In one of those rare days when both the Calgary Stampeders and Calgary Flames play, and win, the Flames did their part by sticking to their gameplan and pulling out a late game win thanks to the emerging second line lead by Mikael Backlund.

Chad Johnson started his 4th game in a row, leading the Flames to their 3rd victory in a row. With the likes of the top line mostly non-existent, the big money players injured or invisible (Monahan is hurt or is just coasting, Giordano is a step behind) the rest of the team is picking up the slack.

Mikael Backlund, surprisingly with only 2 goals on the season despite his play, with Matthew Tkachuk and Frolik, are a dominant line that constantly shuts down the best opponent line and generates offence. Tonight they had a beauty passing play off transition to score the eventual game-winner late in the third period.

Other emerging heroes, tonight at least, was Dougie Hamilton and Garnet Hathaway. The latter scored his first NHL goal and has provided the team with a spark with his crash and bang stlye of play. Hamilton, who’s been subject of trade rumors as of late, had 3 assists on the night, factoring in on all of Calgary’s goals.

The Flames look to continue their winning ways, piling up points when they can since they lead the league in games played, tomorrow against Buffalo. We’ll have to see who goes in net for the team since it’s been a while Brian Elliot’s put on the pads.