Nothing to say here that hasn't already been said. The Flames can prove themselves contenders with a win tonight or pretenders with a loss.
In contention this evening is not merely whether the Flames can beat a quality opponent in the Preds. It has more to do whether they can make this new, winning road persona stick when the going gets tough - the result will give us some indication of their chances in the post-season. If Calgary can play convincingly well for most of the game, then great. Win, even better. Get hammered again, well...I would think that sort of outcome would plunge the boys right back into "sucksville" on the road, meaning they would not win the NW Division, meaning they would lose home-ice advantage in the play-offs. Meaning they would most likely have a short-lived stint before retiring to green fairways for the summer.
The Preds have been good for a long time. However, a lot of their current games have gone into extra-time and shoot-outs. Premonition of a slump, perhaps? Okay, I'm grasping at straws, but I need something to cling to. At least Sullivan and Forsberg are injured, though.
Call me crazy, but I think we take this one 4-3. Iggy (2), Lombardi (1) and Huselius (1) for Calgary. Kariya, Fiddler and Erat for Nashville.
GO FLAMES!
