Tommy Novak netted the winner in the shootout as the Nashville Predators prevailed 3-2 over the Calgary Flames on Monday, eliminating the hosts from playoff contention.

Earlier in the shootout, Calgary head coach Darryl Sutter went with grinder Nick Ritchie over the team's leading scorer, Tyler Toffoli, and 17-goal producer Andrew Mangiapane.

"Not much difference, if you do the percentages or odds," Sutter said postgame, according to TSN's Salim Nadim Valji. "You're going on practices, you're going on guys that have scored against (Predators goaltender Juuse Saros). That's not the point. It really had no bearing on the game. The difference is those great chances in overtime."

The Flames were expected to contend for the Pacific Division title this season.

Despite losing Johnny Gaudreau in free agency and being forced to trade Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in late July, Calgary managed to acquire Jonathan Huberdeau and Mackenzie Weegar in the Tkachuk deal, along with prospect Cole Schwindt.

But instead of vying for the Pacific crown, the Flames struggled to find consistency in 2022-23. Calgary sits fifth in the division at 37-27-17.

The Flames didn't often get blown out during this campaign, but they were incredibly unsuccessful in close games.

Calgary will play its season finale at home against the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday.

Copyright © 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.