Flames 1, Canucks 0
Joni Ortio recorded his first career shutout by making 36 saves in his season debut as visiting Calgary snapped its nine-game winless streak versus Vancouver.
Mikael Backlund scored in his third straight contest since returning from an abdominal injury for the Flames, who ended a three-game overall slide and defeated the Canucks for the first time since March 3, 2013. Rookie Johnny Gaudreau, who was selected to compete in the NHL's Skills Competition during the All-Star break, joined David Jones by assisting on Backlund's fourth goal of the season.
Eddie Lack turned aside 22 shots in a hard-luck loss for the Canucks, who finished 2-3-0 on their five-game homestand. Alex Burrows registered a game-high five shots in defeat.
Ortio was recalled from Adirondack on Thursday, two days removed from being named to the American Hockey League All-Star Classic roster. The 23-year-old Finn, who went 4-4-0 in nine starts last season for Calgary, put his best foot forward from the onset by stopping 15 shots in the first period.
Gaudreau took advantage of a turnover in the neutral zone before crossing the blue line and feeding Jones, who backhanded the puck to the doorstep for an easy conversion by Backlund. The tally at 5:38 of the first period stood up as Ortio and the Flames survived a feverish flurry by the Canucks in the waning moments of the third.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Vancouver RW Radim Vrbata and Calgary captain Mark Giordano were named to the upcoming NHL All-Star Game. ... Backlund has recorded three goals and two assists in his last three games. ... Jones, who has set up a goal in three straight contests, was playing in his 350th career game.