Calgary Flames

Pride is about the only thing on the line for the Flames at this point as they wrap up their home-and-home against the Stars tonight at the Scotia bank Saddledome. This will be the fourth and final meeting between the squads with the Stars looking for a season sweep of the Flames after defeating them 4-1 on Saturday afternoon in Dallas. The loss all but squashed the Flames playoff hopes as they now sit three points back of the three-way tie for 8th spot between the Kings, Sharks and Avalanche.

Motivation to write this preview for today’s afternoon clash between the Flames and Dallas Stars is pretty low to say the least. The disappointment of Thursdays loss to the Minnesota Wild along with the Flames current four game losing skid, where the team has lost to the bottom three teams in the West, still lingers inside of me and many Flames fans. With 6 games remaining and still only two points out of a playoff spot, the Flames still have a chance. This afternoon’s matinee kicks-off a crucial home and home series between the Flames and Stars as both teams are fighting tooth and nail to make the playoffs. The Stars have won both match-ups against the Flames this season as both games were 3-2 and both needed extra time (OT on Feb. 16th, SO on Mar. 4th).

Beep… Beep… Beep. The Flames playoff heart is still beating but with their current three game losing streak, the blood flow is slowing down.

The Flames head into Minnesota tonight to face the struggling Wild in a game where a W is a must. This will be the 6th and final meeting between the clubs this season and facing the Wild could be exactly what the Flames need to get back on the playoff track. After losing their first meeting of the season, the Flames have won the last four meetings against the Wild, outscoring them 14-7 in that process.

Whoever isn’t enjoying this latest Flames run can’t call themselves a hockey fan. Another victory last night against Phoenix gave the Flames five straight as they moved within one point of 7th and 8th place, which the Coyotes and the Colorado Avalanche currently hold with 81 points apiece. The Flames have to get right back on the horse tonight as they travel up north to duel their provincial rivals for the 6th and final time this season. The Flames have been simply dominate over the Oilers the last couple of years and other than a lackluster 6-1 loss the last time the two teams met, the Flames have won 16 of the last 18 meetings. If the Flames continue to play like they have the past five, tonight’s game shouldn’t be an issue. Saying that the Oilers have nothing but pride to play for at this point and the Flames can’t look past them. The Flames could jump to 7th place in the West with a victory tonight.