Nils Hoglander scores twice as Canucks top Flames

Nils Hoglander scored twice to pace the host Vancouver Canucks to a 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames on Saturday.

J.T. Miller and Elias Lindholm also scored while Elias Pettersson and Conor Garland each collected two assists for the Canucks (45-18-8, 98 points), who have won three straight games and sit atop the Western Conference standings. Goaltender Casey DeSmith made 22 saves.

Rasmus Andersson and Joel Hanley scored for the Flames (33-31-5, 71 points), who have lost two straight games and have seen their flickering playoff hopes dissipate. Goalie Jacob Markstrom made 22 saves in his return after missing five games due to a lower-body injury. A.J. Greer finished with two assists.

Hoglander opened the scoring only 48 seconds into the clash. As he reached the edge of the crease, Hoglander was on the spot to redirect Pettersson's pass into the net.

Hoglander's breakaway tally 8:16 into the second period doubled the Vancouver lead. Sprung by Pettersson for the golden chance, Hoglander converted a backhanded shot for his 22nd goal of the season.

Andersson provided a much-needed boost for the visitors with 1:29 left in the second period. After receiving a drop pass from Greer, Andersson ripped a perfect shot from the top of the circle for his eighth goal of the campaign that snapped a 26-game goal-scoring drought.

However, Miller's power-play goal with 3:18 remaining in regulation added much-needed insurance. Miller set up shop at the left faceoff dot and unloaded a one-timer slap shot for his 34th goal and 90th point of the season.

Lindholm, acquired from the Flames by the Canucks during the All-Star break, added an empty-net goal with 70 seconds remaining for his 14th of the season.

Hanley netted his first goal since joining the Flames, and first in 64 games, with 19 seconds remaining to round out the scoring.