The Calgary Flames showcased their tenacity with a thrilling 5-4 shootout victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, yet it wasn't enough to secure a playoff spot. Earlier wins by the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues sealed Calgary's fate, despite a commendable late-season push of 10-2-3. Nazem Kadri, who scored his career-high 33rd goal in the game, expressed disappointment at the team's inability to capitalize on their momentum. Coach Ryan Huska acknowledged the hard work of his players but noted that the Blues' impressive run played a significant role in the Flames missing out.

This marks the third consecutive season the Flames will not compete in the playoffs, a fact that weighs heavily on veteran players like Kadri and captain Mikael Backlund. Backlund highlighted the emotional toll of the season, noting that they fought hard but ultimately fell short. The team, with one game left, has shown resilience, trailing after two periods in five of their ten wins during this stretch. The crowd acknowledged their effort with a standing ovation at the game's conclusion, reflecting the support for a team that battled despite low expectations due to a tight salary cap and significant trades.