ANAHEIM — In a game that could define their season, the Calgary Flames suffered a devastating 4-3 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night, April 9, 2025, at Honda Center. The Flames appeared to be in control, leading 3-1 with less than five minutes left in regulation, but a shocking collapse allowed the Ducks to score two goals in just eight seconds, turning the tide and extinguishing Calgary's playoff hopes.
With the clock winding down, Frank Vatrano ignited the Ducks' comeback with a goal at 15:57 in the third period, followed swiftly by Cutter Gauthier's equalizer just eight seconds later. Gauthier's goal was set up by Leo Carlsson, who made a slick pass that allowed Gauthier to find the back of the net with a precise wrist shot from the high slot.
“That’s when leadership and everybody has to step up and shut that game down,” Flames alternate captain MacKenzie Weegar lamented after the game. “Unfortunately, it’s going to cost us big-time.” The Flames had been riding high after goals from Yegor Sharangovich and Matt Coronato, which put them ahead 3-1, but their inability to close out the game proved catastrophic.
Flames captain Mikael Backlund expressed the frustration felt in the locker room, saying, “It’s a tough one to swallow. Up 3-1 with five minutes left, you’ve got to find a way to shut it down. It doesn’t matter how you play the first 55 minutes if you don’t win.”
In overtime, Gauthier struck again, scoring the game-winner at 1:11, sealing the Flames’ fate. The Ducks' victory marked their second consecutive win, bringing their record to 35-35-8 and keeping their playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Flames, now at 37-27-14 with 88 points, find themselves five points behind the Minnesota Wild for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
The Wild managed to defeat the San Jose Sharks 8-7 in a high-scoring affair, further complicating Calgary's path to the playoffs. With only four games remaining, the Flames must win all their remaining matches and hope for favorable outcomes in other games to have any chance at securing a playoff berth.
“We’re going to battle to the end,” Backlund promised, but the task ahead is daunting. The Flames will need to secure victories against tough opponents, starting with a crucial matchup against the Minnesota Wild at home on Friday, April 11, 2025. The Wild hold the tiebreaker, meaning a loss for Calgary would effectively end their playoff aspirations.
Calgary outshot Anaheim 39-23, demonstrating a strong offensive effort, but they struggled on special teams, going 0-for-6 on power-play opportunities. Head coach Ryan Huska expressed disappointment in the power play, stating, “It’s 3-1, and the game should be over. But right now, there’s nothing we can do about it. All we can do is make sure that we’re ready to go for our next game.”
As the Flames prepare for their next game, they may consider changes to their lineup. The team recently called up prized prospect Zayne Parekh, who had a standout season in the junior ranks, but it remains uncertain if he will debut as the Flames continue to chase their playoff dreams. Additionally, they may need to address potential injuries, as Morgan Frost left the game with an apparent arm/shoulder injury, adding to the team's challenges.
In the aftermath of the game, Flames players and fans alike are left to ponder how such a promising lead could slip away so quickly. The Ducks’ late-game heroics serve as a stark reminder of the volatility of hockey, particularly in the high-stakes environment of the playoff race.
As the Flames regroup and refocus on their next opponent, the urgency of the situation is palpable. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, every moment counts, and the next match against the Wild will be a defining moment for the franchise.
“It’s hard. It’s tough,” said Backlund, reflecting on the weight of the loss. The Flames now face an uphill battle, but with determination and resilience, they aim to turn the tide before it's too late.
