[Dion]

Flames fans reason for cautious optimism moving forward

-The snake-bitten Sven Baertschi finally collected his first goal of the season. On a second-period giveaway by Ryan Smyth. Baertschi calmly wristed the puck through the pads of Nikolai Khabibulin. The potential impact of that goal can’t be understated with Baertschi desperately fighting to regain his confidence heading into a long summer of reflection. An added bonus: the 20-year-old registered the first two-point game of his NHL career.

— Not one to show much emotion, Max Reinhart’s face was the picture of sheer joy in the third period when he ripped a snapshot glove side, right under the bar for his first career NHL goal.

— Playing for a new contract, Mikael Backlund enjoyed a solid night on a makeshift first line with Baertschi and Lee Stempniak. Speaking of confidence, Backlund looks nothing like the lost soul we saw in 2011/12. Finished the night at plus-2.

— With every passing game, T.J. Brodie looks more and more like the real deal. The top defensive prospect in the organization chipped in with two assists, including a beautiful stretch pass to Tim Jackman that led to a rebound goal by Dennis Wideman.

— OK. Joey MacDonald is 33, not 23. But if Miikka Kiprusoff retires, the Flames need at least one dependable goaltender with NHL experience. A pending unrestricted free agent, MacDonald once again served notice of his value Saturday night by backstopping the Flames to their second straight win. His best save of the evening? A left pad robbery of a wide-open Taylor Hall in the first period. The only blemish on his body of work? A goal from the high slot by Lennart Petrell just 1:44 into the proceedings.

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