Vancouver goalie Ryan Miller hoped to post his 27th win of the season, but the Calgary Flames came out on top with a gritty performance at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Calgary's 3-2 victory brings them even with Vancouver in third place in the Pacific Division, though the Canucks have a game in hand.

Going into the third period tied 2-2, it wasn't looking good for the Canucks with defenceman Alex Edler having left with an upper-body injury.

The Flames have scored the most third-period goals in the NHL. And forward Lance Bouma found the net early in the third period for his team's 70th third-period marker, giving Calgary a 3-2 lead.

In addition to his game winner, Bouma blocked a hard shot from Radim Vrbata near the end of the third period.

Miller was especially sharp in the first period, stoning the Flames who were clearly in control of the game.

Ronalds Kenins opened the scoring for the Canucks at 16:12 of the first frame with a nifty wrist shot from the left wing.

The Flames came back in the second period, remaining in charge of the tempo.

Sophomore sensation Sean Monahan scored his 18th and 19th goals, but late in the second frame, Linden Vey tied it up for the Canucks on a rebound in front of the net.

Chris Higgins fired the preliminary shot, which was kicked out by Flames goalie Karri Ramo. Vey was on the doorstep to tap it in.

Monahan was named the first star of the game, which was broadcast on Hockey Night in Canada.