Calgary Flames Final Month Outlook

We’re officially a month away from the end of the Flames 2016-17 season. The schedule will conclude on April 8 when the Flames visit San Jose in what could be a potential first round matchup.

As things sit following Tuesday’s action, the Oilers and Ducks are tied with 78 points in 66 games played, while the Flames are two points behind with 76 in 66 games played.

With the Flames sitting pretty in terms of making a playoff spot, let’s take a look at what’s left in terms of opponents this season:

*Playoff Team constitutes teams in a playoff spot or within two points of one

Calgary actually has a pretty good schedule the rest of the way as they have no back-to-backs. They’ll also be playing every second day the rest of the day which should allow them to get a good routine going.

The Flames have four games against the Eastern Conference left this season, which is highlighted by three of the next four against the East.

The the red-hot Montreal Canadiens come to town on Thursday riding a six game winning streak. Their visit is followed by a quick trip to Winnipeg to take on the Jets, and then Penguins and Bruins swinging by the Dome later in the week.

Dallas and Los Angeles will follow the East teams in this homestand before the Flames embark on their second-last road trip of the year.

The trip will open with the undoubtedly the hardest game left on the calendar when the team goes to Washington. The Capitals are 27-6-1 at home and only just lost their 15 game home winning streak against Dallas.

The trip then finishes with the Predators and Blues in games that may have had more importance a couple weeks ago when the teams were mired in the wild-card race.

Then the team comes back for the final homestand of the regular season which features a visit from the league-worst Avalanche. Then it’s the Kings, Sharks, and Ducks in short order.

The Ducks game could have very big playoff implications if the two teams continue to battle near each other like they currently are.

Then the two teams will get to do it two nights later when the Flames visit Anaheim, and will lose. Or maybe not? But it’s the Honda Center. But maybe this is the team to do it? But it’s Anaheim. Who knows!

Then they finish the California trip and the regular season with the Kings and Sharks.

Will the season continue after April 8th? That remains to be seen but things are looking up with each passing game!

by Michael MacGillivray