Can the Flames sneak in to this year's playoffs?

In a continuation of my last article about the NHL’s Eastern Conference playoff race, let’s take a look at the NHL’s Western Conference.  Unlike the East, the top six teams in the West are clearly defined, though there might be some seeding struggles down the stretch.  The San Jose Sharks, currently tops in the conference with 96 points, are always atop the standings at this time of the year.  The other teams that round out those top six are the now injury-riddled Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, the surprising Phoenix Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche, and the very young Los Angeles Kings.

The battle for those bottom two playoff spots is going to be a dogfight, one that will take us down to the very last game of the season.  There are three teams vying for those two spots, as the Nashville Predators (7^th – 83 points) and Detroit Red Wings (8^th – 80 points) are currently in the playoffs, with the new-look Calgary Flames (9^th – 79 points) on the outside looking in.  Detroit has one game in hand on both Nashville and Calgary.

Nashville has a relatively easy schedule ahead, with just five of their remaining twelve games against teams in the playoffs.  However, two of those games are against Detroit, a division rival.  Those two games could spell the end of one teams playoff hopes.  Interestingly enough, Detroit has the same type of schedule as Nashville heading into the home stretch, with just five of their remaining thirteen games against playoff teams, including two against those Predators.

The team currently on the outside, Calgary, unfortunately has the toughest schedule heading into April.  The Flames have a whopping eight games against playoffs teams, and just four against non-playoff teams.  Of those eight games, five are against either division or conference leaders.  Calgary looks like they are going to need a miracle to make the playoffs, especially with Nashville and Detroit on three game winning streaks.

The fight for those final two spots may come down to just three teams, but that doesn’t mean there will be a lack of excitement in these final twelve games.  Chicago is now down two of their top defensemen (Brian Campbell, Brent Seabrook), and may stumble into the playoffs.  You also can’t overlook those pesky Coyotes, winners of six straight since the trade deadline, and may give the Sharks a run for their division lead.  The West may not have the plethora of teams fighting for their playoff lives, but those final two spots are going to draw some exciting games.