The Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets meet tonight in an absolutely crucial game that may decide the fate of both teams this season. The Jets currently hold the final wild card spot in the West with 89 points in 77 games, while the Flames are right behind them with 87 in 78 games. In their two matchups this year, each team took a game by a score of 3-2 in regulation. The Jets may be the home favorite tonight, but expect a very tight, tough game as both teams will be treating this one like a playoff game.
The Flames
For the Flames, time is running out. Last night, the team took a large blow at home, losing to the lowly Blackhawks in regulation. Fortunately, they have the perfect opportunity to make up for it tonight against the team they’re trying to catch in the standings. However, with another loss and just three games left to play, Calgary will most likely be too far behind the Jets to catch back up this season. This game truly is a do or die situation for the team, and likely for coach Darryl Sutter as well. If the Flames cannot make the postseason, it’s probable that the former Stanley Cup champion coach will be relieved of his duties in Calgary.
The Jets
The Jets, on the other hand, have a fantastic opportunity to almost put Calgary away tonight. Getting the win would put them four points ahead of the Flames with one game in hand and ensure they finish with more regulation wins. They’ll also move five points ahead of their only other competition for the wild card spot, the Nashville Predators. It’s certainly been an up and down season for the Jets and March did not treat them well, but with back-to-back six-goal wins and then two days off heading into tonight’s game, they should be ready to hit the ice hard and jump on the Flames.
If you want to see the playoff drama continue right until the end of the season, you’ll definitely want to cheer for the Flames tonight. With a regulation win, Calgary will be even with the Jets with one more game played. Both teams also still have a meeting with the Nashville Predators, who are quietly just one point behind Calgary at the moment with a game in hand. As a fan of the playoff chaos we’re Flames fans for the night.
