Flames Edge Wild 4-2, Tighten Playoff Race in Western Conference

CALGARY, Alberta — The Calgary Flames secured a crucial 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Friday at Scotiabank Saddledome, narrowing the gap in the Western Conference playoff race. With the win, Calgary is just three points behind Minnesota, who were vying for a playoff spot themselves and could have clinched with a victory.

Calgary’s victory was marked by strong performances from Nazem Kadri and Mikael Backlund, each contributing a goal to the Flames’ tally. Flames forward Kadri commented on the team’s need for continued success, stating, “It only matters if we keep it going… it’s important for our group to be in these meaningful games this time of year and to find a way to win them.” His sentiment reflects the team’s determination to make a playoff run as the season approaches its end.

Backlund opened the scoring 16:25 into the first period, capitalizing on a rebound after a shot from Jonathan Huberdeau. The Flames’ Sharangovich quickly followed at 5:31 of the second period, redirecting a shot past Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson, extending Calgary’s lead to 2-0. Kadri then scored the Flames’ third goal at 7:23 on a power play, delivering a wrist shot from the top of the circle.

Forward Matthew Tkachuk highlighted the importance of the Flames’ camaraderie during this stretch, remarking, “Tonight was probably one of our best, most complete games. It doesn’t mean much if we can’t do it again, but we have the confidence within each other to keep going.” The Flames have now earned points in five consecutive games (3-0-2) and seven of their past eight (4-1-3).

Despite the setback, Minnesota’s Marcus Foligno and Gustav Nyquist each scored late in the game, attempting to swing momentum back in favor of the Wild. Foligno’s goal at 15:39 provided a temporary spark, followed by Nyquist’s score with just 1:30 left on the clock. Wild forward Ryan Hartman expressed disappointment in the team’s performance, stating, “I don’t think we as a team performed to a level we expect in a game like this. It’s disappointing for sure.”

Head coach John Hynes acknowledged the team’s struggles, saying, “The last two games, the commitment to playing the way that you need to win wasn’t at a high enough level. We need to make sure that that’s there tomorrow night.” The Wild’s commitment will be put to the test as they prepare for their next game against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.

As the playoffs approach, Calgary’s push to possibly become the second team in NHL history to overcome a five-point deficit in their final four games becomes more tangible. The Toronto Maple Leafs were the first to achieve this feat in the 1958-59 season. For the Flames, this win serves as both a confidence booster and a reminder of the challenges ahead as they fight for a playoff berth against competing teams in the Western Conference.