Golden Knights Gear Up for Final Stretch Against Flames

CALGARY, Alberta — The Vegas Golden Knights (49-22-9) are poised to face off against the Calgary Flames (39-27-14) on Tuesday at 6 p.m. PT at Scotiabank Saddledome. This marks the Golden Knights’ second-to-last regular season game, as they eye their place in the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs.

A victory for the Golden Knights will not only solidify their position as Pacific Division champions, following their recent win against the Nashville Predators, but it could also determine their first-round playoff opponent. The Minnesota Wild‘s upcoming game against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday could secure a matchup against Vegas if the Wild earns at least one point.

William Karlsson enters this crucial game riding a four-game point streak, contributing two goals and two assists in that span. Brayden McNabb also carries momentum with a three-game point streak and is on the verge of achieving his first four-game streak in the NHL.

The Golden Knights boast an impressive 18-4-1 record against the Pacific Division and are 33-10-5 overall against Western Conference opponents this season. Historically, they hold a 16-8-1 record against the Flames and are aiming for a season sweep after winning all three of their previous encounters this year.

In the last match against the Flames on April 5, the Golden Knights secured a thrilling 3-2 victory in overtime, thanks to Reilly Smith‘s last-minute winner. Smith is among the top performers against Calgary this season, leading with five points (two goals and three assists) against them.

As the Golden Knights prepare for their playoff push, key milestones loom. Several players, including Karlsson and McNabb, are just shy of personal career achievements, adding extra motivation for Tuesday’s clash.

Meanwhile, the Flames are fighting for their playoff lives, sitting just two points behind the St. Louis Blues for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Their recent form includes a crucial win against the San Jose Sharks, and they will look to carry that momentum into the matchup against Vegas.

Dustin Wolf, the Flames’ goaltender, has started 52 games this season and will be tasked with keeping the Golden Knights at bay. With key players like Nazem Kadri leading Calgary’s scoring efforts with 32 goals, the Golden Knights will need to remain vigilant.

Tonight’s matchup is not just critical for divisional standings; it sets the stage for both teams as they near the postseason. The Golden Knights are looking to maintain their form and establish good habits ahead of a playoff run, while the Flames are eager to ignite their late-season drive for the postseason.