2003–04 Calgary Flames season 2003–04 Calgary Flames season The 2003–04 Calgary Flames season was the 24th National Hockey League season in Calgary, and the 32nd for the franchise in the NHL. The Flames ended a seven-year playoff drought, qualifying for the post-season for the first time since 1996. The Flames defeated three division winners en route to an appearance in the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals. The Flames were defeated in the finals by the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games. The run to the finals captured the imagination of the city, while the Red Mile celebrations gained international attention for the "Mardi Gras-like" atmosphere
2003–04 Chicago Bulls season 2003–04 Chicago Bulls season The 2003–04 NBA season was the Bulls' 38th season in the National Basketball Association. During the offseason, the Bulls re-signed free agent and former All-Star forward Scottie Pippen. However, they continued to struggle finishing last place in the Central Division with a 23–59 record, missing the playoffs for the sixth straight season. Following the season, Pippen retired and Jamal Crawford was traded to the New York Knicks. (See "2003–04 Chicago Bulls season#Regular season") Heading in to the season, Bulls fans were as optimistic as they had been in years. Before it was done, however, winds of