 Instead, however, the Flames proved to be one of the surprise stories of the 2014–15 NHL season by finishing third in the Pacific Division with a record of and qualified for the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs; it was the team's first playoff appearance since 2009.Jiri Hudler and Sean Monahan tied for the team lead with 31 goals, while Hudler led the team with 45 assists and 76 points.Johnny Gaudreau tied the Ottawa Senators' Mark Stone for the rookie scoring lead with 64 points, while free agent acquisition Jonas Hiller was the Flames' leading goaltender with 26 wins and a goals against average (GAA) of 2.36.