You learn a lot about people when their backs are pressed firmly against the wall. In fact, it was only 35 days ago when the Flames found themselves looking up at a seven-point deficit (eight when you consider the tie-breaker) in the playoff race, with thoughts of 'next year' already seeping into the national discourse.
The Flames knew all about the uphill climb ahead of them. They knew they needed help, even if they went ahead and rattled off a sizzling pace the rest of the way.
But they never let that alter their mindset.
The Flames are 10-5-2 in that span - a record 10th best dating back to March 4, allowing them to pull even in points with the very team they're chasing. While the Jets do have a game in hand and have locked up the all-important tie-breaker (regulation wins), the locals know they still have some work ahead of them.
And some of it, sure, remains out of their control.
"Battling the way we have this late in the year definitely doesn't hurt your team," Dube said. "For us, it's about whether or not we'll get in - so it's that part that's lingering in our minds, if anything.
"But that doesn't change our approach or how we view the situation we're in. There's that excitement factor where every time come to the rink, we know we can give ourselves a better chance by coming out with a win.
"Every shift, every game. It's an opportunity for us.
"To show up and play in these meaningful games, that's what you love about this time of year.
"A lot of guys are bringing that good energy around the rink for that very reason. We have some older guys that have been through a lot in this league and they're pulling the weight, leading the charge and bringing that positive attitude. Guys feed off that and I think you've seen the result of it over these last few weeks."
Darryl Sutter agrees, adding that he can sense a loose atmosphere around the team these days, but is constantly trying to strike a balance of when to push buttons, or pull back.
"You may not be able to control your destiny. But you can certainly control how you play," he said. "If you have that mindset, you can go on a pretty good run and we've been able to do that. ... It's easy for me to get in the moment and not let one game (affect you)... If you're in a series and you let one game affect your next game, you've got a big problem. That probably means you shouldn't be there."
The Flames have three games left in their regular-season schedule, beginning tonight with a stop in Vancouver for their final road test of the year.
The Flames were in this very building last week facing a similar challenge - on a night when the Jets were also in action - with Jonathan Huberdeau leading a third-period rally, before Tyler Toffoli scored the dramatic OT winner.
A similar scenario will play out tonight, with the Jets and Predators facing off at 5 p.m. MT, meaning the Flames will likely know of the outcome before the anthems at Rogers Arena.
Still, the Flames can't worry about that. With the position they're in, winning out is the only viable way in - and even then, not a guarantee.
But on the heels of an emotional win over the Jets on Wednesday, the Flames feel they've positioned themselves well to give them the best chance possible.
"The emotion that we brought to that game - the physical aspect. The way guys were battling, it felt like a playoff game, for sure," Dube said of Wednesday's 3-1 triumph. "We've been really good at moving on and trying to bring our best each game. We lost to Chicago, re-grouped, had a good game against Winnipeg. So, for us, it's about re-grouping every time - win or lose.
"But that's emotional side of the game that we had in Winnipeg?
"That we have to bring with us tonight."
