After putting together what might have been their two best road games of the season in California and staring a struggling Oilers team that they have owned for over two years, there were some that thought this might have been a game the Flames may have stumbled in if their intensity had faltered.

It didn't.

With players like Alex Tanguay and Curtis Glencross on the sidelines, and Brendan Morrison just back from injury, it was nice to see some of the Flames depth scoring do the job in one of what will be many "must-win" contests as the Flames simply can't afford not to capitalize against the teams below them in the standings.

Streaky Lee Stempniak potted a hat-trick to go along with an assist in what the Flames are likely hoping is foreshadowing to how he'll perform down the stretch. Blake Comeau, who with the injury to Glencross has been given some increased offensive responsibilities was also able to chip in in a big way with a goal and three assists.

Even much maligned Jay Bouwmeester got into the act, as he scored a goal and added two assists as he showed some of the offensive prowess that has all but deserted his game since he signed in Calgary, but would certainly help bolster their playoff push and would be a welcome addition to a blueline that has struggled mightily at best to generate points.

The win leaves the Oilers with just a single win against the Flames in their last 17 meetings. That win came on opening night in 2010-2011, in a 4-0 Oilers victory.

The win also leaves the Flames in 10th spot in the Western Conference, just two points in arrears of the Colorado Avalanche, but among a group of 5 or 6 teams that look to be fighting for the final 2 playoff spots. many of those teams currently have games in hand on the Flames, so staying on a roll is something that the Flames will need to do if they want to stay in the mix of teams fighting for a spot.

Next up for the Flames is a rematch with the San Jose Sharks who bested the Flames in San Jose in a hard-fought game that the Flames would like to avenge. Alex Tanguay should be ready for that game and will leave the coaches with some decisions to make as the team's lines will once again need to be shuffled to allow the talented winger back into the line-up.

Have a great day!

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