It's no secret that the Calgary Flames have a talented young core, but an unlikely veteran has been the club's most consistent scorer over the last couple of weeks.

Mikael Backlund tallied the decisive goal in Calgary's 4-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night, giving him at least a goal in each of the past five games, and six markers during that span.

His five-game run is the longest goal streak by a Flames player since Curtis Glencross scored in seven straight contests back in 2011-12.

Backlund has eight goals in his last 10 games, and with 12 in the season's first 40 contests he's on pace to notch a career-high 25 over the 82-game schedule - a four-goal improvement over last season.

The 27-year-old Swede leads the Flames in total goals and power-play goals, and ranks second in both points (25) and shots on goal (97).

He's playing on Calgary's second line between rookie Matthew Tkachuk and Michael Frolik, and centering that same duo on the Flames' second power-play unit.

Calgary has an away/home back-to-back against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday and Saturday, and Backlund has more goals against the Canucks in his career than any other opponent, with 12 in 27 games.

So don't be surprised if this scorching Flame stays hot.

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