Although Ryan Lomberg couldn't complete the Gordie Howe hat trick, he did pick the team's player-of-the-game jacket, a Hockey Night in Canada towel and the admiration of teammates and a fanbase that cherish the mighty mite.

Somehow, someway, Team Canada needs to make room for Macklin Celebrini.

Tuesday night’s game against the San Jose Sharks will be a rare homecoming for the starting netminder of the Calgary Flames.

When the Flames hired Brent Seabrook, one of the men on Canada's selection committee who cut Zayne Parekh from last year's WJC roster, their first meeting seemed destined to be uncomfortable. Instead, something else flourished.

Even though the Flames' comeback against the Red Wings fell short, there are still plenty of positive vibes around the squad.

With a win over the Sabres, the Flames are now closer to a wild-card spot than they are to last place. Yet it's still more mirage than reality to even discuss the playoffs, writes Sportsnet's Eric Francis.