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Playoff atmosphere expected for 'massive game' against Calgary Flames: Winnipeg Jets players

Head coach Rick Bowness is predicting an intensity similar to an NHL playoff-series clincher when his Winnipeg Jets host the Calgary Flames on Wednesday.

"[Wednesday] night is probably going to be like a Game 7 for both teams," Bowness said after the Jets practised Tuesday. "I think that's the importance of the game for both teams."

Bowness says it may not be an elimination game, but the Jets will treat it like one.

Now or never: Flames must bounce back vs. Jets after demoralizing loss to Blackhawks

Asked how his club could be swept by the NHL’s worst team with the season on the line, Mikael Backlund offered up a simple explanation.

“Maybe too many of us were thinking about tomorrow’s game, and thinking a little too far ahead,” said Backlund after a 4-3 loss to Chicago that certainly dampened anticipation over Wednesday’s eighth-place showdown in Winnipeg.

Oh sure, the chance to draw even with the Jets with a regulation win is still an enticing proposition for the Flames and their frustrated fans. They currently sit two points back of the Jets, who have a game in hand.

Flames Path To Playoffs Much Harder After Lackadaisical Loss to Blackhawks

It's not over yet, but the Calgary Flames went from potentially controlling their own playoff destiny to needing to run the table and getting some help.

That's what happens when top players don't play their best in the most meaningful game they've dressed for all season. Now that title belongs to Wednesday night's head-to-head battle against the Winnipeg Jets. That's essentially a win or get your garbage bag ready for next week scenario.