Calgary Flames Playoff History

Last Modified Apr 26, 2024 14:54 GMT

Source: Getty Images

The Calgary Flames are based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and are one of the Canadian representatives in the National Hockey League ( NHL). Notably, they began as the Alberta Flames in 1972 before relocating to Calgary in 1980. As of April 2024, they play their home games at the Scotiabank Saddledome and have clinched three conference titles, eight division titles, two Presidents' Trophy alongside a notable Stanley Cup triumph in 1988-89. Players that contributed to that triumph involved Lanny McDonald, Doug Gilmour, Al MacInnis, Joe Nieuwrndyk and Joe Mullen. Unfortunately, this was followed by periods of postseason absence, most notably between 1996 and 2003. The 2003-04 postseason run, where they made the Stanley Cup finals still stands as one of their highlights in the past two decades. Also, this was the last time they reached the Stanley Cup finals.

Calgary Flames NHL Playoff History and Appearances

The Calgary Flames have a storied playoff history in the NHL, having made 25 playoff appearances since their relocation from Atlanta. Their journey includes notable successes and disappointments across various seasons. From their initial postseason appearance in 1980-81 to their run to the Stanley Cup finals in 2003-04, where they narrowly lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Flames have showcased resilience and competitive spirit. Despite periods of absence from the playoffs, they've consistently been a team to watch, with key players like Theo Fleury and Jarome Iginla leaving lasting impacts on the franchise. Recent years have seen mixed results, with notable playoff series wins followed by early exits.

A table exploring Calgary Flames’ playoff history and appearances is provided below:

Year

Record

Result

2023

38-27-17

Missed Playoffs

2022

50-21-11

Lost Conference Semi-Finals

2021

26-27-3

Missed Playoffs

2020

36-27-7

Lost First Round

2019

50-25-7

Lost First Round

2018

37-35-10

Missed Playoffs

2017

45-33-4

Lost First Round

2016

35-40-7

Missed Playoffs

2015

45-30-7

Lost Conference Semi-Finals

2014

35-40-7

Missed Playoffs

2013

19-25-4

Missed Playoffs

2012

37-29-16

Missed Playoffs

2011

41-29-12

Missed Playoffs

2010

40-32-10

Missed Playoffs

2009

46-30-6

Lost First Round

2008

42-30-10

Lost First Round

2007

43-29-10

Lost First Round

2006

46-25-11

Lost First Round

2004

42-30-7-3

Lost Stanley Cup Final

2003

29-36-13-4

Missed Playoffs

2002

32-35-12-3

Missed Playoffs

2001

27-36-15-4

Missed Playoffs

2000

31-36-10-5

Missed Playoffs

1999

30-40-12

Missed Playoffs

1998

26-41-15

Missed Playoffs

1997

32-41-9

Missed Playoffs

1996

34-37-11

Lost First Round

1995

24-17-7

Lost First Round

1994

42-29-13

Lost First Round

1993

43-30-11

Lost First Round

1992

31-37-12

Missed Playoffs

1991

46-26-8

Lost First Round

1990

42-23-15

Lost First Round

1989

54-17-9

Stanley Cup Winners

1988

48-23-9

Lost Conference Semi-Finals

1987

46-31-3

Lost First Round

1986

40-31-9

Lost Stanley Cup Final

1985

41-27-12

Lost First Round

1984

34-32-14

Lost Conference Semi-Finals

1983

32-34-14

Lost Conference Semi-Finals

1982

29-34-17

Lost First Round

1981

39-27-14

Lost Conference Finals

Calgary Flames Conference History

The Calgary Flames have been a significant presence in the Western Conference throughout their NHL history, contributing to the conference's competitive landscape since their relocation from Atlanta. Since joining the league in 1972, the Flames have competed in various divisions within the conference, including the Patrick, Smythe Divisions and later the Northwest and Pacific Divisions. Over the years, the Flames have experienced fluctuations in performance, with periods of dominance and rebuilding shaping their conference history. Despite facing challenges, they have consistently remained a formidable contender in the Western Conference, with notable achievements such as winning three conference titles in 1986, 1989, and 2004.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the team encountered periods of struggle and missed opportunities, but they also experienced moments of success, such as their remarkable run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2003-04, where they narrowly fell short against the Lightning. Despite facing setbacks in subsequent seasons, including the disappointment of the 2013-14 season where they failed to qualify for the playoffs, the team's determination remained unwavering.

A table exploring Calgary Flames's Conference History along with their results is provided below:

Team

Division

Result

2022–23

Western

Did not qualify

2021–22

Western

Won in First Round, 4–3 (Stars)

Lost in Second Round, 1–4 (Oilers)

2020–21

Did not qualify

2019–20

Western

Won in Qualifying Round, 3–1 (Jets)

Lost in First Round, 2–4 (Stars)

2018–19

Western

Lost in First Round, 1–4 (Avalanche)

2017–18

Western

Did not qualify

2016–17

Western

Lost in First Round, 0–4 (Ducks)

2015–16

Western

Did not qualify

2014–15

Western

Won in First Round, 4–2 (Canucks)

Lost in Second Round, 1–4 (Ducks)

2013–14

Western

Did not qualify

2012–13

Western

Did not qualify

2011–12

Western

Did not qualify

2010–11

Western

Did not qualify

2009–10

Western

Did not qualify

2008–09

Western

Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Blackhawks)

2007–08

Western

Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 3–4 (Sharks)

2006–07

Western

Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Red Wings)

2005–06

Western

Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 3–4 (Mighty Ducks)

2004–05

-

Season cancelled due to 2004–05 NHL lockout

2003–04

Western

Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Canucks)

Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–2 (Red Wings)

Won in Conference Finals, 4–2 (Sharks)

