[Flashpoint]

Here's how I see it. I could be missing something, so feel free to correct me.


First, you rank the teams by winning %, not points, or the standings.

Then you look at the 9th placed team.

You calculate the maximum number of points they can get.

You then look at the number of points the Flames need to surpass that number.

The number of points the Flames need is your magic number.

Example:

The Flames have 8 points.
The Oilers have 2 points
The Oilers have 7 games left.
The Oilers can finish with a maximum of 16 points.
The Flames' magic number is 9 (9+8=17).