FLAMES SIZZLE INTO BREAK

Dougie Hamilton and the Flames have been playing inspired hockey of late.

That continued on Sunday afternoon as Hamilton scored twice to lead the Flames past the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 for their seventh straight victory.

"We're feeling good right now obviously and doing the little things right," said Hamilton, who has scored four times - including three game-winning goals - and added two assists during his five-game point-scoring streak. "We're playing well consistently."

Hamilton also praised goalie Mike Smith for his 38-save performance, after which he was named the game's first star.

"I thought Smitty came up big when they had their chances," Hamilton said. "It helps when our goalies our outstanding, so I think that's the biggest thing."

Matthew Tkachuk had a goal and an assist for the Flames (25-16-4), who moved into second spot in the Pacific Division, one point ahead of the idle Los Angeles Kings (24-14-5).

"Looking back, it's a really good road trip for us going into this break," said Tkachuk, referring to the five-day break he and his teammates will now enjoy as part of the NHL-mandated bye week. "We all need a couple much-needed days off. That's going to be exciting and then we're going to get rejuvenated and re-excited to come back at home next weekend."

Matt Stajan also scored while Johnny Gaudreau chipped in with two assists for the Flames, who avenged a 2-1 loss they suffered to the Hurricanes in Calgary back on Oct. 19.

"These guys, they've always had it in them," said coach Glen Gulutzan. "I always thought that they could get on a little run here. If you're doing the right thing time and time again … then you get results. I'm happy for the guys."

The Flames were playing without the services of Sean Monahan, who was scratched due to illness, meaning that Sam Bennett moved up to play on the top line with Gaudreau and Micheal Ferland.

Lee Stempniak scored the lone goal of the game for the Hurricanes (20-17-8) while goalie Scott Darling made 26 saves.

Stajan scored his first goal in 37 games at 6:01 of the first period when he snapped a shot from the slot past Darling. Although Curtis Lazar was tripped by Carolina defenceman Jaccob Slavin, he still managed to set up the goal by pushing the puck over to Stajan.

"It was kind of a nice bounce because it bounced to me," said Stajan, who was happy to contribute to Calgary's winning streak. "You take it when you get them. It feels like we haven't got any all year, so we'll take it."

Hamilton put Calgary up 2-0 at 18:47 of the first when he took a pass from Gaudreau before wiring a shot to the top corner, glove side past Darling.

The Hurricanes outshot the Flames 16-12 in the second period but weren't able to score despite being awarded back-to-back chances with the man advantage.

The Flames lost captain Mark Giordano early in the third period when he was assessed a match penalty for a high hit on Carolina forward Sebastian Aho.

After Brock McGinn rang a shot off the post behind Smith, Hamilton finished off a nice three-way passing play with Tkachuk and Gaudreau at the other end of the ice at 3:17 of the final frame.

Tkachuk notched a power-play marker for the Flames at 12:08 before Stempniak rounded out the scoring at 15:29 with a goal during a man advantage for the Hurricanes.
ONE-TIMERS
Although he didn't make it into the lineup, forward Ryan Lomberg was recalled from the AHL's Stockton Heat on Sunday while Jaromir Jagr was placed on injured reserve, retroactive to Dec. 31 …The Flames have allowed three or fewer goals for 18 straight games, which is the longest such streak in the NHL this season … Gaudreau extended his point-scoring streak to seven games. During that span, he has scored two goals and added 11 assists … Calgary improved its road record to 13-5-4 while Carolina now has a 10-6-4 mark on home ice … The Flames have an impressive 50-0-2 record when leading after the second period over the last two seasons.

NEXT UP
After enjoying their bye week, the Flames will reunite in Calgary next Friday for an afternoon practice before returning to the Scotiabank Saddledome ice on Jan. 20 against the Winnipeg Jets for a Hockey Day In Canada matinee (1 p.m., TV: HNIC, Radio: Sportsnet 960 The FAN). They'll then continue their three-game homestand on Monday (7 p.m., TV: Sportsnet West, Radio: Sportsnet 960 The FAN) against the Buffalo Sabres and Wednesday (8 p.m., TV: Sportsnet 360, Radio: Sportsnet 960 The FAN) versus the Los Angeles Kings.