Sens @ Flames: Montreal doesn’t want to make the playoffs. Does Calgary?

Calgary Flames vs Ottawa Senators 6:00 PM MT, Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary AB

TV: SNW, TSN5, ESPN+ – Radio: Sportsnet 960

Calgary Flames (22-26-3, 47 pts) – Ottawa Senators (22-27-5, 49 pts)

NHL Standings

The Montreal Canadiens do not want to make the playoffs. The only remaining playoff spot up for grabs in the NHL is incredibly still open for the taking, as the Canadiens, who only need one point of any kind to clinch a playoff spot, have lost 3 straight regulation games. With 2 games left in their season against the red-hot Edmonton Oilers, it’s clear they could lose both of those.

If that were the case, and the Flames win all of their remaining 5 games in regulation, they could still pass Montreal. Even better than that, is all 5 games are against the bottom 2 teams in the division, with 4 of those coming against Vancouver. The problem then? The Ottawa Senators. With the standings now, it’s clear that any better performance against the Sens this season would likely have Calgary currently in a playoff spot, but that has not been the case.

The Sens are also extremely shorthanded, with starting goalie Matt Murray and top defenceman Thomas Chabot both done for the season. The chance is there for the taking, but will they?

Starting Goalies (E=Expected, C=Confirmed)

Flames: Markstrom (who else): 18-19-2, 2.70 GAA, .904 SV%

Jets: Forsberg (potentially Gustavsson) (E): 3-3-1, 2.87 GAA, .917 SV%

Team Leaders

Flames: Goals- Gaudreau (18), Points- Lindholm (43), PIM- Tkachuk (49), Save%- Markstrom (.904)

Senators: Goals- Brown (20), Points- Tkachuk (35), PIM: Tkachuk (63), Save%- Gustavsson (.942)

What’s Happening With The Opposition?

Ottawa Senators Coverage: Silver Seven Sens

Last Time Out

Players To Watch

Calgary Flames

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Tim Stutzle: Scored first NHL hattrick in 4-2 in over Jets

by Gordie Taylor