Flames singe Pens, 2-1

In Calgary, the Flames gave up a third period goal to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday and then needed a skill goal from Mikael Backlund to grab a 2-1 win.

“I just checked a little bit before, kind of where he’s been letting goals in,” Backlund said. “I tried the move in practice and scored on ‘Marky,’ so I figured if I can score on Marky I can do it on this guy, too.

“You’re always ready to get the call to go, not that I’m expecting with my record, 0-for-7 before today, I wasn’t expecting to get picked early, but when I heard my name, I got excited.”

Jacob Markstrom made 21 saves through extra time.  He added six more saves in the seven-round skills portion of the evening’s affairs.

Jake Guentzel scored at 12:35 of the third period to even that at 1-1, forcing the overtime and skills session.

“We didn’t like our game tonight,” Guentzel said. “I think Tristan played an unbelievable game. Kept us in the game all game. We know we have to be better. Just to get a point, I think it’s a big point for us with a chance in the shootout. Just to come out of it with that, we’ll take it.”

The Penguins dropped to 10-7-5.

Guentzel’s goal came off the the Pens only power play of the match, and was deflected into the Calgary cage off a Flames defender.

Milan Lucic scored midway through the second period to give the Flames a 1-0 lead.

“We have fun here,” Lucic said. “It’s a good win and everything’s a lot more fun when you’re winning.”

Calgary improved to 13-4-5.

The Flames have scored the first goal in 18 of their games this season.

“It gets you the lead again,” Calgary head coach Darryl Sutter said. “Two close checking teams, play similar styles. Whoever gets the lead is probably going to persevere in the end.”

Tristan Jarry made 31 saves in the Pittsburgh loss.

“[Jarry has] played a lot of good ones, but he certainly played well tonight,” Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan said. “He helped us earn an important point.”