The Flames (44-21-7) are the first Western Conference squad to clinch an invite to the latest instalment of the NHL’s spring fling. “We’ve talked a little bit about, as a group, we don’t just want to get in,” Flames centre Derek Ryan had stressed as the Calgary club’s magic number was shrinking. As a franchise, remember, the Flames have qualified just twice in the past nine campaigns. The focus for the Flames is on their dogfight with the San Jose Sharks for the top seed in the Pacific Division. It’s cool to clinch, but there won’t be a pause, let alone a party.

Source: National Post March 18, 2019 00:56 UTC