Takeaways from the Calgary Flames' thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over the reigning Stanley Cup-champion Vegas Golden Knights

Flames are off to a strong start during their run of games against top clubs all the way to Christmas

The Calgary Flames have won two of the first three games into the 15-game gauntlet leading up to the holiday break.

A comeback victory over the Dallas Stars started the run, and they followed a loss to the Colorado Avalanche — a game they were just as deserving to win as the Avs — with Monday’s comeback 2-1 overtime win over the reigning Stanley Cup-champion Vegas Golden Knights which moved them into the Western Conference's second wild-card position.

Considering the calibre of opponents the Flames will face over their next dozen games, winning two of three through that time would be an impressive achievement and put the club in good stead.

Is it possible? Well, anything is possible, but starting with Thursday’s home clash against the Stars, who will be looking to avenge the 7-4 loss handed them last time these teams met, the Flames may want to get their Putrid Power Play™ in gear and stop requiring comebacks.

Before looking ahead, here are three takeaways from the entertaining victory over the Golden Knights that featured an emergency back-up goalie sitting on the bench and nearly pressed into action.

Dan was the man

The final shot count stated goaltender Dan Vladar made 27 saves — compared to the 32 for Vegas goalie Adin Hill — but the Flames netminder was deservedly the first star.

Vladar twice left Nicolas Roy looking to the sky in amazement after highlight-reel stops, and his third-period save on Ivan Barbashev's breakaway was just as clutch on a night he was pressed into action because Jacob Markstrom was ill and on the receiving end of a few collisions, which led to his quip: “I felt like a football player out there.”

It has been a rough start to the season for Vladar, who is well aware Dustin Wolf is knocking on the door and it’s a very real possibility he will be traded.

Vladar’s performance was one to build from and regain his top form.

Greer continues to surprise

When A.J. Greer was claimed of waivers from the Boston Bruins on the eve of the season, the Flames appeared to have a fourth-line energy player, who was also willing to add some toughness. Essentially, the thought was a younger, inexpensive answer to what Milan Lucic provided the past few seasons.

Greer, whose third-period tally cued the comeback, has already also delivered four goals and eight points, a tidy total considering his career highs last season were five goals and 11 points in 61 games.

He is also second on the team with 36 hits, and a positive in almost all analytical numbers.

Greer deservedly was a regular on the ice in the third period when the Flames essentially dropped to three lines.

Zary joins elite company

Speaking of coach Ryan Huska’s plan to skate three lines in close games when the opportunity warrants, Connor Zary joined Martin Pospisil and Adam Ruzicka with reduced third-period ice time.

Before, however, Zary collected an assist on Greer’s game-tying goal and earned his 10th point in November. With three goals and seven assists, Zary is the first Flames rookie to hit double digit in points during a calendar month since Matthew Tkachuk in February 2017. Also on that list are Johnny Gaudreau (who did it twice in his rookie campaign 2014-15) and Sean Monahan in the 2013-14 season.

Zary is also the second fastest Flames rookie to reach 10 points (needing 12 games) in the past 30 years. Monahan required 11 games.

BONUS THOUGHT: Here's hoping defenseman Chris Tanev is OK after blocking a shot with his face late in regulation time. Tanev, who went straight to the room, is a tough customer, but with luck he was only cut. The Flames can ill afford to have the rugged blueliner sidelined for long.