The Calgary Flames enter their April 9, 2025 matchup against the Anaheim Ducks with everything to play for as the regular season nears its end and the Western Conference playoff race tightens. Sitting just outside the final wild-card slot, Calgary is fully aware that every remaining game is essentially an elimination battle, and they come into this contest with recent success against Anaheim fresh in their minds, having defeated the Ducks 4-1 just days earlier. That win showcased the Flames’ formula for success—disciplined defense, opportunistic scoring, and strong goaltending—and they’ll look to replicate that blueprint on the road. Nazem Kadri continues to be the emotional and offensive leader for this group, topping the team with 31 goals and consistently driving the puck into dangerous areas. MacKenzie Weegar has arguably been their most complete skater, leading the team with 37 assists and boasting a strong plus-minus rating, all while logging significant minutes in every situation. Calgary averages 2.6 goals per game, a modest figure, but they’ve made their offensive possessions count through efficient zone entries and sustained forecheck pressure, particularly against defensively vulnerable teams like Anaheim. Special teams are a major strength for the Flames, especially their penalty kill, which operates at an impressive 84.6% and frequently shifts momentum with aggressive shot-blocking and transition plays. Their power play, while not elite, has shown signs of life when set up through Weegar at the point and Kadri in the bumper role.

Between the pipes, Dustin Wolf continues to impress with a 2.67 goals-against average and .909 save percentage, offering Calgary steady goaltending during a stretch where mental mistakes and costly breakdowns could derail their playoff chase. On the road, the Flames have been competitive, often leaning into a simplified, physical style that suits road conditions and helps them avoid getting into high-scoring affairs they can’t match. Head coach Ryan Huska has emphasized structure, smart puck management, and maintaining discipline—especially important against a Ducks team known to draw penalties through speed but also prone to mistakes that the Flames can exploit. Calgary has also benefited from contributions from its depth players, with Blake Coleman, Andrew Mangiapane, and Mikael Backlund providing gritty minutes and secondary scoring when top-line matchups are locked down. The Flames’ leadership core has shown urgency in recent games, understanding that any lapse could cost them valuable points and playoff seeding. In a game like this—against a team that’s out of contention and playing loose—the biggest challenge for Calgary may be focus and execution. They must avoid looking past Anaheim and instead deliver a professional, mistake-free performance. The Ducks have nothing to lose and will look to disrupt, but the Flames should have the edge in intensity, purpose, and overall team cohesion. If they stick to their identity and play to their strengths, the Flames are well-positioned to emerge with two crucial points and take one more step toward extending their season beyond the regular 82 games.