This 2010-11 season has been filled with many highs and lows as we quickly approach trade deadlines as well as playoff season. A short month ago, there was hardly any outward stretch the Calgary Flames could make to reach a playoff spot considering the necessity to win 2 out of every 3 of their remaining games. However, the determination to prove themselves has left them referred to as one of the hottest teams in the league right now. The Flames moved up 6 positions from 14th place in the conference just weeks ago to an 8th place playoff standing. Although the teams surrounding us are within mere points of catching our stride or us theirs, a tiny stumble could land us back below the red line - or another winning streak mirroring the victories against Dallas, Nashville (twice), Vancouver (League leaders), Atlanta, and St. Louis - could easily allow us to climb into a more appealing 4th or 5th in the conference.
I won`t get too carried away with potential happenings, so instead we shall refer to the stats. The LA Kings are sitting directly below the red line with one point less than us (60), however they have 2 games in hand (3 after tonight`s meeting at the Dome against Ottawa), as well as 29 wins versus our 27 (28 after tonight`s meeting at the Dome against Ottawa). Directly above us in 7th place is Anaheim. They hold a one point lead over us, a game in hand, two more wins, and they face off tonight. While Hiller is currently on injury reserve (good for the Flames - bad for my fantasy pool!), their record is 7-3-0 of their last 10 games. Phoenix has a less desirable track record as of late, but they do sit directly above Anaheim with 63 points and so either team losing their battle (preferrably both) this evening would only benefit Calgary any more than a potential upwards shuffle to 7th position in the conference. Should Anaheim lose and Calgary win, we`d simply trade places and Calgary would remain two points behind Phoenix. I like that scenario far better than widdening the gap between us and the Ducks.
How about that winning streak!! 6 games in a row and facing some tough opponents, to boot! I sent Danielle a text late last week asking who these guys were in our Flames jerseys on the ice, not because I don`t have the utmost faith in my hockey team - but because their stamina and poise on the ice has been far superior to what we`ve been seeing most of this entire season. It`s as if someone (Jay Feaster) has breathed new life into our boys - so whatever it is that has given them their confidence back, don`t stop! Our record in the last ten games is 7-1-2 with only one loss to LA, breaking our winning streak, and then back to a win against the Chicago Blackhawks only two days ago. So let us go into tonight`s game with our heads held high and cheer for our team, because soon enough we could all be down on the Red Mile for another fantastic Playoff run - and if we want it bad enough, a run that will be remembered as fondly as that of 2004! It`s not over until it`s over, and considering that a few weeks earlier our only comfort was a high draft pick for a rebuild next season, this comeback should mean more to the Flames and their fans than ever! I have high hopes!
GO FLAMES GO!!!
T
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