The Calgary Flames will come just short of clinching a playoff spot.
The Flames were officially eliminated from the race after the St. Louis Blues beat the Utah Hockey Club 6-1 and the Minnesota Wild beat the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in overtime Tuesday night.
The Flames needed to win their final two games and for the Blues or Wild to lose on Tuesday to have a chance, but they didn’t get the necessary help on the out-of-town scoreboard. Calgary hosted the Golden Knights on Tuesday and will close the season Thursday in Los Angeles.
The Wild clinched the first wild card in the West and will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round. The Blues dropped to the second wild card and will play the Winnipeg Jets.
Despite coming short of the playoffs, this season should still be considered a success for the Flames, thanks to the emergence of several young players. That includes goalie Dustin Wolf, who will be a contender for rookie of the year, as well as Matt Coronato and Connor Zary.
After general manager Craig Conroy tore down the roster with trades last season, the club’s improved play this year should lead to more additions being made this summer.
