Calgary Flames defied odds, expectations en route to NHL playoffs

The Calgary Flames didn't spend a lot of time saluting their fans at the Saddledome after their final home game of the regular season Thursday. For the first time in six years, the Flames knew they had more games to play there this season. Calgary returns to the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2009 with a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings, who were eliminated from post-season contention …