In an alternate universe, today would be the final day of the 2019-20 National Hockey League’s regular season. Based on our NHL 20 simulations – and the work done by our pals over at The Athletic – it seems likely that the Calgary Flames would be using Game 82 tonight as a post-season tune-up, as they’d have their ticket punched for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
In the Lockout Era, the Flames have typically clinched spots with just a handful of games to go. Here’s a brief history of how the Flames have punched their tickets.
2005-06
In their first season after almost winning the Stanley Cup, the Flames took until Game 78 (on April 8) to clinch a playoff spot.