Every game from here on in (until we clinch a play-off spot at least) is a "critical" one, so calling tonight's contest against the Colorado Avalanche a "must win" is kinda redundant.
But that's not gonna stop me: tonight's game against Colorado is a "must win".
The Flames can make a strong bid to capture the NW division and move ever closer to that 96 point/play-off clinching mark by beating the Avs tonight. Both teams currently occupy the top of NW with 88 points each.
The teams have basically split the season series so far, typically with the home club winning the game. The Flames improved their home record to 25-7-3 with the victory over LA on Wednesday, while the Av's carry a 18-17-2 away record into the 'Dome tonight. So far, so good.
A major factor in the contest tonight may be injuries. Colorado lacks two of it's top goal getters in Tanguay and Svatos (both lost for the rest of the season) as well as their (potential) #1 goalie in Theodore. Conversely, The Flames have recently lost Nilson, McCarty, Warrener and Lundmark to various ailments. None of them will be in the line-up this evening. Therefore whomsoever can get the more solid performance from their supplementary players will probably be the victor. Course, strong performances from superstars (hear that Iggy?) certainly won't hurt...
GO FLAMES GO!
