Nashville lost so with only 1 game in hand the Flames are officially ahead of them in every points metric (we're 3 up).
Still need to beat Winnipeg (which would tie them) and have a better record in the last 5 games.
Schedule be damned for all three teams, but Flames should get that final WC spot if we can beat Winnipeg on Wednesday.
Hi all - Jets fan here. Sorry, I just love analyzing these playoff races when my team is involved. I live in Calgary so I do hear the Flames talk on my way to pick up my morning Tim's.
First, let's concede Calgary getting the win against Chicago. Chicago has lost 8 in a row and they are done, and have worked hard to secure the worst record in the league to maximize chances of getting Bedard.
The game against Winnipeg is practically a "must win" for Calgary (although Calgary isn't mathematically eliminated with a loss). If Calgary wins, they are two points up but Winnipeg will have a game on hand and own the tiebreaker (so, control still lies with Winnipeg).
Playing this scenario out, Winnipeg and Calgary both play Nashville and San Jose. Let's say that is a wash (Calgary and Winnipeg keep pace with each other). That leaves Winnipeg with games against Minnesota and Colorado, and Calgary with a game against Vancouver. I don't like Winnipeg's chances in catching up the two points against those opponents.
So, while tomorrow's game isn't a "must win" for either team, it basically does decide it in my mind if it's a clean win.
Of course, if it goes into OT and someone gets a loser point... I will have to pontificate on that further!
Cheers.