Flames stay hot, build on impressive record when leading after 40
The Calgary Flames like Florida. They also like playing the third period with a lead.
The Flames won their third straight and second in two nights in Florida on Friday with a 4-2 decision over the Panthers, and after going up by two in the second period, Calgary shut it down - as it's been doing all season:
Another solid road effort as the Flames methodically run their opponent out of time in the third period. Now 23-0-1 when leading after two.
— Darren Haynes (@DarrenWHaynes) February 25, 2017
With the win, the Flames now hold the first wild-card spot in the West, and are tied with the San Jose Sharks for the most wins on the road in the Pacific Division with 17.
Calgary's now six points back of the Edmonton Oilers for third in the Pacific, and six points up on Los Angeles, though the Kings have two games in hand.
It's going to be a wild finish down the stretch, but if the Flames can keep up their third-period dominance with a lead and continue their winning ways on the road, they should be back in the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.