The Calgary Flames saved their season for a moment by beating the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday, but if they’d done their job the day before they’d find themselves in a better position.

The 3-1 win in Manitoba revived head coach Darryl Sutter’s side, who had lost 4-3 to the struggling Chicago Blackhawks the day before.

Anything is still possible for the Flames, ninth in the National Hockey League Western Conference. They’re claiming 89 points, as are the Jets, albeit holding a meeting.

The players are correspondingly ambivalent about the course of the last few days. The next will also remain the most crucial of their campaign. They will visit the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday before hosting the Nashville Predators on Monday, 10th-ranked West with 86 points and five games left. The San Jose Sharks will be their final rival on Wednesday.

“We’re still frustrated and I think that affected us a little bit ahead of this game,” goalkeeper Jacob Markstrom told the media. There was more emotion than usual. The atmosphere was great and it’s a great win but we have to keep going.”

It allowed the Alberta team to lift their heads at a crucial moment.

“The media and the people in front of the dressing room kept telling us that it’s the biggest game of the season and that we have to win, otherwise we’re boiled. Or they said how bad we’ve been since the All-Star game took a break. I told the players to hide everything and play the game,” Sutter explained.

“But we’re not there. […] It’s still a good shot that only allowed us to close the gap.

Slightly better for Huberdeau

Even if he risks not collecting half of his total points (115) for the 2021-2022 campaign, Jonathan Huberdeau represents a key element in Calgary and his input will be needed at the three meetings to come. The Quebecer is also doing better offensively, having scored at least a point in each of his last four games. He has 54 in 76 duels this season.

Former Canadian Canadian Tyler Toffoli of Montreal had five points in three games before being ruled out on Wednesday. With 34 goals to his credit, he’s guaranteed to set a personal record for total goals in a year.