"On a scorching hot day in the desert, the Calgary Flames could finally see that coveted playoff position just over the ridge.

With a victory over the Phoenix Coyotes (thanks to a Vancouver Canucks win over the Minnesota Wild), the Flames could claim sole possession of the eighth-and –final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The Flames had resided outside the top-eight for 333 days of mediocrity dating back to March 18, 2011. Make it 334.

The Flames fell 2-1 in overtime to the Phoenix Coyotes thanks in no small part to a Mikael Backlund tripping penalty in the offensive zone. That put Phoenix on a 4-on-3."