QOTD: What team are you eyeing in the playoff race? - Page 3 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

polak · 03-04-2015, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay Random

I figure that San Jose is not going to catch Vancouver, but L.A. might. If the Flames can catch Vancouver, they're in, even if L.A. also catches them.

Actually, for me, that would be the ideal outcome, since it would make the dirty Canucks miss the playoffs, and also increase the value of the 2nd rounder from the Baertschi trade. So I voted for Vancouver, even though L.A. would answer just as well.

Disagree. That would suck.

We'd be first round fodder to an LA team that is built for the playoffs. Remember last time we played them? That was Playoffs LA and it wasn't even fair.

Journey17 · 03-04-2015, 10:35 AM

I think that SJ is out for sure so we just need to beat one other team. I can't decide which pacific team is going to falter between Van and LA. Both are very beatable even without Gio. If they play like the first period of the Philly game then we can compete with anyone. I like our remaining schedule compared to most of those teams.

White Out 403 · 03-04-2015, 10:35 AM

I don't put much stock on strength of schedule at the end of the year. Lesser teams suddenly play loose with no pressure and win games you wouldn't expect, and high standings teams can get complacent.

I still see the wild falling off a little.. But Jets and wild likely get the wildcards. Vancouver will get one of the Pacific slots... Leaving Calgary to fight for 3rd Pacific with LA.

Robbob · 03-04-2015, 10:37 AM

With their goaltending right now I can definitely see them falter. (Van)

Jay Random · 03-04-2015, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resurrection

I don't put much stock on strength of schedule at the end of the year. Lesser teams suddenly play loose with no pressure and win games you wouldn't expect, and high standings teams can get complacent.

I wouldn't exactly call it complacent. But once a team locks up a playoff spot, the players and coaches are naturally more interested in preparing for the playoffs than in playing out the string. That means not going balls to the wall and risking unnecessary injuries.

activeStick · 03-04-2015, 10:44 AM

Minnesota and LA were on extreme hot streaks to get where they are right now, so I think they'll cool down, probably to an under 0.500 record here on out.

CorsiHockeyLeague · 03-04-2015, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polak

Disagree. That would suck.

We'd be first round fodder to an LA team that is built for the playoffs. Remember last time we played them? That was Playoffs LA and it wasn't even fair.

Not to mention they're actually better now, with Sekera.

Though I don't know that it matters. I would be shocked if LA finished worse than 3rd in the PAC, and whoever plays them in the first round is probably going to get crushed.

polak · 03-04-2015, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

Not to mention they're actually better now, with Sekera.

Though I don't know that it matters. I would be shocked if LA finished worse than 3rd in the PAC, and whoever plays them in the first round is probably going to get crushed.

I could see them missing completely. It just takes a bad stretch (like they're on now) at this point and it could be too late even if they "switch" to playoff mode. They lose another 2 or 3 and then play lights out but get upset a couple of times here and there and they could easily miss. That being said, they could just as easily win every game from here on and I wouldn't be surprised.

Resolute 14 · 03-04-2015, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Where ru Chris O'Sullivan

3 goals on 4 shots, I think Vancouver is in big trouble with their goaltending.

Would love to see them drop like a rock

Well, they are in big trouble if Markstrom starts. Last night probably guaranteed Lack starts every game until Miller returns.

Robbob · 03-04-2015, 11:05 AM

My hope is that LA starts to run out of gas and hit a wall. They have played a lot of hockey recently and probably have had to dig a little deeper to get things back on the rails. Mentally I hope things unravel a bit because they got back into it and hopefully aren't as desperate.

Bottom line I think to have a decent chance a team needs to stumble.

Huntingwhale · 03-04-2015, 11:20 AM

LA for me. No way the defending champs, a team who can flip the switch at any given moment, don't make it. If there is 1 team who will screw us over and knock off 8 wins in a row to end the season and make it in as the 8th seed, it's them. Flames need to make that 7th spot in order to secure a spot, because whomever is in 8th in the last week is going to get screwed.

Street Pharmacist · 03-04-2015, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Well, they are in big trouble if Markstrom starts. Last night probably guaranteed Lack starts every game until Miller returns.

And lack has been very inconsistent

Robbob · 03-04-2015, 11:56 AM

After Louongo got traded last year Lack finished the season 7-9-1 as the starter. Will be interesting to see what he does this year.

Sylvanfan · 03-04-2015, 12:13 PM

In order for the Flames to make the playoffs, they need one of the three Division spots. I can't see San Jose and Los Angeles both missing the playoffs. Vancouver, and than either one of Los Angeles or San Jose, and realistically it's San Jose who will fold like a cheap shirt between those two teams. Kings got themselves back into this thing in February and know how to win games they have to win.