First period shots were 18-8 Sharks. Via Natural Stat Trick, five-on-five scoring chances were 13-12 Sharks (high-danger chances were 8-2 Sharks).

Neither team scored in the second period, but the Flames were a lot better than in the first.

Second period shots were 11-8 Flames. Five-on-five scoring chances were 12-7 Flames (high-danger chances were 3-2 Sharks).

The Flames kept pressing in the third period.

Midway through the third, Martin Pospisil crashed into the boards awkwardly and Adam Klapka subbed in on Nazem Kadri’s line… and it resulted in a goal! Kadri and Klapka went in on an odd-man rush. Kadri’s initial shot was stopped by Georgi Romanov, but Klapka jammed in the rebound to tie the game at 1-1.

A little later, Klapka was hauled down and the Flames got a power play. With Jonathan Huberdeau parked in front of Romanov, Morgan Frost fired the puck into the Sharks cage to give the Flames a 2-1 lead.

A little later still, Mikael Backlund provided some back-pressure on a Sharks defender as they attempted to skate the puck out of their end. Matt Coronato took advantage of that distraction to swipe the puck, skate in and beat Romanov to give the Flames a 3-1 lead.

The Sharks got a late power play and, with Romanov off for the extra attacker to make it a six-on-four advantage, Smith scored his second of the game to cut Calgary’s lead down to 3-2.

But that’s as close as the Sharks got, and the Flames escaped the Shark Tank with a 3-2 victory.

Third period shots were 13-5 Flames. Five-on-five scoring chances were 8-2 Flames (high-danger chances were 5-1 Flames).

Why the Flames won

This can’t have been an easy day for the Flames with Greg Millen’s passing. They looked a bit rattled and off their game early on, and you have to give them credit for finding their rhythm as this game went along. Wolf was excellent throughout this game, and the Flames found their execution and desperation in third frame.

Red Warrior

Klapka continues to be a gem on the fourth line, and when he was elevated, the Flames found an extra gear.

Honourable mention to Wolf, who was fantastic.

Turning point

Let’s just say “the third period,” especially that seven minute segment where they scored three goals and found their offensive swagger.

This and that

After the passing of Greg Millen on Monday, Sportsnet carried the NBC Sports broadcast of Monday’s game rather than produce their own broadcast.

Up next

The Flames (37-27-13) are back in action on Wednesday night when they visit the Anaheim Ducks.