I agree with the OP re the importance of tonight's game (in terms of most important game of the season so far) and the significant difference between an 8 point gap and a 4 point gap at this point in the season, and how such a gap would put the Flames in the drivers seat as far as finishing ahead of San Jose in the standings is concerned, but it's still way to early in the season to try and make an argument that it's coming down to these two teams battling for a single playoff spot. It could play out that way, but there are still several teams that are fighting for the last playoff spot.
For example, barring some amazing run from Colorado, Dallas, Arizona, and Edmonton, and such a run is certainly still possible for any of those teams save Edmonton, there are still 10 teams in the mix for 8 spots, and with only 10 points separating those 10 teams, and with only 7 points separating the bottom 8 of those teams (including Calgary and San Jose), both teams will still be in the mix for one of any number of playoff spots, along with several other teams, regardless of the outcome tonight. Tonight's game is not so critical. Win or lose, the Flames are still in great shape as far as the playoffs picture is concerned.
Oh, and there is exactly a one point difference (one OTL) over the last ten games between "the fading Jets" and "the surging wild".
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