Wild Card Race (Western Conference)

[Vulcan]

Looking at the schedule, it seems if we can win one of the two last games against the Jets and Kings should give us 96 points. I'm not saying 96 points will be enough though.

Dallas - home ice gives us the win
Wild - can't beat them, lose
Preds - they're cold, ripe for us to win
Dallas - home ice too much, we lose
Blues - lose
Oilers - win
Coyotes - win
Kings - home ice gives us a chance
Jets - I think we have their number

These aren't predictions, anything can happen but just going off previous games.

[SHOGUN]

Do or die mentality from here on out.

[fire_starter]

Has any team clinched a playoff spot yet?

[getbak]

Originally Posted by fire_starter

Has any team clinched a playoff spot yet?

Not yet. If Boston loses on Thursday, Montreal, Tampa, and the Rangers could all clinch with wins on Thursday.

No team in the West can clinch before the weekend.

[crapshoot]

I'm thinking that it's gonna take one heck of a finish for the Flames to get in, dealing with lots and lots of pressure. The thing about that is that IF they make it, they will be deep into playoff mode mentally already and will probably be a pretty tough team to eliminate for anyone facing them. This final stretch is gonna be good. It's been so long since hockey was this exiting, I've almost forgotten what it felt like.

[afc wimbledon]

Over the years it always seems the teams that drop out early, the buffaloes and coyotes tend to become loose and dangerous in the last few weeks, the teams that drop out late, the Dallas's and Bruins (maybe) seem to just wholly collapse when they realize they're toast, I actually think this applies to all teams, but the ones that realize it earlier adjust and start playing better once they've got used to the idea.

Of course the tank race for McDavid does mess with that dynamic some.

[Tsawwassen]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

We could become the 8th wild card seed, but until we do, Dallas doesn't care about us. A win tomorrow doesn't put them four back of a spot, they would still be six or eight back.

Put simply, if Dallas catches us, neither team makes the playoffs.

The Stars were the Canucks biggest fans on Tuesday night.

[Thor]

Its in our hands, I'd rather we just punch our own ticket with winning than having to rely on others, although it would sure be nice to get some help. I feel like this team is just destined to make it.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by Thor

I feel like this team is just destined to make it.

Yes. But 8 others also seem destined to make it as well. What a fabulous race. It often becomes one of someone stumbling, like Boston. But in the west everyone just keeps winning

[Gaudfather]

Taking care of their own business means the Flames winning six of the remaining nine games - for 98 points - that may be what is needed. Might need something like this:

Dallas - win
Wild - lose
Preds - win
Dallas - win
Blues - lose
Oilers - win
Coyotes - win
Kings - win
Jets - lose

[DJones]

I'd switch Kings and Jets. Won't feel right if we squeak in after losing the last game.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by DJones

I'd switch Kings and Jets. Won't feel right if we squeak in after losing the last game.

Yes it will

[sec304]

UPDATED: Records required to get to 96 points:

Minnesota: 2-5-1 (8 games left)
Vancouver: 3-6-0 (9 games left)
Winnipeg: 4-4-0 (8 games left)
Calgary: 5-4-0 (9 games left)
Los Angeles: 5-4-0 (9 games left)

Wow, 96 won't be enough as each team has a fairly easy road to 96 points

[mrkajz44]

I still think someone falters and 96 is enough to get in. Looks like Minn and Van are pretty much in, so its a three horse race between LA, Win, and Cgy for two spots.

[calgARI]

Sure looks like the last 2 games of the season are going to decide it.

[EldrickOnIce]

Jets still have a very tough schedule, though 5 are at home:
Habs
Hawks
Rangers
Canucks
@Wild
@Blues
@Avs
Flames
That said, it would be unrealistic to think the Flames won't have to beat them the last game of the season to get in.

[polak]

.... Wish I could dig up some of those posts calling me out for thinking 96 Points wasn't going to cut it.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by polak

.... Wish I could dig up some of those posts calling me out for thinking 96 Points wasn't going to cut it.

Rasonable to assume it still will take 96 for the Flames to make it.

[sec304]

I'm an optimist, still hoping 96 isn't the hard line, but after updating that list this morning I don't see how it can't be. Every team in the race is hot, it's getting ridiculous

[Burner]

Originally Posted by polak

.... Wish I could dig up some of those posts calling me out for thinking 96 Points wasn't going to cut it.

a little sensitive??