Pre-Scout: After recent run, Flames sniffing playoff picture ahead of Christmas BoA

Since Calgary Flames president Don Maloney declared to the world that rebuilds are for losers in late November (I’m paraphrasing here), the team on the ice is backing it up, to both the excitement and chagrin of their fanbase.

They are 9-3-1 since the rejection of the rebuild, and visions of playoffs aren’t inconceivable anymore, entering tonight five points back of the last wildcard spot, and three wins behind the Edmonton Oilers.

The Flames also provide an elixir that causes the Oilers to trip up in the regular season: an hour of consistently hard work.

On Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday, they pounced on the Vegas Golden Knights early and often, with captain Mikael Backlund scoring twice, and depth forwards Adam Klapka and Ryan Lomberg making a difference in a sound 6-3 victory.

“Winning’s always fun,” Lomberg said post-game. “It felt like the ‘Dome was extra-special today, so it was great.”

How do they do it?

Calgary forechecks relentlessly. They simply don’t go away, and despite the lack of elite offensive talent, they find ways to manufacture goals. Their goaltending has gotten run support, too, with the Flames scoring four or more goals in six of their last 13 games.

Those aren’t gaudy numbers, but considering they’re bottom-5 in the NHL in goals-per-game, it’s impressive they’ve won nine out of 13.

And oh by the way, it’s not the method of playing Dustin Wolf until he breaks down like a rented mule – the Flames have two good goalies, as Devin Cooley has lightened the load on the franchise........

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