The Calgary Flames (37-27-14, fourth in the Pacific Division, four points away from the second wild-card spot) will host the Minnesota Wild (43-29-7, fourth in the Central Division, currently in possession of the first wild-card spot).

Well, it all comes down to this....

After letting one point slip away in Anaheim, the Flames are basically in a win-or-go-home situation. As the playoff odds charts (below) suggest, another regulation loss or overtime loss at the hands of the Wild will sink the Flames’ post-season odds to a gloomy 1% and 3.1%.

And I can assure you, not even the most risk-taking gamblers from Vegas are ever going to take on those odds.

As far as the Wild go, if they win, they clinch a playoff spot. Simple as that.

Speaking of Minnesota, this is a talented bunch. Second-line wing Matt Boldy leads in points for the team, followed by center Marco Rossi. Former Calder Trophy winner Kirill Kaprizov is the only player going better than a point-per-game rate. A lower-body injury that required surgery kept him out for 40 games, but upon his return on April 9, he scored three points, showing he has not lost his touch.

Calgary had to scratch and claw for both its wins against the Wild this season, and if a season-series sweep is destined, it won’t come under any different circumstances.

HEAD 2 HEAD

Based on both prior games this season, the Calgary Flames save percentage is ranked 12th against the Minnesota Wild in even-strength situations. Furthermore, the Wild offense is averaging 24.0 shot on goal per game against Calgary. That is sixth-lowest against any team by Minnesota.

However, the Flames save percentage is the fourth-worst against the Wilds’ power play. On top of that, in the last 30 days, the Wild man-advantage unit has ranked sixth in the league.

After an off day in Anaheim, it is expected that Dustin Wolf will make his sixth straight start. No surprises there.

On offense, the Flames shooting percentage against the Wild is ranked 12th. They rank 14th in shots on goal per game against Minnesota.

We all know about the struggles with Calgary’s power play, but what makes the situation a bit more challenging is that the Wilds’ penalty kill was ranked third in the last 30 days.

It can be anyone's game on a Friday evening in Calgary.

TALE OF THE TAPE (SKATERS)

TALE OF THE TAPE (GOALIES)

PLAYOFF ODDS

The outcome of this game has playoff implications for both teams.

Based on the odds, it is pretty obvious to say Calgary needs this win more.

• CALGARY PLAYOFF ODDS

• MINNESOTA PLAOFF ODDS