The Flames certainly can make the playoffs if:
1. They win half of the remaining games against better teams; and
2. They win the large majority of games against lower teams.
Both the Flames and the Oilers have an easy schedule to end the regular season. EDM plays each of ANA and SJ twice in their final six games. If you extend that out to the final 10 or 12 the Flames might have an even easier schedule.
Everything changes once you make the dance. I have always assumed that playoff teams are pretty even 5 on 5 and success in the playoffs comes down to:
1. Goaltending
2. Special teams
3. Coaching
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