Alex Tanguay sniped a goal and had an assist but the Calgary Flames were beaten in a shootout 4-3 by the Phoenix Coyotes on Thursday night. Tanguay missed a month with a neck injury, so his numbers (eight goals, 34 points) don't look all that impressive. Then you realize he's only played 45 games, so there's been a whole lot of value in his production -- something the Flames will need if they want to make the playoffs. Matt Stajan (second) and Olli Jokinen (19th) notched the other goals in the loss.

Alex Tanguay has two goals and nine points in his last seven games. The line of Tanguay, Jarome Iginla and Olli Jokinen have been red hot for Calgary with 12 goals and 24 points in their last six games as they, along with goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff have been carrying the team who are 9-3-2 of late. They are all must-starts in fantasy hockey.

Alex Tanguay is heating up. Tanguay, the Flames' finest passer, has three assists and a goal in his past three games. "I've been skating a little better. I've got to do my share," said the 32-year-old veteran, who scored one of Calgary's two goals in a 3-2 loss to the Ducks in Anaheim Monday night. "I've got to help a little bit more. I've got to find ways to contribute." Tanguay is coming back from a 15-game absence caused by a mysterious neck ailment that is still not 100%. "Physically, my neck is where it's at," he said. "I'm going to do everything I can, whether it's therapy or anything else. At this time of year, ever ybody's a little banged up, a little hurt ... I've got to find a way to help the team."

Alex Tanguay (upper body) logged 17:37 minutes in his return to the Flames' lineup on Tuesday. Tanguay was playing in his first game since December 20th. He has two shots on goal and a neutral plus/minus rating in the Flames' 1-0 loss to San Jose.

Following Tuesday's optional skate, Calgary coach Brent Sutter said that Alex Tanguay is likely to play tonight against visiting San Jose. Neck pain has kept Tanguay out of the lineup for the last 15 games. The 32-year-old practiced Monday and was on a line with Blair Jones and Tom Kostopoulos, which may or may not carry over to tonight's match. Prior to sustaining the injury on Dec. 20 against Minnesota, Tanguay was 5-17-22 in 33 games.

Left winger Alex Tanguay may well be in the Calgary lineup tonight when the Flames entertain the San Jose Sharks. Tanguay, the Flames' top passer, has been out with neck problems since Dec. 20 and has missed 15 games. But coach Brent Sutter said: "It's the right thing to play him if he's ready. He'll be a game-time decision, but it's certainly one I'm leaning in favour of. He's very close . . . the way he's looked the last three days on the ice (practicing). He needed a couple practices with us to get back into the game-like mindset. He's got it now."

Alex Tanguay needs a little more recovery time before returning to action. He has been dealing with a neck injury but he did return to practice Friday. There was some talk that Tanguay would be able to play Saturday night against the Oilers, but it now seems as if Tuesday will be the earliest the playmaking winger will suit up. In fact, there is a very good chance that the Flames will opt to hold Tanguay out of games until after the All-Star break. When he does return to action, there is a good chance he will play alongside Jarome Iginla and Mike Cammalleri on a potentially scary first line.

There is a chance that Alex Tanguay could be in the Flames' lineup Saturday night against the Oilers. Tanguay has been sidelined with an upper-body injury for the past month but seems ready to go. Although it will be a game-time decision as to whether Tanguay plays in "The Battle of Alberta", his return to action is imminent. When he does suit up, look for Calgary to demote one of Paul Byron, Lance Bouma or Roman Horak.

Alex Tanguay (upper body) is slated to join his teammates in Edmonton Friday, where the Flames play on Saturday. "He has been skating," GM Jay Feaster said. "He has been working out. It will be a decision once (coach Brent Sutter) sees him on the ice and sees where he is as far as working out. We went through a lot of different things as it relates to Alex to make sure he is healthy. He's satisfied with what we've done. So are we and so are the doctors." If his visit with team doctors goes well and he looks good on the ice then there's a chance that he may be back as early as Saturday night.

Alex Tanguay (upper body) isn't traveling with the Calgary Flames. Tanguay will obviously not play on Thursday in Los Angeles and we doubt he'll be available for Saturday's game in Edmonton. He hasn't played since December 20th.