VANCOUVER, BC - JANUARY 06: Calgary Flames Defenceman Mark Giordano (5) and Right Wing Michael Frolik (67) celebrate Frolik's third period goal against the Vancouver Canucks during a NHL hockey game on January 06, 2016, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC. Vancouver won 4-2.(Photo by Bob Frid/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
This season, Calgary Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan has a common refrain in post-game press conferences. Whether his club wins or loses, Gulutzan frequently notes that the key to winning in the National Hockey League is winning the special teams battle.
It's probably no coincidence then that the Flames began their resurgence (and their climb up the Western Conference standings) when their power play began scoring and their penalty kill became more adept at avoiding goals against.