Jokinen scores 2 goals in Flames' debut

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - March 5, 2009 Mike Cammalleri added a goal and two assists for streaking Calgary, which is 9-1-2 since a four-game losing streak early last month. The Flames have increased their lead in the Northwest Division to 10 points over second-place Vancouver.

Mike Knuble had the lone goal for Philadelphia. The Flyers remained fourth in the Eastern Conference despite their third loss in four games.

It could be a costly defeat for Philadelphia because forward Daniel Briere left with a lower-body injury. Briere, a high-priced free-agent acquisition in 2008, has missed 51 games to injuries this season. He just returned to the lineup Sunday after sitting out 36 games because of a groin/stomach injury.

Jokinen, acquired from Phoenix before Wednesday's trade deadline, centered Calgary's top line between Cammalleri and Jarome Iginla. Jokinen didn't need much time getting acquainted with his new linemates. The trio combined for seven points.

Jokinen went to the penalty box for tripping on an early shift, but quickly made up for it. He scored off a give-and-go pass from Iginla to give Calgary a 2-0 lead midway through the first period.

Six minutes later, Jokinen streaked down the right side, took a perfect pass from Cammalleri and lifted a shot past goalie Antero Niittymaki to make it 3-0.

Martin Biron prevented Jokinen from getting a hat trick with an outstanding, glove save on his slap shot early in the third.

The 30-year-old Jokinen holds the NHL record for games played (781) without appearing in the playoffs. He played for Los Angeles, the New York Islanders and Florida before joining the Coyotes last summer.

Barring a total collapse by the Flames, Jokinen will play his first postseason game next month. He might want to put off any vacation plans until July because his addition makes Calgary legitimate Stanley Cup contenders.

Leopold, who came over from Colorado in Calgary's other deadline deal, chipped a side-angle shot past Niittymaki for a 4-0 lead late in the first.

Biron replaced Niittymaki at the start of the second. The Flyers don't have a clear No. 1 goalie heading into the playoffs.

Niittymaki helped his cause with a strong effort in a 4-2 win at Boston on Tuesday that earned him consecutive starts.

Miikka Kiprusoff had 35 saves for Calgary. He lost his shutout bid early in the third when Knuble scored his 23rd goal.

Cammalleri gave the Flames a 1-0 lead with his 34th goal early in the first. His shot from the left circle sailed through a screen.

Newly acquired Daniel Carcillo played in his first game with the Flyers since he joined the team following a trade with Phoenix. Carcillo, who leads the NHL in penalty minutes, didn't commit any infractions.

Notes: Craig Conroy scored Calgary's fifth goal with 4:11 left. ... Jokinen wore No. 21 instead of the No. 12 he's donned throughout his career. Iginla wears No. 12. ... The Flames are two games into a season-high, seven-game road trip. ... The Flyers opened a season-high, five-game homestand. ... Kiprusoff has won six straight starts. ... Flyers D Randy Jones played in his 200th NHL game.

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