Brian McGrattan knows he needs to pick his spots.
He picked all the right ones last night.
The Calgary Flames enforcer recorded the Gordie Howe hat-trick, leading the home side to a convincing 5-3 win over the visiting Vancouver Canucks.
First, he energized the Saddledome less than three minutes into the tilt, scoring the knockdown with a big overhand right that landed on the chin of Canucks ruffian Darcy Hordichuk.
Then came an assist on Dustin Boyd's eventual game-winner and a goal-scorer's goal to top it off.
McGrattan said he had difficulty deciding which feat felt the best -- the knockout bomb or the top-shelf beauty on Canucks starter Roberto Luongo.
"Most nights, I'd say the fight," McGrattan said with a wide grin. "But I hadn't scored in so long ...
"I'd have to say the goal."
His first goal as a Flame -- and first in the NHL since April 3, 2006 (a span of 91 games) -- gave him his first ever two-point outing.
He had been lamenting his lengthy dry spell with Craig Conroy earlier in the day.
"I was actually telling Connie before the game, 'It's been 91 games since I scored. I think I'm overdue,' " he said.
"I can't believe I put one in."
His pugilistic skills are no surprise. They're the reason Flames GM Darryl Sutter inked the 6-foot-4, 235-pounder in the off-season.But, in the second period, he showed he can use his hands for more than just handing out two-fisted justice.
McGrattan turned down a rematch from Hordichuk, who did everything he could to entice a scrap off an offensive-zone faceoff.
Seconds later, linemate Brandon Prust created a turnover and dropped the puck to McGrattan, whose shot was deflected into the net by Boyd.
The scrapper said he had no choice but to refuse Hordichuck's invitation.
"I have pretty deep cuts on my hands and my hands were taped," McGrattan said.
"I think if you fight (with tape) and cut a guy, it's a suspension.
"It would have been tough to take off the gloves and the tape. I don't turn down too many, but it wasn't the right time."
Not when there's goals to be scored.
SCOTT.FISHER@SUNMEDIA.CA
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THREE STARS
AS CHOSEN BY SCOTT FISHER
1. BRIAN MCGRATTAN
Gordie Howe hat-trick for Flames enforcer.
2. DUSTIN BOYD
A goal, an assist -- and two goal-posts, too -- on a good night.
3. MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF
Solid, often spectacular, between the pipes for the winning side.
