks 3-2.

It’s a Team Game – The third period is the Flames best friend. They’ve got more than a handful of third period led comeback victories. They have trouble starting on time – the opposition really looking in control at the end of the first horn. Second periods come in many different shapes, but the Flames tend to stay neutral, correcting earlier play but never enough to crawl all the way back. Finally, it ends in the third where they dominate chances, easily, swinging the game back in their favour. Going forward the goal needs to start on time, or they can kiss the playoff chances goodbye.

Corsi King – Three goal scorers all contributing the best way they can. Most notably Morgan Frost (69.60 per cent) ended his slump with a power play snipe through traffic. He’s been incredible at 5v5 the last two weeks, employing an ability to help transition the puck through the middle of the ice without losing puck possession. A full off-season and a training camp will hopefully reset the pivot, and he can have a breakout offensive year for the Flames. As for right now, they need the goals to replicate themselves.

Taken By Chance – Adam Klapka (51.80 SCF% || 51.76 HDCF%) was rewarded for his increased efforts with another tally in the goal column. Keeping his stick on the ice and elevating the puck over the goaltender was the spark the Flames needed. His goal tied things up and you could tell it hardly phased the Flames. They were prepared as an entire group to fight until the horn. Klapka could easily take a spot higher in the lineup if he so desired it – this run he’s been on is showcasing his ability to do mor.

xGF% – Matt Coronato’s (39.34 per cent) third goal was one of the sexiest goals you could score. Driving the middle lane, he causes a direct turnover before sniping it past the unexpecting goaltender. It happened quick and was entirely created through his own individual efforts. It was rare in the sense the Flames don’t usually earn two goal leads. Especially late in the final period. They can get away with this stuff against a team of San Jose’s quality – trying this third period strategy against playoff teams is going to get themselves cooked.

In The Crease – This game doesn’t even remotely come close to being available for a comeback if not for Dustin Wolf having to play out of his mind in the first period. The Flames may not allow a lot of goals but they do not play like a sound defensive squad most nights. Wolf and Vladar have constantly bailed a flawed team out. The defence needs revamped in a big way and that can start by bringing in Parekh for a look as soon as possible. They’ll wait until official elimination but that’s a mistake in my opinion. Besides, everything already is shouldered by Wolf – Parekh isn’t going to affect this hardcore reliance.

Spotlight – Greg Millen – Greg had become such a key part to the Flames community with his colour commentary on the local broadcasts the last few years. If it were a weekend or a road trip you could count on Greg being there. Always friendly with his passion and love for the game translated through the screen in a positive light. His sudden passing was shocking, and I want to extend condolences to all family and friends that knew Greg. I’ve enjoyed reading the tributes online about how truly kind he was or how he always was someone who could light up a room with his personality. Rest in peace Greg and thank you for having been such a positive light to so many people.