Calgary Flames favourites against Edmonton Oilers – NHL Preview
Edmonton Oilers’ future in the National Hockey League (NHL) current season is almost decided as they are far away from the comfort zone in the Western Conference and will end the season without qualifying for the playoffs.
However, Calgary Flames are still very much alive in the playoff contention, though they, too, are out of the comfort zone. That being said, a couple of more victories can earn them a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Both teams are going to face each other on Friday, March 16, 2012, at Rexall Place, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Here is a look at both teams.
Oilers
They are ranked at 14th spot in the Western Conference just above the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are mathematically eliminated from the playoff contention.
Oilers have 61 points after 70 games and defeated the Blue Jackets in their last game to snap their three-game skid.
Oilers scored two goals in the second period and one in the final while goaltender, Devan Dubnyk, earned his second shutout of the season.
Oilers’ captain, Shawn Horcoff, said after the game:
"It was a lot better. I thought the guys responded really well. We got challenged and we wanted to respond to it. We wanted to come out with a really solid effort and was really proud to see the way the guys did."
Flames
They are ranked at 10th spot in the Western Conference with 80 points after 71 games and are just one point behind the eighth-ranked Colorado Avalanche.
A victory against Oilers might enable Flames to replace Avalanche.
Flames are currently on a five-game winning streak with the victories coming against Montreal Canadiens (5-4), Winnipeg Jets (5-3), Minnesota Wild (4-3), San Jose Sharks (3-2 in overtime) and Phoenix Coyotes (4-1).
In the last game, Flames got one goal in the first period and managed two more in the second where Coyotes got their first scoring move. Flames scored another goal in the final period to win the game by a three-goal margin.
Flames’ right wing, Jarome Iginla, said after the game:
"It's fun to be back in this playoff race. It's going to be interesting with so many teams here."
Predictions
Flames have an edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might exceed six.
If Oilers win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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