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

[djsFlames]

Yes, the Kings are definitely vulnerable, but I think what's more worrisome is the Stars and Avs not staying dead like they're supposed to.

We need to aim for the Sharks and 7th place. I really don't want us to be within striking distance of 2-3 teams in the final couple weeks.

[AcGold]

The Flames should be focused on themselves and not the other teams they are racing against imo. They'll need around 95 points to get there, get 95 points, don't worry about what the other teams are doing. If they are constantly watching the stats they'll get emotionally drained, 95 points on the other hand is an immutable constant. Unlikely 9 teams in the western conference get 95 points, don't worry about the 1 team that gets 94.

[djsFlames]

That's a good point and the approach they need to take as a team. Although it's going to be hard when some of their final games down the stretch are against direct competition for that spot.

[AcGold]

If they are in a situation where they are competing for a playoff spot in the last 5 games then I'd say that's a success

[Sylvanfan]

San Jose deserve to miss the playoffs.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

San Jose deserve to miss the playoffs.

I hate that they can just turn on their offense and score bunches in short spurts despite being very poor in their effort at times and pretty spotty on defense. If it weren't for their skill depth up front, they wouldn't be able to get away with coasting through parts of games. Caving to LA last playoffs was a prime example of how complacent or "comfortable" they can get.

Lazy team. Hopefully we can boot them this year.

[crapshoot]

It's a bit annoying that the Kings are grinding their way to lots and lots of loser points.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I was just looking at the Kings' record so far. They have played 25 home games and 19 road games, so a very tough schedule the rest of the way.

Looking at their home and away records so far, as an indication of how they may do the rest of the way, they are as follows:

Home: 15-6-4 34Pts, .680WP
Away: 5-8-6 16Pts, .421WP

So not a great road team, and a schedule that is heavy with road games. If they continue at the same pace for each, they are on pace for 90Pts

Considering that their 2nd line is basically gone, with Pearson out long term (the season?) and Toffoli out for something line 3 weeks if I'm not mistaken, I think it's the Kings that are the most vulnerable of being overtaken.

That's some great insight Enoch. Thanks

[sureLoss]

Sharks just lost Wingels and Braun for a few weeks

[Street Pharmacist]

And the Kings with 14 home games and 22 road games with such a lousy road record things are looking up for the flames. The most significant injury for the flames likely improves their play on ice.

I hope LA beats San Jose in regulation tomorrow and we beat Anaheim. They'll be close behind, but that leaves two playoff spots to fight for instead of one

[heep223]

I still don't believe that Vancouver is a playoff team and I think they'll fall out.

[djsFlames]

It seems the Sedins have dropped off a bit. What's contributed to Vancouver's continued success? They're not a deep team. I know Miller has been good on their current trip, but not sure how they've got the record they have. In our second and third meetings they didn't exactly impress.

[GioforPM]

I'd love it to be the Canucks. But it's probably the Sharks.

[DuffMan]

Be funny if Flames & Jets were in and Sharks and Kings were out.

In a way I want to see Vancouver out, but if the Flames don't win, the Canucks getting beat out in the playoffs will give me much joy.

[GioforPM]

Someone posted the similarities between 1986 and now (rookie goalie, losing streak, positive coach named Bob). Maybe Flames play Canucks and Bieksa puts it in his own net off Miller in game 7.

[Locke]

It really looks like the Kings at the moment. They're only where they are by the grace of loser points and we're neck and neck.

At the beginning of the season I thought the Kings would be untouchable.

[CSharp]

Kings are in good position to displace the Jets or the Sharks. I'd bet it will be the Jets or the Sharks by the end of all of this if the Flames are in.