Wed Mar 26 00:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Flames Aim for Home-Ice Advantage Against Kraken in Crucial Wild Card Battle

**Calgary, AB** – The Calgary Flames return to the Scotiabank Saddledome tonight for a crucial matchup against the Seattle Kraken, kicking off a two-game homestand in their quest for a Western Conference Wild Card playoff berth. After a grueling 13-game stretch, including nine in the Eastern time zone, the Flames are eager to capitalize on home-ice advantage.

The game holds significant playoff implications. Calgary currently sits one point behind the Vancouver Canucks for the second Wild Card spot and four points behind the St. Louis Blues, but holds games in hand on both teams. The Flames boast the fewest regulation home losses among Western Conference Wild Card contenders and have accumulated 41 home-ice points this season.

The return to Calgary brings a boost of positive news. Captain Mikael Backlund, who missed the last five games with an upper-body injury, participated in Monday’s practice and could potentially return to the lineup. Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, who was a late scratch in Saturday’s overtime win, is also expected to play.

“Every game is the most important game, until the next one,” said forward Blake Coleman, highlighting the team’s playoff-like mindset. “We’ve been good on home ice. We’ve got to continue that trend; we’re going to need every point we can get.”

The Kraken arrive in Calgary following a 5-4 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, where special teams play proved crucial. Seattle’s Kaapo Kakko continues to impress since his trade from the New York Rangers, while Jared McCann and Chandler Stephenson are tied for the team scoring lead. Goaltender Joey Daccord could make his 47th start of the season, a new personal best. For Calgary fans, Ryker Evans is one point shy of his 100th NHL appearance.

Tonight’s game marks the fourth and final meeting between the two teams this season. The Flames have a slight edge, having earned four of six possible points in previous encounters. Key players like Yegor Sharangovich and Morgan Frost have performed well against Seattle. Goaltender Dan Vladar has been successful against the Kraken, boasting a 1-0-1 record in their last six matchups.

The Flames will be looking to extend their eight-game point streak (6-0-2) against Pacific Division opponents, and rookie sensation Jonathan Coronato aims for his 100th NHL game, following a recent hot streak that saw him score four goals in three games. Meanwhile, Seattle’s Shane Wright will be looking to add to his 33 points since December. The atmosphere promises to be electric as the Flames aim to regain momentum on home ice in this critical showdown.

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