Justin Kirkland's incredible story with the Calgary Flames continues to grow as he nets huge goal to beat Pittsburgh Penguins

In the American Hockey League, Justin Kirkland is considered Mr. Automatic in the shootout. Still, it caught Justin Kirkland off guard when he heard Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska call his name on the bench in the sixth round of the shootout against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night at the Saddledome.

“I just heard my name called, and I look back to double check, ‘Me?’ Kirkland recounted to media members after he scored the winning goal in a 4-3 shootout victory. “There's some serious high-end skill in this room. I really wasn't expecting it. It was the most nervous I've ever been.”

The slick move worked, putting the pressure on Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf, who had to make one final save against Penguins living legend Evgeni Malkin — right after his former AHL teammate Kirkland did what he always did in the minors.

Kirkland might have been the only one who was surprised by the pick.

“It's awesome. I got to play with (Kirkland) my first pro year in Stockton, and as soon as I saw he was going for the shootout, I knew we were going to win.” Wolf said post-game. “He's Mr. Automatic when it comes to shootouts, and I don't think I've seen him miss yet. Knock out wood, let’s keep it that way.”

Huska might have saved Wolf a little stress if he called on Kirkland sooner than the sixth round. He, too, had done some scouting on his players’ success rates regardless of what league they were in.

“I was kind of kicking myself for not going to him earlier, to be quite honest with you,” Huska said. “Guys that have played with him in the American League know he's pretty much automatic, so it was nice to see him score there tonight.”

Nazem Kadri scored the tying goal with about 20 seconds left in regulation, with Rasmus Andersson opening the scoring and MacKenzie Weegar knotting things at 2-2 before the Penguins went ahead again in the third period.

But it's Kirkland’s story that just keeps getting better. The 28-year-old has battled long and hard for a chance to play in the NHL, and overcame a serious motor vehicle accident to get this opportunity with the Flames. He’s made the most of it with his a goal and three points, plus a big shootout winner to go with those stats.

“He’s a good person that has worked a long time to try to get himself here and now he's having some success,” Huska said. “So it's a really nice story for us to be part of.”

At times it might be hard for Kirkland to believe. He said he’s “living the dream,” and he means it. So what does it feel like to score a big shootout winner?

A whole lot of relief,” Kirkland said. “A lot of emotions, too, though. It's exciting. A lot of nerves going into it, and then you see it go in, and it's, I don't know, just a little bit surreal that this is going on right now.”