Post Game Platter: Game 81 Flames vs Golden Knights

 Post Game Platter: Game 81 Flames vs Golden Knights

Photo Credit: Calgary Flames

    A long season of highs and lows is almost to an end, but any chance at a playoff berth has now been snuffed out officially for the Calgary Flames. A heartbreaking last second goal for the Minnesota Wild clinched their spot in the playoffs and a blowout win by the St. Louis Blues secured the final wildcard spot eliminating the Flames while they were in action against the Golden Knights. 

    The Flames did not show well through the first two periods going down 3-1 to the Golden Knights through 40 minutes. Credit to the team for not giving up in the third even after learning of their playoff elimination at the intermission. Two quick goals to tie it up early and then the teams traded goals before heading to overtime where Dustin Wolf held the fort with a number of fantastic saves to keep the Flames before Morgan Frost secured the victory in the shootout. 

Thoughts on the Game: 

• Poor defensive play through two periods put the Flames in a hole with less than stellar positioning to close off passing lanes and too many turnovers. 
• Adam Klapka continues to flash intriguing capabilities, will be interesting to see if he gets the opportunity to play in a top six role to start next season and if he can consistently bring that level of play if he does. 
• Dustin Wolf as usual doing his part to carry this team.
• Veterans leading the way and showing the culture that the Flames have cultivated this season. As they have in recent weeks Kadri, Backlund and Weegar in particular showed their character and professionalism to continue battling even though they had been eliminated. 
• Credit to Flames fans for rocking the dome and supporting this team through an emotional game and showing the proper appreciation for a hard fought season. 

    One last game to close out the season on Thursday night against the Kings, looking forward to seeing some young players get the chance to make their NHL debuts including top prospect Zayne Parekh with a chance to get his first taste of pro hockey and build on that through the summer to make the team full time in the fall.