While missing the playoffs for the first time since 2012 is a disappointment, the Ducks are looking to finish the season strong. "It's all about the mindset you approach it with," said Devin Shore. "We need to look at it as an opportunity to get better. An opportunity to keep building and an opportunity to win two hockey games. These are the last couple we have left for a long summer. We enjoy playing the game and it sucks there are only two left. Enjoy it, and go out there and compete as much as you can."
This marks the finale of a four-game season series between the Ducks and Flames, which has seen the Ducks go 1-2-0 thus far. Their lone victory came on Nov. 7 at Honda Center when they defeated the Flames, 3-2. The Ducks own an all-time record of 59-40-9 vs. the Flames, including a 38-9-6 mark at Honda Center. Additionally, the Ducks have gone 12-5-0 vs. Calgary dating to Nov. 24, 2015 and 34-13-2 since Nov. 29, 2007.
With a 7-2 victory over the LA Kings on Monday, the Flames became just the second team this season to win 50 games. As the top seed in the Western Conference, the Flames will also have home ice advantage through the first three rounds of the postseason, should they get that far. The Flames have won three in a row and seven of their last 10, including a 6-1 victory over the Ducks at Scotiabank Saddledome on March 29. They'll finish the regular season on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers and open the playoffs against the second wild card team.
