Todd Bertuzzi’s career is being rejuvenated in Calgary and, in turn, the Flames, at long last, are a constant threat to win in Shootouts.

   Over the 4-year history of shootouts in the NHL the Flames haven’t had many shootouts in comparison to most team. Up until now that was a good thing considering the team’s not-so-great record when asked to go one-on-one.

   Now that’s changed and Bertuzzi is the reason.

   Saturday night the big winger was at again scoring on the first shot and was the only shootout scorer as the Flames won 3-2 in Edmonton.  Another key was something that is a rarity — none of the 3 Oiler players got the puck to the net against Miikka Kiprusoff. Two had the puck roll of their stick in front of the Flame goalie and the other overskated the puck when Kipper faked a poke check.

   The team has now won two of its last 3 shootouts with Bertuzzi notching the decisive goal in both. The one the Flames didn’t win last Tuesday vs Vancouver, Big Bert had goalie Roberto Luongo beaten on a spin-o-rama move only to hit the goal post where a goal would have sent the shutout into another round.  All 3 of those Bertuzzi efforts were with different moves.

   On the season, the club is 2-2 in shootouts.  The Flames have never had a winning record in shootouts since the scheme was adopted into play for the 2005-06 season.

   Incidentally, on the play Saturday where Gagner outskated the puck, referee Tim Peel, told Kipper afterwards, he should have gone out of his goal crease to touch the puck to kill the play. Rules stipulate that Gagner could have gone back and resumed his advance because even though he overskated the puck, it was still in play.  Gagner, like Kipper, was unaware of the rule.

    Saturday’s match was the best the Flames have played on their current 7-point streak and one they would have won in regulation but for the great work of Dwayne Roloson in the Oiler nets.  As it was, the Flames needed a goal from Matthew Lombardi with 65 second left to force OT.

   It was the 20th time in 35 wins that the Flames have come-from-behind.

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