NHL

Giordano's 2 goals send Flames to 4-1 victory over Canucks

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Calgary Flames' Mark Giordano, left, congratulates goalie Brian Elliott victory over the Vancouver Canucks after of an NHL hockey game in Calgary, Alberta, Friday, Dec. 23, 2016. (Larry MacDougal/The Canadian Press via AP) (The Associated Press)

Vancouver Canucks' Anton Rodin, left, of Sweden, takes a hit from Calgary Flames' Deryk Engelland during second-period NHL hockey game action in Calgary, Alberta, Friday, Dec. 23, 2016. (Larry MacDougal/The Canadian Press via AP) (The Associated Press)

Calgary Flames' Mark Giordano, left, celebrates his goal against Vancouver Canucks goalie Jacob Markstrom, of Sweden, during second-period NHL hockey game action in Calgary, Alberta, Friday, Dec. 23, 2016. (Larry MacDougal/The Canadian Press via AP) (The Associated Press)

Flames defenseman Mark Giordano scored two goals less than 10 minutes apart in the second period to lead Calgary over the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 on Friday night.

Mikael Backlund also scored for the Flames, and Matthew Tkachuk had an empty-net goal that sent Calgary (18-16-2) into the Christmas break 8-3-0 in its last 11 games. Backlund added two assists, as did Dougie Hamilton and Michael Frolik.

Nikita Tryamkin scored his first of the season for the Canucks (14-18-3), who limped into the holidays 2-5-1 in their last eight games.