[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Flames should be much further up the list if not for their OT/SO record. If anything they've been unfortunate strictly due to their opponents having individual talents that could seal more of those games in the 3 on 3. Heck, they have less regulation losses than the Oilers, which means the only thing separating the two teams is the skills competition.

If goal differential was the be all/end all, then it should be the first tie breaker, or determine the standings altogether. It is not, and does not.

So I don't know what you're fussing about.

Most points/regulation wins gets you in. That's the system, so that's all that matters.

Meanwhile you're going on about goals scored vs allowed. Who cares? I bet a good chunk of that negative differential is the amount of EN they've allowed (leading to a lot of 2 or 3 goal losses that were 1 goal games until the final minutes).

Otherwise they're a team that plays one goal games nearly every night. They're not going to rack up a huge positive differential with their style. Doesn't make them any less worthy to be where they are.