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The Calgary Flames won for the first time in four games to move into a tie for top spot in the NHL's Northwest Division with a 5-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.

Dustin Boyd and Brian McGrattan both scored and added an assist for the Flames (5-2-1), who chased Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo from the game by taking a 5-0 lead after two periods.

"We've had some stinkers of games and we responded the right way tonight," Calgary coach Brent Sutter said.

"That was more the kind of effort we need to win games."

The Flames scored twice in the first period and added three more in the second, with McGrattan scoring the final Calgary goal, his first in a 91-game span dating back to April 3, 2006 when he was a rookie with the Ottawa Senators.

"Any way that you can contribute offensively is a boost for our team," McGrattan said. "We know our job, we have to play tough and physical in their end.

"If you can get a goal or two that really helps the team and helps the guys get going."

Luongo, who has struggled so far this season, was withdrawn after giving up five goals on just 19 shots.

"No one in here is blaming Luongo," Vancouver forward Ryan Kesler said. "He's a great goaltender and we gave up too many Grade A chances.

"We give up a clear-cut breakaway and (were) letting people stand in front of our net. It was one of those games where we didn't play very well."

The Canucks rallied for three third period goals but still dropped their fourth game in six to start the season.

Curtis Glencross, Nigel Dawes and Dion Phaneuf scored the other goals for Calgary, while Miikka Kiprusoff made 26 saves.

Rick Rypien, Mikael Samuelsson and Christian Ehrhoff replied for the Canucks.

Other NHL results on Friday (home team inCAPS):

Atlanta 4 NEW JERSEY 2

BUFFALO 6 NY Islanders 3

FLORIDA 4 Philadelphia 2

Boston 3 DALLAS 0

EDMONTON 5 Minnesota 2

Reuters