Lost in Stanley Cup Finals, 3–4 (Lightning)

2002–03

Western

Did not qualify

2001–02

Western

Did not qualify

2000–01

Western

Did not qualify

1999–2000

Western

Did not qualify

1998–99

Western

Did not qualify

1997–98

Western

Did not qualify

1996–97

Western

Did not qualify

1995–96

Western

Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 0–4 (Blackhawks)

1994–95

Western

Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 3–4 (Sharks)

1993–94

Western

Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 3–4 (Canucks)

1992–93

Campbell

Lost in Division Semifinals, 2–4 (Kings)

1991–92

Campbell

Did not qualify

1990–91

Campbell

Lost in Division Semifinals, 3–4 (Oilers)

1989–90

Campbell

Lost in Division Semifinals, 2–4 (Kings)

1988–89

Campbell

Won in Division Semifinals, 4–3 (Canucks)

Won in Division Finals, 4–0 (Kings)

Won in Conference Finals, 4–1 (Blackhawks)

Stanley Cup champions, 4–2 (Canadiens)

1987–88

Campbell

Won in Division Semifinals, 4–1 (Kings)

Lost in Division Finals, 0–4 (Oilers)

1986–87

Campbell

Lost in Division Semifinals, 2–4 (Jets)

1985–86

Campbell

Won in Division Semifinals, 3–0 (Jets)

Won in Division Finals, 4–3 (Oilers)

Won in Conference Finals, 4–3 (Blues)

Lost in Stanley Cup Finals, 1–4 (Canadiens)

1984–85

Campbell

Lost in Division Semifinals, 1–3 (Jets)

1983–84

Campbell

Won in Division Semifinals, 3–1 (Canucks)

Lost in Division Finals, 3–4 (Oilers)

1982–83

Campbell

Won in Division Semifinals, 3–1 (Canucks)

Lost in Division Finals, 1–4 (Oilers)

1981–82

Campbell

Lost in Division Semifinals, 0–3 (Canucks)

1980–81

Campbell

Won in preliminary round, 3–0 (Black Hawks)

Won in Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Flyers)

Lost in Semifinals, 2–4 (North Stars)

Calgary Flames Division History

The Calgary Flames have been part of several divisions throughout their NHL history, adapting to league realignments and expansions. Since their relocation from Atlanta in 1980, the Flames have competed in divisions such as the West Division and later the Patrick, Smythe, Northwest and Pacific Divisions within the Western Conference. Over the years, they have experienced changes in divisional alignments but have maintained a consistent presence in the league.

Beginning in the late 1970s as part of the West Divison, they displayed consistency in their regular season records, with occasional fluctuations in wins and losses. Transitioning into the 1980s, their competitive spirit remained evident, despite facing formidable opponents within the division. As the NHL underwent structural transformations, so did the team's divisional affiliations, eventually finding themselves in the Northwest Division by the early 2000s. Despite encountering challenges in certain seasons, their dedication to the game and their loyal fan base remained steadfast.

A table exploring the Calgary Flames's division history along with their regular season records is provided below:

Year

Division

Regular season

2023

Pacific

38-27-17

2022

Pacific (#1)

50-21-11

2021

North

26-27-3

2020

Pacific

36-27-7

2019

Pacific (#1)

50-25-7

2018

Pacific

37-35-10

2017

Pacific

45-33-4

2016

Pacific

35-40-7

2015

Pacific

45-30-7

2014

Pacific

35-40-7

2013

Northwest

19-25-4

2012

Northwest

37-29-16

2011

Northwest

41-29-12

2010

Northwest

40-32-10

2009

Northwest

46-30-6

2008

Northwest

42-30-10

2007

Northwest

43-29-10

2006

Northwest (#1)

46-25-11

2004

Northwest

42-30-7-3

2003

Northwest

29-36-13-4

2002

Northwest

32-35-12-3

2001

Northwest

27-36-15-4

2000

Northwest

31-36-10-5

1999

Northwest

30-40-12

1998

Pacific

26-41-15

1997

Pacific

32-41-9

1996

Pacific

34-37-11

1995

Pacific (#1)

24-17-7

1994

Pacific (#1)

42-29-13

1993

Smythe

43-30-11

1992

Smythe

31-37-12

1991

Smythe

46-26-8

1990

Smythe (#1)

42-23-15

1989

Smythe (#1)

54-17-9

1988

Smythe (#1)

48-23-9

1987

Smythe

46-31-3

1986

Smythe

40-31-9

1985

Smythe

41-27-12

1984

Smythe

34-32-14

1983

Smythe

32-34-14

1982

Smythe

29-34-17

1981

Patrick

39-27-14

As the Atlanta Flames

1980

Patrick

35-32-13

1979

Patrick

41-31-8

1978

Patrick

34-27-19

1977

Patrick

34-34-12

1976

Patrick

35-33-12

1975

Patrick

34-31-15

1974

West

30-34-14

1973

West

25-38-15

The Calgary Flames have clinched the division championship eight times, specifically in 1987–88, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1993–94, 1994–95, 2005–06, 2018–19, and 2021–22.

FAQs

A. The Calgary Flames have won one Stanley Cup championship in their history, which occurred in the 1988-89 NHL season.
A. The Calgary Flames made the playoffs for 11 consecutive years from 1980-1981 to 1990-1991.
A. The Calgary Flames appeared in the Stanley Cup finals in the 2003-04 NHL season, where they narrowly lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in a seven-game series.
A. Since their relocation in 1980, the Calgary Flames have missed the playoffs a total of 16 times.
A. The Calgary Flames' best regular-season performance in recent years was in the 2018-19 NHL season, where they finished with a record of 50-25-7.

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