Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
As is the case every year, I am willing to bet that the playoff requirement starts to inch its way up to the mid-nineties from here, as things get more serious in the 2nd half.
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Not every year. Not even close. In 2016 the 9th place had 87 points. The playoff teams just had to beat that to make the playoffs.
In 2015 the 9th place team had 82 points. Minnesota made the playoffs comfortably with 87. 2014 it was beat 89 points and you were in.
There's a perspective issue as at this point Colorado will all but guarantee themselves a spot in the playoffs with 90 as they just need to stay above the 9th place team. The Ducks, however, to get favourable odds to make the playoffs would need to get over 90 to pass the Avs. That would take an incredible turn around by the Ducks.
In any case, the 9th place team is currently on a 10 game losing streak and on pace for 84 points. There's only 5 teams in the west on pace for 96 points. This is going to be a year closer to 2015-2016 than 2017-2018. It doesn't matter because the Flames aren't fighting for a playoff spot, they are fighting for the conference trophy.