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The Calgary Flames path to the playoffs hinges on tonight’s NHL slate

Originally posted on The Win Column | By Karim Kurji | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 1:47 PM ET

The Calgary Flames showed up in a big way last night, dominating the Minnesota Wild on home ice, the team they are chasing for a playoff spot. A loss last night would have essentially ended the Flames’ season, but the win makes things very interesting. The Flames’ path to the playoffs isn’t completely in their hands, but that could shift as early as tonight.

As of right now, here is the Flames’ outlook:

90 points
3 games remaining
- April 13: vs. San Jose Sharks
- April 15: vs. Vegas Golden Knights
- April 15: @ Los Angeles Kings
29 regulation wins

Here’s how the Flames’ path to the playoff looks and why tonight’s NHL slate is must-watch hockey.

Path #1: Pass the St. Louis Blues

After a historic 12-game winning streak, the St. Louis Blues finally came back to Earth and have lost their past two games. Here’s their outlook:

93 points
2 games remaining
- April 12: @ Seattle Kraken
- April 15: vs. Utah Hockey Club
31 regulation wins

Because the tiebreaker is regulation wins, it doesn’t really factor into either scenario. It might end up being important if the Blues win a game in extra time, but for right now, it all comes down to standings points.

If the Blues lose their game tonight against the Kraken, the Flames will control their own destiny.

Path #2: Pass the Minnesota Wild

The Wild’s loss last night to the Flames snapped a two-game winning streak. Here’s their outlook:

93 points
2 games remaining
- April 12: @ Vancouver Canucks
- April 15: vs. Anaheim Ducks
33 regulation wins

The Flames cannot pass the Wild unless they have more points than them. There is no scenario where the Flames would hold the tiebreaker. Similar to the Blues, if the Wild lose to the Canucks tonight, the Flames can control their own destiny with this path to the playoffs, too.

Watching the out-of-town scoreboard

Every night until the end of the season will probably be the biggest night of the year for the Flames. Tonight is definitely one where the entire league will be scoreboard watching, waiting to see what happens between the Blues and Kraken, and Wild and Canucks.

Hopefully for the Flames, a couple Pacific Division foes can help them out and eke out two wins over the Blues and Wild.

This article first appeared on The Win Column and was syndicated with permission.

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