The Los Angeles Kings’ title defense won’t even make it until the last game of the 2014-15 season.
The Calgary Flames gutted out a 3-1 win against the Kings on Thursday, clinching their first postseason berth since the 2008-09 season. This outcome also clinches a playoff berth for the Winnipeg Jets (more on the Jets in a post that’s soon to come).
Jiri Hudler hasn’t received the same sort of hype that’s been heaped upon his young linemates Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau, yet he’s in many ways the leader of that trio. He came up huge for Calgary today, scoring two goals and one assist.
#HappyHudler with the fire helmet! pic.twitter.com/dNJk7A2env
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 10, 2015
(Naturally, the kids weren’t quiet either, as each player on that great line recorded at least one point.)
Jonas Hiller stood tall in his own right, stopping 33 out of 34 shots.
So much for the Flames’ Cinderella run crashing and burning without Mark Giordano, right?
The amazing fans in Winnipeg get what they deserve, playoff hockey. And the Flames? They go 12-5-3 after losing Giordano. Amazing.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 10, 2015
#Flames D Kris Russell on clinching: "It was pretty special. But at the same time, I think there's a feeling in here that we're not done."
— Wes Gilbertson (@WesGilbertson) April 10, 2015
In some ways, this game was a microcosm of the Kings’ failed season, as they generated some impressive puck possession yet hey just couldn’t score enough goals. Los Angeles has been able to grind through underwhelming regular seasons before exploding in the playoffs before, but this time around they won’t get the chance.
They seem to be taking it pretty well, at least from a social media standpoint:
There will be a new Stanley Cup champion this year... STILL PROUD OF MY @LAKINGS
— Bailey LA Kings (@BaileyLAKings) April 10, 2015
#LAKings fall 3-1. A sincere congratulations to the @NHLFlames.
— LA Kings (@LAKings) April 10, 2015
If this wasn’t exciting enough, get this: the Flames’ first-round opponent will be the hated Vancouver Canucks. Buckle up.