Flames: 40-28-7, 87 points, 4th in the Pacific, 9th in the West, 16th in NHL.
Predators: 47-21-8, 102 points, 1st in the Central, 2nd in the West, 2nd in NHL, *clinched playoff berth.
The sphincter has loosened a little. The Wild did the Flames a huge favor yesterday by romping over the L.A. Kings 4-1 last night. These were the two hottest teams in the league meeting in crunch time, and it wasn't even close. Minnesota has now passed Chicago for 3rd in the Central division and are on pace for around 105 points. IIRC, they were as low as 12th in the West at one point. Insane.
So today the Flames have to make up for that game, which they were in through 40 minutes thanks to the stellar play from Ramo. Minnesota just didn't let up and eventually broke through, scoring 3 in the 3rd to win easily. The Flames just never created enough pressure to be deemed "dangerous". They handled the Flames easily, but I don't feel so bad watching what they did to the Kings last night. Yes, it wasn't the best game from the Flames, but that happens. The key is how you respond. I think today is a good opportunity for them to find their work ethic again playing a Predators team that they've already beaten twice in two games this year, although they did play both of those games in October. Still, they've handled this team better than the Blues or Ducks this year, and they were arguably icing a worse roster at the time, Giordano not withstanding. There's a few other factors in the Flames' favor. The Predators clinched a playoff spot with a win over Washington yesterday. We all know that no matter how much you might try not to, relaxation often occurs after you clinch. It's also a back-to-back situation for the Predators, so the Flames should have more energy. However, it's a dreaded afternoon game, and we all know how sloppy and odd those games can be for the Flames (or any team really).
The Flames offense will be in tough again as the Preds own the 4th best GA/G of any team, just ahead of both L.A. and Minnesota in that category. There's a possibility that Rinne will not play simply for rest reasons. He's play the last 11 straight games, not getting a day off since March 3rd, and it's an afternoon game after an evening game on a back-to-back, plus they just clinched. If there were ever a time to rest your goalie, it would be today. Not saying they will, but it would be nice...so of course it won't happen.
Still, it's doubtful you'll see Weber, and while the Preds still have a very good defense group, that's a big hole to fill. Weber is 5th in the NHL in TOI at 26:22, but they still have Josi who is right ahead of him at 26:27. Interestingly, T.J. Brodie is 11th with 25:09, and the injured Giordano ranks 10th at 25:10.
Which brings me to my next thought: The Flames desperately need to tighten up defensively. It's becoming obvious that the defense is simply wearing out. The top 4 have logged a lot of minutes, and Engelland is playing way above his head on the 2nd pair. The forwards for the Flames need to do a better job of shutting down the opposition and create a transition game again. The Flames have given up 4 goals in 2 straight games, and if not for Ramo it could have been a LOT more than that. The good news is that Nashville is middle of the pack in GF/G, and have the 26th ranked power play. Forsberg is their co-leader in points with 59, along with our favorite Flame-killer, Mike Ribeiro. Their next two top point getters are Roman Josi and Shea Weber. They have 4 20 goal scorers, but few playmakers on the team. The Predators play a simple offensive game, with very little lateral play. As long as the Flames keep the front of the net clear, they should be able to control their own zone well today.
Still, they've won 4 straight and are 6-3-1 in their last 10. They're a very good team, and the Flames will have to play a tough and composed road game if they're going to get 2 points today, which they desperately need. This team can still afford one more regulation loss and still have very good odds at making the playoffs, but do they really want to use that up today? No, they need this win, if for no other reason than purely restoring belief in themselves.
Playoff odds: Up 5.2% to 51.7%. A win in regulation increases our chances by 13.6% putting us around 65%. That same result drops the Kings' chances by 6.2% and drops them down to roughly 64%. That would make it a dead heat down the stretch and whoever wins more in the next couple of weeks is in, especially in the lone game remaining between them. Pure, simple, exciting, terrifying...hockey.
Roster Notes: Markus Granlund missed practice with the flu, but is still possible for tonight's game, so pencil him in at center on the 3rd line, move Jooris over to RW and Colborne back to LW and drop Ferland out of the lineup if Granlund is ready. Hartley is on record saying the lineup is not set, so changes are possible. After a lengthy run from Ramo, Hiller gets the start today on the first of back to back games, giving Ramo an extra day of rest.
The Predators clinched a playoff spot yesterday and are now 3 points ahead of the Blues for 1st in the division. This means they might relax just a little and let some players rest up for the playoffs. They were without Shea Weber, James Neal, Matt Cullen, and Eric Nystrom yesterday with minor injuries. Even if Weber's close, I wouldn't be shocked if they were to continue to rest him and make sure he's 100% for the playoffs. For those same reasons and the back-to-back games, you have to figure that Rinne will also get a rest...or at least we can hope. The Predators can still ice a solid lineup without those injured players, so no need to rush them back.
Flames
Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler
Bouma-Backlund-Byron
Ferland-Jooris-Colborne
Raymond-Stajan-Jones
Russell-Wideman
Brodie-Engelland
Schlemko-Diaz
Hiller
Predators
Forsberg-Ribeiro-Smith
Wilson-Fisher-Stalberg
Santorelli-Jarnkrok-Arvidsson
Beck-Gaustad-Bourque
Josi-Jones
Eckholm-Franson
Ellis-Volchenkov
Rinne?
Go Flames Go!!!