Backlund hands Flames an OT win in Jersey

1. Flames D TJ Brodie — With four assists and four big plays on each goal, including the overtime winner, the smooth-skating defender was a difference-maker.

2. Devils C Adam Henrique — Netted a goal and an assist and was a picture of hard work all game.

3. Flames G Brian Elliott — The statistics didn’t paint the full picture as he allowed three goals on 28 shots in regulation but he came up with some big saves to keep the game tied in the final few minutes of regulation.

Notes: RW Garnet Hathaway skated with a regular jersey for the first time since suffering his upper body injury, meaning he is close to recovery. “He’s real close,” said Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan. “He’ll get a little skate (Friday) but I think any day now, he’ll be ready to go.” … C Sean Monahan is quickly approaching his 100-goal milestone. With his first-period power play marker, he now has 99 career goals and nine goals in his last 10 games since his 11game goal-scoring drought … The Flames will skate in Central Park’s Lasker Rink on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. ET to prepare for Sunday’s matinee at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers … LW Johnny Gaudreau, a native of Carneys Point, N.J., had his usual crowd in attendance for Friday’s game at Newark’s Prudential Center (an hour and half drive from his hometown). His mom Jane and dad Guy caught the game along with his sisters Katie and Kristen, his brother-inlaw A.J., niece Kamryn, and handful of pals. “You can go down the list,” said Gaudreau with a chuckle, rattling off his family entourage.