Calgary Flames: Can they make the Play-offs in time?
No doubt, Calgary has had an amazing run this post All-Star Game part of the season. They were lacking in the start but came right back to fill the gap. Do they have what it takes to make the challenging climb back into the play-off race? It depends on how
many and with who their remaining games are.
After remaining locked out of the playoff’s elite-eight for a major chunk of the season, Flames were able to edge into the high ranks.
They were even fifth in the Western Conference at one point, but due to a losing streak and a highly competitive division, they were kicked out once again.
Currently they stand tied with Dallas Stars who have a slight advantage against Flames with six-games remaining while Calgary is left with only four.
Both teams have 87 points and are only three short to tie it with the defending Stanley Cup champions, Chicago Blackhawks, for eighth.
The best situation would be if Calgary was able to win all of its remaining games, but that is always something very difficult to do.
Only a few teams in history have bounced back from such a situation, and they have a golden opportunity to do so at the moment.
While Dallas has the extra two-game advantage to gain more points, it also depends upon who they are facing off next.
If you take this into perspective, then Calgary has a greater chance of gaining those much needed points.
Stars have upcoming games against Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings which will give them a tough time, but both teams still have teams to fallback to in case of an emergency.
Take a look at Calgary’s remaining games.
Vs. St. Louis Blues
Flames will be flying to St. Louis for the final time this season to face the Blues on Friday in their next regulation matchup.
Noticing that they have dominated them throughout their previous three matches, they have an easy chance to pick up a couple of points here.
Last time they met was in their first game in March. Calgary completely shutout Blues by 6-0 in an embarrassing defeat for St. Louis which is ranked 12th in the Western Conference.
Vs. Colorado Avalanche
The play-off hungry team has another chance to pick up an easy two points when they face the exiled Colorado Avalanche.
Colorado is the second lowest ranking team in the NHL and it would be a shame if Calgary could not take benefit from this opportunity.
But there is a catch to this seaming less offer. Teams who are ousted of the play-off race have no sense of security, so they can perform as they wish because it would not really affect them at all.
In this matchup, which takes place on April 3, Flames should try to be careful defensively while keeping a balance on the offense.
Vs. Edmonton Oilers
A perfect example of a team retaliating in the final moments is Edmonton Oilers. They recently faced off against Flames and took Calgary in a shootout which they nearly won.
Calgary has another chance to make up for that previous loss and take an easy team down and move themselves up.
If they can make it to this game without losing, than seeing themselves in eighth or even seventh place would not be a surprise.
Edmonton will fly over to their rival provincial city on April 6.
Vs. Vancouver Canucks
After a three-game winning streak, this might be the contest that will be a make it or break it chance.
Vancouver leads the NHL on the whole, and has won five straight games.
It does not seem that they might be slowing down anytime soon, so Calgary should be ready to have a hard time.
It will be their fifth and final time meeting this season. Vancouver has taken three of their previous matchups. Team chemistry will be a key factor in winning when Calgary plays its final game at home against the Canucks on April 9.
Tags: