Vladar credits Flames' 'belief' in comeback win vs. Avalanche

It would've been easy for the Calgary Flames to give up Monday against the juggernaut Colorado Avalanche. They trailed 2-0 midway through the second and were getting thoroughly outplayed on the road, as the Avs held a 21-12 shot advantage through 40 minutes.

However, the Flames did the opposite, scoring two goals 32 seconds apart midway through the third period before winning in a shootout.

"Belief, belief, belief is all we've got," goaltender Dan Vladar said postgame. "We might not have the strongest team on paper, but I think we have the strongest team deep inside our heart."

Vladar turned aside 28 of 30 shots in 65 minutes and stopped all three shootout attempts.

Calgary still sits five points back of the red-hot St. Louis Blues for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. But despite their slim playoff hopes, it's clear the Flames aren't going down without a fight.

"There's no quit in this locker room," said forward Ryan Lomberg, who scored Calgary's first goal to ignite the comeback. "We've kind of been doing it all year. Proud of the guys."

Calgary entered the season as major underdogs, with most pundits predicting a last-place finish over a playoff berth.

"It's amazing," said forward Adam Klapka, who scored the game-tying goal. "It shows how strong this team is."

The Flames will get right back at it for another crucial game Tuesday in Utah.