Flames Playoff Dream Dies With Shootout Loss to Predators

Somehow it was a fitting end to the Calgary Flames’ meaningful segment of the season. Another one-goal game they couldn’t win.

Like so many others, it came in extra time.

The 3-2 shootout loss to the Nashville Predators on Monday night was the Calgary Flames’ 17th loss in overtime or a shootout. And their second in a row. It was their 30th loss by a single goal this season. And that doesn’t count the ones that were only buffered by empty netters.

The margins have been that narrow all season. Even with a core that seemed she’ll shocked by the massive offseason changes, the Flames were perhaps just a few fortunate bounces away from a whole lot more victories. Remember, the Flames have also led the league in posts and crossbars.

But Game 81 saw the playoff dream finally die. With a post-game feeling that’s all too familiar for the Calgary Flames. Goals from Troy Stecher and Mikael Backlund, then Jonathan Huberdeau in the shootout. But no more when it counted, with Nick Ritchie trotted out in a must-score situation.

“If you take half the OT losses this year …we’re probably in (the playoffs) by a few games,” defenceman Rasmus Andersson told reporters after the deflating loss.
“We’ve been in so many games. It’s kind of the same feeling, ‘What if.’ And it’s a ‘do’ league, not a ‘what if’ league.”

There’s nothing the Flames can do about it now.

And you can’t really blame them for not wanting to talk about it after the loss that resigned them to a final, nearly meaningless game against the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday.

Goaltender Jacob Markstrom was beside himself, offering a heavy “No” when asked if he’s digested the meaning of it all yet.

Head coach Darryl Sutter mentioned there was still a game to win before offering one pained statement about missing the postseason. Fans getting the #FireSutter hashtag trending on Twitter on Monday are at least hopeful they may see the trio of Jakob Pelletier, Adam Ruzicka and Matt Coronato in the season finale at the Saddledome. 

“Well, you want to make the playoffs,” Sutter said. “That’s what you coach for.”

There are plenty of reasons – beyond bad luck – for the disappointing outcome. Coaching may be one of them. 

But there will be plenty of time to break all those down once the NHL playoffs begin without them next week.