Three most impressive factors in Flames thrilling 4-3 win over Stars

The Calgary Flames scored three goals in a thrilling 3:37 of the third period to erase a two-goal deficit and beat the Dallas Stars 4-3.

It felt like one of those games where everyone would ruminate over a loss, saying the Flames deserved to win but came away with nothing. That was until 14:36 of the third when Andrew Mangiapane scored to bring the Flames within one, spearheading the away team’s comeback.

Speaking of Mangiapane, he’s the focus of the second most impressive factor of Calgary’s comeback win.

3. Darryl Sutter’s decision to pull Jacob Markström after two

Almost everyone was surprised to see Daniel Vladař start between the pipes in the third period. For whatever reason, Markström’s night was done. The Swede certainly wasn’t pulled for his performance.

Giving up three on 23 shots doesn’t constitute a poor outing in anyone’s estimation. So maybe Sutter wanted to give Vladař 20 minutes before starting against the Coyotes tonight. That logic, considering Vladař hasn’t started between the pipes in over a month, is sound.

Possibly, though, Sutter wanted to rest his No. 1 netminder with the intention of starting him in Arizona. Maybe Markström felt unwell or suffered a minor injury setback, though there were no signs of such an occurrence. Who knows why the unconventional decision was made.

What we do know, however, is how effective it was. While Vladař was only tested five times in the third, the change of netminder helped turn the tide, which it so often does. Calgary’s backup did what he needed, shutting the door on the Stars’ rare third-period opportunities.

2. Mangiapane scores his 19th road goal

It’s a statistic that defies logic and reasoning. Both impressive and inconceivable, Mangiapane netted his 20th goal of the current campaign, 19 of which have come on the road. The road warrior only has one more away game, in Arizona tonight, before returning to Calgary where the Flames play 21 of their next 26 encounters.

The 25-year-old will be hoping he starts scoring in front of the Flames’ faithful at the Dome, so he can remember what it’s like to be the hero, not the road villain he’s become accustomed to. Although his performances away from home indicate he’s not just comfortable, but thrives in his villainous role.

1. Flames win first of the season when trailing after two

What a thrilling comeback. The Flames outshot the Stars 18-5 in the third period, and in the process overturned a third period deficit for the first time this season. They improved to a still dismal 1-9-1 record when trailing after two.

Only Anaheim, San Jose and Seattle have worse winning percentages when trailing after two. But the Flames won’t care too much about their past struggles. It was an inspiring comeback that was well deserved. The Flames peppered Lucas Glendening with 40 shots on the night and hit three posts (their second most of the season).

And the winning goal was something to marvel. When you look up tic-tac-toe online (give it a few days), a video showing the Flames fourth goal should be on display.

Eventually finished off by Oliver Kylington, on assists from Rasmus Andersson and Elias Lindholm, who just exited the box after serving two minutes for holding, Calgary secured the improbable win in glorious fashion.