A few weeks ago we Flames fans were hoping the 'Nucks could hear us laughing from so far down in the standings. Now they sit only five points back in the Northwest division with a game in hand.. That 11 point lead sure deteriorated quick didn't it? However, I'm still confident the additions of Olli Jokinen and Jordan Leopold will be enough to keep the Flames at the top through till mid-April.
Although, Luongo has been insane and Kiprusoff is starting to look like a goalie who has played in 64 games this season. Good thing we have a backup that can shoulder the load for Kipper so he can take a bit of a breather... We still have CuJo right? No? This could be a problem. If Keenan doesn't find a way to give Kiprusoff a break while still winning enough games to keep Vancouver at bay, we could be looking at a first round upset at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets. They're sure to be pumped up for their first ever playoff appearance and our goaltending is going to need to be on point.
If we rest Kipper and let McElhinney take the load for the last few games of the season, Vancouver will pas the Flames and we'll have to face Chicago in round one. A young t
eam headed into the playoffs knowing the cap is going to tear them apart soon and they're going to have to think about winning now is going to be a tough opponent. Anybody remember what the pens did last year? It's not going to be a fun first round for whoever goes up against the Blackhawks.
It is entirely possible that when the Flames head to GM Place to take on the Canucks on April 7, they'll be playing for the third seed in the Western Conference. This should be a great game, as can be said for pretty much the whole remaining schedule for both teams. Neither has an overly easy schedule, although Vancouver does get to beat the crap out of the terrible Avalanche twice more this season.
This should be a solid dogfight right to the end of the season, anybody else praying for a Flames vs. Canucks second round matchup?
SP
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