Ryan Lomberg (70) of the Calgary Flames celebrates with teammate Adam Klapka (43) after scoring during the third period against the Minnesota Wild in Calgary on Friday, April 11, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
The Calgary Flames delivered when it mattered most. In a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive, the team put together one of their strongest performances of the season, beating the Minnesota Wild 4-2 at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Mikael Backlund opened the scoring late in the first period, grabbing a rebound from Blake Coleman and firing it in for his 13th of the season. That early lead set the tone for the night, and the Flames never looked back.
“From the first drop of the puck, you could feel the energy,” said Backlund. “Everyone was sharp, and the crowd was electric. It was an awesome night.”
With only three games left on the schedule, the Flames are now just three points behind both Minnesota and St. Louis — the teams currently holding the last two wild-card spots in the Western Conference. And Calgary holds a game in hand, adding more weight to every remaining matchup.
Scoring has been a struggle all year for Calgary, who rank near the bottom in the NHL for offence. But they found their spark in this game. Goaltender Dustin Wolf, who has become a reliable force in net, kept Minnesota scoreless through the first period. Then, early in the second, Yegor Sharangovich and Nazem Kadri struck twice within two minutes to push the lead to 3-0.
Wolf called it one of their most complete team efforts. “These are the kinds of games you dream of playing this time of year,” he said. “Everyone came together tonight.”
Kadri’s goal — his team-leading 32nd — came during Calgary’s first power play of the game. This was a welcome change after they failed to capitalize on six chances during their previous loss to Anaheim.
Later in the second period, Calgary’s penalty kill held strong during back-to-back Wild power plays, including a brief 5-on-3. The Flames only allowed two shots in that stretch, shutting the door on any momentum shift.
“That was a key moment,” said Backlund. “We didn’t give them a chance to get back into it.”
The Saddledome roared again in the third when Ryan Lomberg picked off a pass at center ice and scored on a breakaway, giving Calgary a 4-0 lead. It was only Lomberg’s third goal of the season, but it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“We were frustrated after the Anaheim game,” Lomberg said. “But this was the answer we needed. Super proud of how we played tonight.”
The Flames have now earned points in five straight games (3-0-2) and will next face the San Jose Sharks on Sunday. While Calgary continues to fight, they’ll also be watching the scoreboard closely. Minnesota faces Vancouver and St. Louis takes on Seattle on Saturday — results that could shift the standings in Calgary’s favor.
“We’ve needed some help, and we’re still hoping for it,” said coach Ryan Huska. “But every game is huge now. We control what we can.”
After Sunday’s game, Calgary will host Vegas on Tuesday before finishing the season in Los Angeles on Thursday. Huska believes in his group’s determination.
“They’ve been resilient all season. They don’t think they’re ever out of it — and that matters now more than ever.”
