Which team do the Flames displace if they make the postseason?

[djsFlames]

Do the Kings finally leave their push too late to secure a spot? Are the Flames good enough to push out the defending champs? Without Voynov, some believe too much has been put on Doughty's shoulders and defensively the Kings are weaker than in years past. Or are Daryl and co still too good to be ousted when all is said and done?

Are the Jets bound to fall back down to earth to the perennial .500 team they've been for many seasons, or can they actually maintain the level of hockey they're playing? I still haven't bought into them being good enough to be in a top 8 spot in the west when the dust settles, but who knows.

Can the Sharks or Canucks be caught yet, or have they gone into playoff mode now? I think an argument can be made that the Canucks are still in a bit of a funk, despite beating the lowly Flyers.

One thing is for sure, in order for the Flames to secure their first berth in 6 years, one of these top 8 will need to be displaced.

[driveway]

Either the canucks or the jets. Pavelec and Hutchinson are playing out if their minds right now. If that slips, we could catch them.

Vancouver is the other team which simply might not be good enough to make the playoffs.

Though, if I were a gambling man I'd be betting on Dallas and Minnesota to catch us over us catching someone ahead of us.

[dying4acup]

Canucks

[djsFlames]

Dallas has been WAY too inconsistent. I don't see that happening. Minnesota haven't been the same team this year as the past couple, but they're a better bet than Dallas I'd say.

I'd be much more worried about Colorado.

For whatever reason, I just sense that the Kings are missing something this year having seen them on a few occasions now. They have the fewest regulation wins of all the teams above the line right now, and less than us. I think we can push them out if we play well down the stretch, as weird as that sounds.

[dying4acup]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Dallas has been WAY too inconsistent. I don't see that happening. Minnesota haven't been the same team this year as the past couple, but they're a better bet than Dallas I'd say.

I'd be much more worried about Colorado.

For whatever reason, I just sense that the Kings are missing something this year having seen them on a few occasions now. They have the fewest regulation wins of all the teams above the line right now, and less than us. I think we can push them out if we play well down the stretch, as weird as that sounds.

If the Kings miss, I could see Darryl resigning.

[the2bears]

Originally Posted by driveway

Either the canucks or the jets. Pavelec and Hutchinson are playing out if their minds right now. If that slips, we could catch them.

Vancouver is the other team which simply might not be good enough to make the playoffs.

Though, if I were a gambling man I'd be betting on Dallas and Minnesota to catch us over us catching someone ahead of us.

Both teams?

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by dying4acup

If the Kings miss, I could see Darryl resigning.

Yeah, I don't think he'll stand for anything less than playoffs for any longer than a season. He's getting up there and probably doesn't see value in staying behind the bench of a team that takes any kind of step back. He came into a dream scenario with the team he acquired and after leaving Calgary I'm pretty sure he didn't initially have plans to go back behind the bench to begin with.

[Crumpy-Gunt]

Wimpipeg

[dying4acup]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Yeah, I don't think he'll stand for anything less than playoffs for any longer than a season. He's getting up there and probably doesn't see value in staying behind the bench of a team that takes any kind of step back. He came into a dream scenario with the team he acquired and after leaving Calgary I'm pretty sure he didn't initially have plans to go back behind the bench to begin with.

He also might see the writing on the wall with all the long term contracts. If he loses the room, who are they trading... Once they start missing, they could be out for a while. Unless they can trade Richards. I understand Williams value, but there's no way I would bring him back. Time for new blood.

[N-E-B]

Winnipeg will fall out IMO, but I don't know if it will be us to replace them. I hope it is, but Dallas and Colorado are starting to come around after dreadful starts. It will be a fun ride.

[Frank MetaMusil]

For whatever reason, I just sense that the Kings are missing something this year having seen them on a few occasions now. They have the fewest regulation wins of all the teams above the line right now, and less than us. I think we can push them out if we play well down the stretch, as weird as that sounds.

They are missing Voynov. Sutter just doesn't have anyone even close to replacing those minutes.

[crapshoot]

All the bubble teams are playing at about the same level as the Flames, and has been doing just that pretty much the whole season. I still think the Kings will kick into another gear and run away with a playoff spot, but between the Sharks, Jets, Canucks, Flames (and lately Avs) anything can happen. Damn exciting for the Flames to be a part of this race.

[expatflame]

Kings...it will be very tight though. Right now, Flames have 3 more regulation wins than the Kings (and 1 ROW).

[stemit14]

It would be so sweet to steal that spot from the Canucks. Would be even sweeter to beat them in a playoff round though. The flames play Winnipeg and LA in their 3rd and 2nd last games of the year, respectively. One of those games could end up being the deciding game for which team makes the playoffs.


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[Dajazz]

There is a LOT of push back in LA. A lot of character on the ice and bench there. Wouldn't be surprised if they played lights out for the rest of the season.

Vancouver is one injury away from free falling through the standings if you ask me, very little depth.

I can't get a grip on Winnipeg. Some solid players, decent depth and finally they got their goaltending.

In the end I think LA makes it over Vancouver, Winnipeg will hold on unless their goalies fall though.

Then it will be a race between Flames, Canucks and the Avs for the final spot.

[dammage79]

I said it before, I'll say it again a couple months removed, San Jose will not make the playoffs. They're trending downward and may start a push now but they'll fall short.

[Demetric]

the team that finishes in 9th

[heep223]

Canucks.

[clancy]

Originally Posted by dying4acup

He also might see the writing on the wall with all the long term contracts. If he loses the room, who are they trading... Once they start missing, they could be out for a while. Unless they can trade Richards. I understand Williams value, but there's no way I would bring him back. Time for new blood.

Whaaat?

They are the defending cup champs, and have a lot of good young players. They also have arguably the best goalie in the world, (who is in his prime) and arguably the best Dman in the world, who hasn't yet reached his prime.

[ForeverFlameFan]

It'll be between the Flames - Sharks - Kings.