THREE STARS

1. Vancouver RW Zack Kassian — The Canucks, forever auditioning wingers for the Sedins, may have found their man. Lots of game.

2. Calgary G Miikka Kiprusoff — Particularly during a long lopsided stretch in the second period, ever-trampled Finn keeps his team close.

3. Vancouver G Cody Schneider — Performing under immense pressure. Trying to be the No. 1 guy. Trying to forget about Game 1. Succeeds.

WHY THE FLAMES LOST

Because they’re are a perplexing bunch. When you think they’re about to take off, they dive. When you think they’re about to sink, they surge. Odd. So when they’re being dominated in the second period, when they surrender the night’s first two goals, you figure that they’re toast. Nope. They rally. Of course. Only to fall short. Of course.

THE BIG HIT

Behind the Vancouver net, Calgary LW Curtis Glencross, moving swiftly, bounces D Keith Ballard to the ice with a stiff check. Ballard, not pleased at all, follows Glencross around, possibly looking for a tilt. It’s worth noting that earlier in the period, it had been Glencross who received a rough ride, courtesy of D Kevin Bieksa.

THE BIG SAVE

Late in a scoreless first period, Calgary RW Jarome Iginla wins the draw. D Jay Bouwmeester, from the right point, whips a wrister netward. Iginla, rushing to the net, collects the loose puck. Shifting to his backhand, it looks like a sure goal until G Cory Schneider snaps out his right pad, foiling the Calgary captain. LW Alex Tanguay’s rebound attempt is also parried by the Vancouver starter.

THE ROSTERS

Calgary Scratches: D Chris Butler, D Anton Babchuk (shoulder), C Roman Cervenka (blood clot), RW Jiri Hudler (bereavement). Prior to puck-drop, C Roman Horak was assigned to AHL Abbotsford.

VANCOUVER Scratches: D Andrew Alberts, D Cam Barker, C Andrew Ebbett, C Ryan Kesler (shoulder, wrist), LW David Booth (groin)

SUMMARY

Canucks 3 Flames 2 (SO)

First Period

No Scoring

Penalty — J Schroeder Van (Holding) 8:07.

Second Period

1. Vancouver, Z Kassian 2 (unassisted) 6:20.

2. Vancouver, M Raymond 1 (pp) (D Sedin, D Hamhuis) 8:20.

3. Calgary, A Tanguay 2 (C Glencross) 11:00.

4. Calgary, M Backlund 1 (pp) (J Iginla, M Kiprusoff) 16:03.

Penalties — A Tanguay Cgy (Hooking) 0:17; D Smith Cgy (High-sticking) 6:49; J Garrison Van (Slashing) 12:26; K Bieksa Van (Cross-checking) 13:23; A Edler Van (Closing Hand on Puck) 14:43; B Comeau Cgy (Goaltender Interference) 16:39.

Third Period

No Scoring

Penalties — Z Kassian Van (Goaltender Interference) 4:03; B Jones Cgy (Tripping) 14:10.

Overtime

No Scoring

Penalties — None.

Shootout

Calgary— J. Iginla (save), A. Tanguay (goal), M.Cammalleri (save), L. Stempniak (save), C. Glencross (save).

Vancouver—A. Burrows, (goal), A. Edler (save), D. Sedin (save), M. Raymond (save), Z Kassian (goal).

Shots on goal by

Calgary 7 11 14 4 —36

Vancouver 10 18 7 1 —36

Power plays (goals-chances) — Calgary: 1-5, Vancouver: 1-4.

Goal (shots-saves) — Calgary: M Kiprusoff (36-34, L, 0-2-1). Vancouver: C Schneider (36-34, W, 1-1-0).

Referees: Ian Walsh, Stephen Walkom.

Linesmen: Mike Cvik, Brad Lazarowich.

Att. at Vancouver, BC — 19,810.

NEXT UP

The Flames return home to prepare for Taylor Hall and the Edmonton Oilers who drop into the Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday (8 p.m., CBC, FAN 960).