Zayne Parekh’s OHL season ended on April 5. Flames are 4-0-1 since then. The notion that not playing him cost Calgary the season is comical. The Blues playing Robert Thomas is what cost Calgary the season. Put away the blame gun. Credit to St. Louis. Full stop.

A month ago, Florida led the Atlantic and was 5th overall. They will finish 11th overall. If Panthers don’t reach conf final, that late stumble could really benefit the Flames, who own their first-round pick, as it could end up around 22nd, six picks higher than it was tracking.

Not unlike most of you, I’m looking forward to a first glimpse of Parekh, Suniev, and Brzustewicz tonight. Well, at least the last two. Haven’t heard much about Parekh…😉 With the young cast in place and the others on the way, I’m curious to see how all the pieces fit together.

Over the last 13 games (dating back to March 25), only Nazem Kadri (8-6-14) has more points than Adam Klapka (5-4-9). The big man has only gotten better with the increase in ice time.

Sam Morton. That’s the good stuff, isn’t it? Just awesome.

Dan Vladar goes a stellar 6-1-1 in his last eight starts with a .930 SV%. If he wants to return to Calgary, you’d think the Flames would love to have him back, but I wouldn’t blame him if the pending UFA decides to explore other opportunities where more playing time might be had.

Flames finish the season just two points back of the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

One game into this NHL career and Zayne Parekh has moved into a tie for 111th for goals by a defenceman in Flames franchise history. Others include: - Ladislav Smid (109 gm) - Steve Smith (102 gm) - Anders ‘Bubba’ Eriksson (61 gm) - Jyrki Jokipakka (56 gm) - Andrei Zyuzin (49 gm)

Twenty-one years ago, Flames finished the season with 94 points then proceeded to play 26 playoff games over the next two months, pulling off three upsets on their way to the Stanley Cup final. They were two points better this year. The hockey gods are a cruel lot, aren’t they?

Man, I’m still laughing about this. Shortly after Sam Morton’s first-NHL-goal celly and that giggly squeal heard back in Calgary, Parekh’s first-NHL-goal celly ends up being him apologetically picking up Coleman off the ice after absolutely laying him out.

Rasmus Andersson’s future with the Flames was one of the main talking points at the Saddledome today as players, coach Ryan Huska, and GM Craig Conroy all spoke before heading into the off-season. My story for The Canadian Press Sports: ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/flames-fr…

While Rasmus Andersson was the headliner in my story on Saturday for The Canadian Press as Flames players and staff spoke for the last time before heading into the summer, here are five other notable quotes ranging from self-critical and insightful to random and hilarious.

Remember when MacKenzie Weegar was just the ‘other guy’ in the Matthew Tkachuk trade?

Considering he very well could be the Flames’ leading goal scorer through most, if not all, seven years of his new deal, getting Matt Coronato through his age 29 season at $6.5M seems like shrewd long-term business for Craig Conroy. I’d bet on the seven-year deal aging well.

It’s also refreshing to see a dude from New York seek out and sign a long term deal in Calgary. Quiet ‘that’ narrative for a hot second.

Also, five of the seven seasons Matt Coronato just signed for will be played out of the Flames’ shiny new arena. IMO, that’s a great sweetener Calgary can now offer up that shouldn’t be underestimated in terms of how it can positively impact future contract negotiations.

Canada’s team, am I right?!

Second-rounder Andrew Basha, almost the forgotten man from that bountiful 2024 Flames draft class, returned tonight for Medicine Hat after missing 4+ months due to ankle surgery and this happened seconds into his first shift. Yeah, he’s happy to be back.

Seems that the ol’ canoe paddle works at both ends of the ice.

I have no idea what’s going on in these playoffs, but it’s sure fun to watch. I’ve hung onto my hair more successfully than teams have held onto leads. Just wacko.