The Flames have 4 shots at gaining 2 points and eliminating the Colorado Avalanche from the play-off race for good. Tonight represents perhaps the most poetic opportunity to put the final nail in their proverbial coffin (though not the most dramatic - that would be the final game of the season). Granted this is by no means a must win for the Flames, especially since they play the shattered corpse of the Edmonton Oilers Saturday night (virtually guaranteeing 2 points) it sure would be nice to get all these post-season questions sewn up and out of the way tonight. Agreed?
The Avs have put on quite a remarkable show during this final push. They've won 13 of 14 games and have marginally decent players (Brunette, Budaj) putting in superstar performances. But the bubble has to burst at some point. Their blueline is suspect and their goaltending, monthly NHL honors aside, is hardly awe-inducing.
It's time to put this sick puppy down.
Even the Colorado rags are admitting the end is pretty much nigh.
For their part, the Flames will most likely be getting David Moss and Dion Phaneuf back in the line-up this evening. That's a full compliment of players for the best home team in the league. Kipper is on a roll, Iggy is looking unstoppable again and, well, Kristian Huselius. Just Kristian Huselius.
The worst threat facing the Flames tonight, beyond Sakic and complacency, is likely the doddering and ever-more-senile Michael McGeough, who is slated to officiate this evenings contest. I guess as long as the Flames avoid body-checking anyone, slamming the penalty-box door too loudly, accidentally allowing opponents to step on their sticks, or score a last minute goal off a face-off, they should be fine.
Hmm. Maybe the Avs aren't the only dogs that need to be taken out back and shot.
Prediction - 4-2 Flames. Iginla (2), Moss, Yelle (EN) for Calgary. Sakic and Wolski for Colorado.
GO FLAMES!
