The Calgary Flames' 2025-26 season comes down to 180 minutes of hockey. With just three days remaining on the NHL calendar, the Red and White cannot finish dead last in the league standings — but the race for draft positioning is far from decided.
As of Tuesday's games, Calgary sits at 75 points with two contests remaining: a Tuesday matchup against the Colorado Avalanche and a Thursday showdown with the Los Angeles Kings. Those final two games will determine whether the Flames climb out of the league basement or sink further.
The Numbers Game
The Flames currently sit 29th overall, tied in points with the New York Rangers but holding two additional regulation wins — a significant tiebreaker advantage. Vancouver has already locked up 32nd place (best lottery odds) with 56 points, while Chicago is guaranteed 31st with 70 points.
Here's where the Flames can finish depending on their remaining results:
Zero points: 75 total — 29th or 30th overall (depending on Rangers outcome)
One point: 76 total — 29th or 30th overall
Two points: 77 total — 29th overall
Three points: 78 total — passes Toronto only if Maple Leafs lose in regulation
Four points: 79 total — passes Seattle only if Kraken lose out
The Path Forward
Toronto enters the final stretch with 78 points in one remaining game. Seattle has 79 points with two games left. Both teams appear out of Calgary's reach unless the Flames execute perfectly and their competitors stumble.
The Rangers' situation adds another layer of complexity. New York has 75 points with one game remaining against Tampa Bay. If the Rangers earn any points against the Lightning, Calgary needs to match or exceed that performance to finish ahead of them in the standings.
What's Really at Stake
Draft positioning matters significantly in the NHL, especially for teams in rebuild mode. The difference between finishing 27th and 30th could mean substantial variations in prospect quality come the June draft lottery. Every point, every regulation win, carries weight during these final games.
The Flames' organizational future — at least in the short term — hinges on how they perform against two Western Conference opponents in the season's closing chapter. Colorado and Los Angeles won't be taking it easy, but Calgary has everything to play for.
The final 72 hours of the season could define this franchise's trajectory for years to come.
This article is based on reporting from FlamesNation, a leading source for Calgary Flames analysis and coverage.