Darren Haynes on Twitter has the best summary. I can’t figure out how to embed it.
https://twitter.com/darrenwhaynes/st...v8qBAhrpeX5Vdw
Flames’ improbable path to the playoffs hinges on four outcomes:
1. Must defeat Jets in regulation
2. Must win their other three games: at Van, vs. Nsh, vs. SJ
3. Need Wpg to lose at least two of their other four games
4. Need Avs to stumble on their current California road trip
Why No. 4 matters is despite a three-way tie in points, Colorado currently leads the Central on the grounds of having played one fewer game. If the Avs roll through these next three games in California (at SJ, at LA, at Ana), they’re going to lock up first place before the Jets play their final two games: at Min, at Col
Even if No. 1 and No. 2 were to happen, the best chance for No. 3 to also occur is not for the Jets to lose at home to SJ or Nsh, but for Winnipeg’s final two games of the season, both on the road, to be meaningful for both the Wild and Avs. They need first place in the Central — and a preferred round 1 opponent of WC1, aka Seattle (instead of Dal/Col/Min) — to still be on the line so they have incentive in those games to knock off the Jets.
So as I see it, not only does Calgary need to win out, they also need the Avs to drop a couple games in California (while Dallas and Minnesota keep winning) to keep the Central up for grabs.
Yeah, good luck with all of that!