What a weird sentiment with not being concerned with the Predators...
The Flames currently have the 8th highest point percentage in the West. The Predators are 9th. The Predators are missing out on PK Subban since December 15 while Neal, Arvidsson and Wilson are inured.
While this early in the season, it's hard to give a ton of weight to Sports Club Stats, had the Predators won today they would have had a better chance of making the playoffs than Calgary...
http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL/Western.html
They are the anti-Canucks. Even with everything going well for the Canucks, they are barely a threat. They are unsustainable and will fall back down to Earth quickly. On the other hand, Nashville has fought through some major injuries for most of the season, if they get healthy and click, they are a legitimate team to be worried about.
As much as it would be nice for the Flames to take control of their own destiny and surpass the Oilers, Kings, etc. It's still nice when a team like Chicago beats Nashville to keep a little bit of breathing room.