The Calgary Flames delivered a dramatic 5-4 shootout victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night, but the win came with a bittersweet twist: the Flames were eliminated from playoff contention just before the final buzzer.
Despite entering the game needing both a win and help from other teams to secure a wild-card spot, Calgary’s playoff hopes were dashed when the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues both clinched victories earlier in the evening. The news reached the Flames during the second intermission, with the team trailing 3-1—a gut punch that could have ended their fight. Instead, the Flames stormed back, with Nazem Kadri and Mikael Backlund scoring in the opening minute of the third period to tie the game. Adam Klapka briefly gave Calgary the lead before Vegas responded, sending the contest to overtime and ultimately a shootout.
Morgan Frost, a recent trade acquisition, notched a goal in regulation and sealed the win with the shootout decider. Rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf made saves, capping off a strong stretch for Calgary, which has now earned points in seven straight games.
For the Golden Knights, who rested several key veterans after clinching the Pacific Division, the loss was inconsequential—they are set for another playoff run, facing the Minnesota Wild in the first round.
The Flames, meanwhile, will close their season on the road against the Los Angeles Kings, left to reflect on a resilient campaign that fell just short of the postseason.
