SAN JOSE -- Fact is, the Calgary Flames haven't been very good at these things the last couple decades.
Game 7s, that is.
Since 1989, the Flames have just one Game 7 win.
In that time, the team suffered five of the most stinging losses in franchise lore, including the humiliating no-show against Anaheim in the first round of 2006 and the 2004 Stanley Cup final loss in Tampa.
However, a close look at tonight's situation reveals plenty of good omens for the Flames, who flipped the series around Sunday and are, quite frankly, better positioned to finish the job.
The last time Calgary won in seven it kick-started a magically unlikely run to the Stanley Cup final that began with the momentum and confidence gained in Vancouver during the opening round of 2004. This matchup best resembles that series in that the seventh-ranked Flames are on the road, heaping most of the pressure on the heavily-favoured hosts.
What fans may remember about the loss in Tampa and the most recent one against Anaheim is that in both cases, the Flames had lost heartbreakers in Game 6 and simply never recovered.
That's exactly what the Sharks face as they contemplate the ramifications of yet another spring unfulfilled. They're on their heels, facing a team that pieced together its most complete, dominating effort of the season at just the right time.
Though they'd never admit it, you can bet there's plenty of fear in San Jose where tensions will be heightened even more by the fact the Shark Tank has never played host to a Game 7.
"You don't want to go in thinking, 'Oh, what if we lose,'" pointed out Alex Tanguay of the Sharks' likely mindset.
"Now they're going to feel it," added Craig Conroy.
Having dodged a major bullet Sunday, the Flames enter tonight's game feeling like they have nothing to lose, which is exactly how they came across yesterday in one of the most relaxed atmospheres the dressing room has played host to in months.
For what it's worth, the players jetted off after practice yesterday having packed for a three-game road trip. (That's enough underwear for a jaunt straight to Detroit for what would likely be a Thursday/Sunday opener, for those not following.)
"I think (being relaxed) leads to success in any game," said Mike Keenan of his club's newfound confidence.
"I learned that from coaching Mark Messier, Wayne Gretzky and Kevin Lowe. That group taught me the difference in terms of enjoying these moments. Being tense is debilitating. Being intense is energizing."
And given how utterly dominant his squad was Sunday night, how can the Flames not be jacked up for what lies ahead tonight?
Of course, Sharks coach Ron Wilson tried desperately to spin it another way after the loss, even though you could sense the level of concern in his voice and tone.
"This is what we worked all year for -- to put us in a position to have home ice advantage in Game 7," he said.
"If I have to manufacture desperation, we're in dire straights. It's a great opportunity. These are the situations players should enjoy."
Bet you a fin the Sharks are doing nothing of the sort right now as they sweat over the prospect of being gutted in their own tank.
Oh, and did we mention the man who scored the last Game 7 winner for San Jose just happens to be Flames winger Owen Nolan? That was 2000.
Remember, when it mattered most the Flames showed no sign of fear, throwing together their best effort of the year Sunday.
And given how the stars (and muckers) are aligning, you get the feeling they've learned from past failures and are poised to make amends tonight.
