"Racing out of their seats to beat the beer line rush at the first intermission cost many fans a glimpse of what a functional powerplay looks like.

It lasted only a couple of seconds, but it was enough to put the Calgary Flames on the board.

Despite the way goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff played after a couple days of rest, the one goal wasn't enough against the Los Angeles Kings.

But the physical Flames eventually pounded the Western Conference leaders into submission for a 2-1 victory at the Saddledome last night to snap a three-game losing streak.

"That's what we needed," said Kiprusoff, who made 34 saves and fell just short of a shutout when Corey Elkins potted his first NHL goal midway through the third period. "