The Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames each will try to advance to the Western Conference Second Round when they play Game 7 of the first round at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday.
The Flames are looking to win their first Stanley Cup Playoff series since they defeated the Vancouver Canucks in six games in the first round in 2015. It is their first Game 7 since 2008, a 5-3 loss to the San Jose Sharks in the first round, and their first at home since a 3-0 loss to the Anaheim Ducks in the first round in 2006.
"You obviously know it's a do-or-die game and from my experiences through Game 7s, you have to just go out there and play," Flames forward Milan Lucic said. "The main thing is, you have to make plays, you have to execute plays, you have to finish plays. Your desire to win and will to win has to be there. That's usually what it comes down to in winning a big game. It's going to be exciting."
The Stars last played in a Game 7 in 2020, when they defeated the Colorado Avalanche 5-4 in overtime in the second round at Rogers Place in Edmonton. They advanced to the Stanley Cup Final, losing in six games to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"It can get pretty crazy out there, but after the first shift it almost seems like a normal game again," Stars forward Jamie Benn said. "You try and do all the little things right to try to help the team win. It's just pretty exciting."
RELATED: [Complete Flames vs. Stars series coverage]
Flames coach Darryl Sutter said defenseman Chris Tanev, who left during the second period of Game 6 on Friday because of an undisclosed injury, could be an option in Game 7.
Stars forward Luke Glendening, who cleared concussion protocol after taking a hit from Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov during Game 6, is a game-time decision.
Home teams own a 109-78 (.583) advantage in the 187 all-time Game 7s in the Stanley Cup Playoffs (2-1 in 2021).
The winner will play the Edmonton Oilers in the second round.
Here are 3 keys to Game 7:
