Flames Edge Kraken In Overtime Thriller As Playoff Race Heats Up
Flames Edge Kraken In Overtime Thriller As Playoff Race Heats Up...
The Calgary Flames defeated the Seattle Kraken 3-2 in overtime Tuesday night in a crucial late-season matchup with playoff implications. The game, played at Climate Pledge Arena, drew national attention as both teams fight for Western Conference wild card spots.
Johnny Gaudreau scored the game-winner 2:18 into overtime, snapping a four-game point drought. The Flames' victory moves them within two points of the final wild card position, while the Kraken remain four points back with just five games remaining.
Tuesday's matchup trended across U.S. sports platforms as one of the most consequential games of the NHL's regular season finale. The Kraken, in just their fourth season, are attempting their first playoff berth while the Flames seek to return after missing last year's postseason.
Social media erupted after Gaudreau's overtime goal, with #FlamesKraken trending on Twitter. The game drew particular interest in Pacific Northwest markets where the Kraken have developed a strong following since their 2021 expansion.
Both teams face must-win scenarios in their remaining schedules. The Flames host Vegas on Thursday while Seattle travels to face Arizona the same night. NHL Network will broadcast both games nationally.
The physical contest featured 42 combined hits and several scoring chances for both sides. Seattle's Jared McCann tied the game late in the third period to force overtime before Gaudreau's heroics.
Goaltenders Jacob Markstrom (Calgary) and Philipp Grubauer (Seattle) each made over 30 saves in the tightly contested matchup. The Flames improved to 3-1-0 against the Kraken this season.
With the playoff picture changing nightly, hockey analysts predict both teams will likely need at least 8 points from their final five games to secure postseason berths. The race could come down to the regular season's final day on April 18.
Tuesday's thriller demonstrated why late-season hockey draws increased attention, with every shift carrying potential playoff consequences. The Flames and Kraken meet one final time next Monday in what could be an elimination game for either club.
