The Flames certainly have the least meaningful schedule left in terms of standings. All but certain to be the Pacific division leader with no chance of catching Colorado. Colorado though is still neck and neck with the Panthers for the President's Trophy.
Canes and Rangers fighting for division lead. Pittsburgh and Washington fighting for third (which might mean the difference between playing the Panthers). Toronto is fairly secured in second in the Atlantic after a strong end to the season but they still have a four point game with Tampa coming up that could put them in some harm of falling to third. Tampa is also fighting with Boston for position. You know Boston would love to get that third spot over Tampa to play Toronto in the first round given history (1959 last time Leafs beat Bruins in playoffs. Bruins knocked them out first round in 69, 72, 74, 13, 18, 19).
St. Louis and Minnesota fighting for home advantage with the Blues surging to overtake the Wild in points but still below by point percentage. Edmonton, like the Leafs, pretty secured in second but a disaster end could leave them outside of the playoffs still unlike the Leafs.
Kings fighting to stay ahead of Vegas and now Vancouver. Nashville and Dallas exactly tied at 43-28-5 fighting to avoid Colorado but also stay ahead of the fourth place Pacific team.
Could make the last day of the season interesting. 15 teams playing. Ideally Minnesota (vs Col) and St. Louis (vs Vegas) still close enough that their games mean something, same with Stars and Preds. Somehow the stars align and Vancouver vs Edmonton means something to both teams as well. Would be awesome if none of those teams had the option to rest up before the playoffs.
What does make the Flames schedule interesting is that their next four games are against teams that could theoretically be their first round opponent (Nashville x2, Dallas, and extreme outside shot Canucks).
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