Fans hopeful as Calgary Flames try to keep playoff hopes alive Thursday

The Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers logos (Sportsnet)

Posted May 26, 2022 3:45 pm.

Last Updated May 26, 2022 10:03 pm.

It’s a must win for the Calgary Flames.

Fans are on edge Thursday as the team stares down elimination, behind 3-1 in the series against the Edmonton Oilers going into Game 5.

Fans were shaken after Tuesday’s Game 4 loss, but remained hopeful. One hockey fan told CityNews a win for the Flames would not only be good for Calgary, but for their rival city Edmonton as well.

“I think what either city doesn’t need, is a quick series,” he said. “We need a seven-game series to make both cities happy.”

Another fan tells CityNews the Flames beating the Oilers Thursday night seems simple enough on paper.

“Home ice, they should be able to get another win,” he said. “I’m feeling good, you know, you gotta stop [Connor] McDavid and get a few pucks past [Mike] Smith, and if they do that they’ll win.”

One Flames fan says she can’t take the pressure.

“I am pretty nervous, I’m really hoping and rooting that they win,” she said. “I’m excited for the game tonight.”

Meanwhile, Flames superstar Johnny Gaudreau is confident in the team.

“It’s another game for us, we’re super excited to be where we’re at today,” Gaudreau said.

That sentiment from Gaudreau is consistent with all of the Flames who chatted with the media after Thursday’s morning skate, including head coach Darryl Sutter. He says he wants his group to stick to what made them successful during the regular season, enough to finish first in the Pacific Division.

“You know, there’s guys that can maybe get around the net more. Maybe there’s more pucks between the hash marks. Maybe there’s a little bit more on the rush. Maybe there’s a little bit more on the power play. There’s lots of ways of breaking that down,” Sutter said.

Speaking with Sportsnet 960 The Fan, Flames legend Jarome Iginla told Boomer in the Morning he still has faith in his old squad, and the deficit they find themselves in is not insurmountable.

“I think they can come back,” Iginla said. “It’s doable, it’s been unpredictable already, it’s been wild, so I hope there’s a lot more going. I’m looking forward to watching it.”

Forward Matthew Tkachuk adds that the team likely needs to keep it simple heading into the elimination game.

“Probably a better start, a better first period to set ourselves up for the rest of the game,” Tkachuk said. “We know that our fans are going to bring it tonight. We love playing in front of them and we’ve been a great team all year at home, so hopefully, we can use that to our advantage.”

The Red Lot will be open for Flames fans to gather and watch the game at, however there are no more tickets available.

If you aren’t going to the Red Lot you can catch a live stream of the viewing party on the CityNews YouTube page.