They're in!
The Calgary Flames didn't play a game on Sunday but still managed to secure a spot in the 2019 NHL playoffs. Calgary (44-21-7) sits one point above the San Jose Sharks atop the Western Conference, and the Flames booked their postseason berth after the ninth-place Minnesota Wild fell 3-2 in overtime to the visiting New York Islanders.
The @NHLFlames are 🔥🆙
— NHL (@NHL) March 18, 2019
Welcome back to the #StanleyCup Playoffs, Calgary. pic.twitter.com/sK5FwSHxcz
The Flames, who will be playing in their first postseason since 2017, are the second team to earn a playoff spot this season after the Tampa Bay Lightning. It's the 29th time in franchise history that Calgary will participate in the NHL playoffs.
The last time the Flames made the postseason, they went out in the first round after being swept by the Anaheim Ducks. Obviously, Johnny Gaudreau and co. will be looking to do much better, this time around.