Flames hold on for victory

Calgary, Canada -- Rookie Mikael Backlund set up second-period goals by Nigel Dawes and Eric Nystrom, and the Calgary Flames held on to defeat the struggling San Jose Sharks, 4-3, on Friday night.

Jarome Iginla and Daymond Langkow also scored for Calgary, which has won six of its last eight to get into the Western Conference playoff hunt.

The Sharks have lost four in a row in regulation. Their lead atop the Pacific Division has been cut to three points by the Phoenix Coyotes, with 11 games remaining for both.

-- Associated Press