The Calgary Flames will fight for their playoff lives tonight in what should be a compelling crossing of two proverbial trains in the night at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but we have promises to keep, and miles to go before we sleep, so let’s dive into some storylines surrounding this pivotal stretch drive showdown.
Points
There may be some wishful thinking surrounding the Flames and their current place in the Western Conference Wildcard race, but they are technically still in the mix. A quick look at the standings courtesy of nhl.com.
We’re looking at a one-point deficit if the Flames win their two games in hand. If Calgary can then beat Minnesota on the 11th, well there may be too many “ifs” this season, but who doesn’t enjoy a photo finish?
Speaking of photos.
Again?
Apologies to those who seek what some in the industry would call “professionality”, but I grew up watching the Flames get screwed over by the league. I’m sure that many of you have as well. You’re free to disagree, but that is this writer’s opinion and I’m sure I’m not alone.
If the Flames are going to find success going forward, they need to score undeniable goals and keep their hands cleaner than teams in larger markets. This season’s group has two regulation losses in their past nine games. Both of those losses have been aided by controversial no-goal decisions out of Toronto.
The Flames had not one, but two no-goal decisions in their 5-2 loss to the Dallas Stars on March 27.
“I mean, maybe touched him, barely,” Farabee reflected on the call after the game. “Thought I was outside the blue. I was told by the refs that if the shot was glove side, it was a goal, and if it was blocker side, it's no goal. So not really sure what to think about that.”
Do you agree? It is mere bias on my end creating the illusion of bias?
Goalies
Third-stringer Akira Schmid will start in net for the Vegas Golden Knights. Certainly interesting given that Ilya Samsonov and Adin Hill are available.
Giving the latter the night off is surely the greater surprise. A native of Calgary, Alberta, Adin Hill has a .944 save percentage and a 1.95 goals against average in three games against the Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
With that said, Vegas is comfortably in a playoff position and holds a three-point lead over the Kings for the top spot in the Pacific Division. Being caught by LA may actually benefit the Golden Knights; they’re currently lined up to play the red-hot St. Louis Blues in round one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Speaking of the Kings.
Kuzmenk-Show
Former Flames Andrei Kuzmenko is repeating history by finding himself on a hot streak down the stretch. The Kazan, Russia product notched a second period goal against the Oilers this afternoon for his 11th point in his last nine games.
Does Andrei find a similar spark if he hadn’t been traded? Tough to say, but he did have four points in his final three games as a Calgary Flame.
That trade hasn’t been a home run for Flames General Manager Craig Conroy. Joel Farabee has three goals and two assists for five points in 24 games since joining Calgary. Morgan Frost has two goals and six assists for eight points in 25 games.
The 2024-2025 Calgary Flames have simply too many passengers for those two to not be playing to their potential. The chances are there, but they’re simply not putting them in.
Or, in some cases, the decision room is taking them away.
Momentum
It’s interesting to see odds makers pick the Golden Knights as the likely winner. Per Bodog, Vegas is -150 to leave the Dome with two points.
For one, the Golden Knights have lost two in a row. Their most recent loss was a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of the Winnipeg Jets.
Then there is the third-string goaltender. Akira Schmid has shown that he has what it takes to be an NHL starter. He put up a 9-5-2 record two seasons ago with the Devils and is 14-18-3 in his career. He’s played parts of two NHL games this season and has saved all 14 of his shots against.
But, his record in the AHL this season? Pretty bad. 9-18-3. A .886 save percentage and a 3.58 goals against average.
It’s honestly believable that Golden Knights Head Coach Bruce Cassidy is giving Akira the start due to the Flames 30th ranked 2.59 goals per game. Tonight may be a confidence start and Cassidy may be using Schmid as a mark for his team to rally around.
The Other Guys
Why might Calgary be a better choice for the favourite?
Well, they’re embracing their inner Dylan Thomas in fighting to the bitter end. The team is 6-2-1 in their last nine. The two regulation losses were games where they had a real chance at winning.
The Calgary Flames simply aren’t going away.
The story continues tonight. The puck drops around 8:10 p.m. MST.
Stats courtesy of nhl.com.
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