The Calgary Flames are heading into a crucial stretch of games as they look to secure a playoff spot in the NHL’s North Division. Their next opponent will be the struggling Chicago Blackhawks, who they lost to in overtime just a few nights ago. The Flames will be looking to atone for that loss and keep the pressure on the Winnipeg Jets, who they will face in a critical matchup later this week. As the regular season winds down, every game becomes more important, and the Flames know that they can’t afford to slip up if they want to make it to the postseason.
The Calgary Flames are gearing up for a crucial game that could lead to an eighth-place tie with the Winnipeg Jets. However, they will have to face the NHL’s last-place team, the Chicago Blackhawks. So far, the Flames have stumbled against many bottom-feeder teams this season, including the Blackhawks, who have a perfect 2-0 record against them. Nevertheless, the Flames are approaching the upcoming game with newfound confidence and momentum, culminating in a four-game winning streak, which puts their playoff hopes on the line.
The last two third-period comeback wins of the season have allowed the Flames to stay within two points of the Jets, who have also turned up the heat in their last two outings. If the Flames succeed in winning against the Blackhawks and the Jets win their game, the two teams will be competing for the final playoff spot in the west. The Flames understand the importance of taking it one game at a time and not looking beyond Chicago.
There has been considerable debate over whether Jacob Markstrom should be rested ahead of the game against the Jets, allowing Dan Vladar to start Tuesday. On Sunday, Markstrom allowed two goals in the opening period of the game against Anaheim. Given the importance of having the veteran blueliner Chris Tanev in the mix, the potential return of Tanev has prompted debate on whether Tanev’s return would bump Michael Stone or Troy Stecher from the lineup.
The Flames are continuing their hunt for a playoff spot, displaying their character, resilience, and grit. Moneypuck.com has placed the Flames’ current chances of making the playoffs at 29.6%, a number sure to escalate significantly if they can post a win over Chicago. The eyes of the hockey world will take a rare gaze towards Manitoba for an eighth-place gunfight few will want to miss.
With the Flames determined to make amends for their earlier defeat against the Blackhawks, all eyes in the NHL will be trained on this upcoming showdown. The Jets will also be keenly watching the outcome, knowing that their next opponent could be a Flames team riding high on momentum. As the regular season heats up and we inch closer to the playoffs, every game becomes that much more crucial, and teams like the Flames know all too well the importance of staying focused, putting in the hard work day in and day out, and leaving everything on the ice. It’s bound to be an exciting match, and we can’t wait to see how it all plays out. Stay tuned for more NHL action, as the race towards the playoffs continues to heat up!
