AHL- Apolyton Hockey League III-- Olympic edition

[Flubber]

He's definitely a much better backup. It's just odd to start him, though he played really well.

I was initially surprised but on reflection not so much. THis is a busy busy stretch for the Flames and despite Kipper being pretty good all season, he was 0-4 against the Avs. So you try something new.

The Flames actually dominated the first 27 minutes or so, then they got dominated for much of the rest of the second period. They played ok in the 3rd and the late Avs goal made it a little exciting

Their situation is weird now-- only one point out of a playoff spot but many many people see them as having little chance for the playoffs since it is assumed that so very many of Detroit;s games are automatic wins

[Guynemer]

I don't really think many people doubt Calgary's chances. Especially when considering they don't necessarily have to catch Detroit; they can catch Detroit OR Nashville.

[Ben Kenobi]

Nashville has an even easier schedule than Detroit.

I don't see it happening.

[Flubber]

I don't really think many people doubt Calgary's chances. Especially when considering they don't necessarily have to catch Detroit; they can catch Detroit OR Nashville.

True but Nashville keeps on winning too

based on everything, Calgary is now just as likely to catch LA or Colorado--As it sits today fro the Flames point of view

Calgary 12 games left
Detroit -- 1 point ahead-- playing very strong with their injured players back-- relatively easy schedule-- 13 games remaining
Nashville-- 6 points ahead--playing well with a relatively easy schedule--11games left
LA-6 points ahead-- playing .500 hockey in last 10-- medium tough schedule-- 13 games left
Colorado- 7 points ahead- one head to head left-- playing .500 hockey-- tough schedule

Its not impossible If the Flames can go 10-2 or 9-3 ir some other improbable run, they may exceed even Detroit down the stretch. But to catch Nashville or the others?

Assume the flames win 10 of 12 and garrner 20 points-- that means Nasville would need only 14 points from 11 games to match the Flames, LA 14 from 13 and Colorado 13 from 12. (I am not going to look at the tiebreaks at this point so I just speak of matching in points)

So even a very good run by the Flames may mean they need someone else to play .500 hockey-ish

Interestingly Colorado and LA play 3 times down this stretch, including a back to back early next week. If either team can sweep its in the Flames best interest and they absolutely would despise any 3 point games

I think thats why Flames fans are a bit pessimistic. WE need to out point Detroit with one less game to play OR go on a run. I think that if they could go on such a run, there is a decent probability os someone playing poorly enough to be caught. I just don't see 10-2 as very likely at all and something that would generally be good like an 8-4 stretch is unlikely to be good enough unless detroit suddenly reverts to mediocrity

[notyoueither]

It would be more entertaining if Calgary misses.

[Asher]

How so? Even if they do make it they'll be tossed in the 1st round as always.

Either way this season was doomed for this ending. Even if they make the playoffs, I think something big will need to change.

[Asher]

Kesler under contract for 6 years @ 5 mil per.

[Kontiki]

Sutter needs to go as GM, but I doubt he will regardless of whether Calgary makes the playoffs or not.

[Flubber]

Sutter needs to go as GM, but I doubt he will regardless of whether Calgary makes the playoffs or not.

Unless the very unlikely happens and the team manages to make the playoffs and then win a couple of rounds, I agree he should go. he had one glorious run in 04 and other than that he has produced reasonably solid playoff teams every year but this one, but, frankly, expectations were higher and the team has not seemed to progress.

He has frequently made the big deal where every pundit seems to think that "this" will put Calgary over the top. But pretty much every trade acquisition was a bust and a lot of his signings are disappointments

[Asher]

****ing hell, Oilers.

Wings tie it with under a second left.

Do you guys always have to be *******s?

[Sparrowhawk]

omg taht sucked on so many levels....for the Oilers, for Dubnyk, even for the Flames!



[action=Sparrowhawk][/action]

[Asher]

Peckham and Moreau are my MVPs of the night.

[Guynemer]

[Flubber]

****ing hell, Oilers.

Wings tie it with under a second left.

Do you guys always have to be *******s?

Did you see the final goal? An oiler had the puck in the corner but instead of winging it around the boards and killing all remaining time, he tried to smother it . . . . The wings scored with .2 onthe clock.

On the flip side, the OIl did not give up two points-- So my overall take is GOOD-- With

Flames v Sharks
Detroit at Oil

I feared the Flames would lose ground tonight. So now the Flames are tied for a playoiff spot and now are cheering for ther Canucks to burn off the Wings game in hand


I still am not overly optimistic but last night I hear a stat I found interesting. The wings are 5-5-2 against the cellear dwellars of the various divisions

[Guynemer]

Yes, it is troubling, they do seem to play to level of competition. Which is great, provided they make the playoffs.

The Kings and Avs are both stuggling recently, and are starting to fall back to the pack. Things could get even more interesting in the next couple of weeks.