Flames stay alive, coaching vacancies expected to grow, and more NHL action
Anthony Scultore
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There were only two games on the NHL calendar yesterday, but only one of real consequence. The Calgary Flames took down the Ottawa Senators 6-1 to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. A combination of a point gained by Montreal or a lost point by the Flames clinches it for the Habs.
Flames stay alive in playoff race
Johnny Gaudreau opened the scoring in the first period and then added two assists in the romp. In what is anticipated to be a big offseason of change for the Flames, Johnny Hockey could be playing his last few games in Calgary. Matthew Tkachuk also picked up a goal and two helpers and shed some light on the precarious situation.
“If we lost, we were going home, so it’s an actual must-win, not just saying that,” Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk said. “We put ourselves in a terrible position, to be honest. We just have to win and pray. That’s all we can do tomorrow. Watch their game, hope. Never thought we’d root for Edmonton, but we need them to win these.”
NHL.com
The only other game saw Alex DeBrincat score twice for the Blackhawks. They defeated the Stars 4-2. It was DeBrincat’s 30th and 31st goals on the year for the young forward. He has one more game to add to his totals.
More NHL coaching vacancies expected
Yesterday, both John Tortorella and Rick Tocchet announced they were parting ways with their respective clubs. As we enter the final week of the season, many teams have completed their schedules and we could see more vacancies on the horizon.
Primarily, David Quinn is not expected to be with the Rangers after today’s exit interviews. Don Granato is another candidate to be let go, or at least thrown back into the mix for coaching interviews in Buffalo. Other potential hot seat candidates include Alain Vigneault of the Flyers, Jeff Blashill of the Red Wings, and Travis Green of the Canucks.