San Jose is becoming  monumental for the Flames, now finally a positive.

If last April’s game 7 loss in SJ was the low point of the 2007-08 season, and Nov. 13 a bottoming out of this one, then Thursday was a coming of age for Mike Keenan’s crew.

In as good a game as you’ll see, the Flames beat the NHL’s best team in their own Sharktank where the Sharks had gone 33 games without losing in regulation.

…And this in a game where Sharks were trying redeem themselves for a 5-2 loss at Calgary 10 days ago.

Both teams entered the game stressing strong starts. Thus, when the Flames fell behind, 1-0 a mere minute into the game, one couldn’t help but wonder if this would be another wipeout.

If it had happen before Nov. 13 and even last year, its likely the game would have ended right there.

But resilience is the middle name it seems for this Flame squad.

Thursday was the 14th time the Flames rallied to get points in a game.

In the end, Dion Phaneuf scored the GWG with 3:56 remaining with a shot from the point. A great time to end his 25-goal famine.

The Flames lead is now 9 points over Vancouver at the top of the NW Division with 3 games in hand.

Keenan now has his club’s sights on moving higher in the West. The Flames are 8pt behind Detroit and 11 in arrears of the Sharks.

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