Despite a slow start, the Calgary Flames showed up in a big way on Sunday night, dominating the San Jose Sharks on home ice. A loss last night would have essentially ended the Flames’ season, but the win makes things very interesting. The Flames’ path to the playoffs isn’t completely in their hands, but that could shift as early as tonight.
As of right now, here is the Flames’ outlook:
- 92 points
- 2 games remaining
- April 15: vs. Vegas Golden Knights
- April 17: @ Los Angeles Kings
- 30 regulation wins
Here’s how the Flames’ path to the playoffs looks and why tonight’s NHL slate is must-watch hockey.
Path #1: Pass the St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues have been on a heater of late, going on a 12–0–0 run to make a case for the playoffs. The team is currently 7–2–1 in their last 10, and lost in a shootout to the Seattle Kraken in their previous game to give the Flames some life. Here’s how they look right now:
- 94 points
- 1 game remaining
- April 15: vs. Utah Hockey Club
- 31 regulation wins
If St. Louis beats Utah tonight in regulation, it’s all over. They book their ticket to the postseason, and the door for the Flames to catch them snaps shut. However, given they lost to the Kraken in overtime, the Flames are just a couple of points back and can catch the Blues by winning out.
Path #2: Pass the Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild’s overtime win over the Vancouver Cancuks makes it very hard for the Flames to catch them. Here’s their outlook:
- 95 points
- 1 game remaining
- April 15: vs. Anaheim Ducks
- 33 regulation wins
The Flames cannot pass the Wild unless they have more points than them. There is no scenario where the Flames would hold the tiebreaker.
This one is going to be completely on Minnesota. A win in any fashion or an overtime loss tonight would seal their fate and book their spot in the postseason. If they do lose to Anaheim tonight, the Flames would need to win both of their last two games to pass the Wild and take the final spot.
Three teams fighting for the final two spots
The playoff picture across the league is nearly solidified. We already have a number of matchups set in stone for the first round. However, the Flames, Wild, and Blues all have their fate up in the air.
Two teams will be playing one of the Winnipeg Jets and the Vegas Golden Knights, while the third will take their golf bags out of storage for the postseason. After the way this season has gone and the way the Flames have exceeded expectations, hopefully, they get a postseason berth this season.
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