The Calgary Flames will host the San Jose Sharks for the second time in the last seven days.
Well, here is the deal....
After Seattle beat St. Louis, now Calgary has one job: go 3-0 in their remaining games. More on that in the playoff odds below…
One game at a time.
The Flames first face off against the Sharks, the same team that pushed them to the limit for the first two periods before Calgary’s third period comeback on April 8. San Jose players definitely want to finish the job this time. And if it comes with the perk of knocking Calgary out of the playoff picture, then I’m sure this team will not be short on motivation to do so.
HEAD 2 HEAD
Based on all three prior games this season, the Calgary Flames have the third-best save percentage against the San Jose Sharks at even-strength situations. On 4 vs 5 penalty kill situations, Calgary’s save percentage against San Jose is 14th. The Sharks average 27.3 shots on goals per game to the Flames. That is 15th amongst all teams. San Jose, meanwhile, has the fifth-lowest shooting percentage when playing against Calgary. Despite the favorable numbers, it is expected that Wolf will make his seventh consecutive start in net. At this point, considering the direness of the Flames’ situation, it won’t be shocking if he’s goalie for the rest of the regular season.
However, Calgary’s shooting percentage is 16th against San Jose. In the power play, Flames are 2-for-8 against San Jose. They could work on that. Still, Calgary does average 33.7 shots on goal per game against San Jose. That’s 6.4 shots better than what Sharks average against the Flames.
TALE OF THE TAPE (SKATERS)
TALE OF THE TAPE (GOALIES)
PLAYOFF ODDS
After the Blues got only one point against the Kraken last night, they are four points ahead of the Flames, while the Wild are ahead by five after their win against the Canucks. Calgary have two more games in hand on both teams. For the Flames to have a chance to qualify, the have to hope that the Blues DON’T get a regulation win in their final game against Utah. If that happens, Calgary is out...unless Minnesota loses its final game.
But if Minnesota wins its last game against Anaheim, they qualify, regardless of whether it is in regulation or overtime. Then, that coupled with a St. Louis win, the Flames are out for sure.
If a St. Louis regulation win doesn't happen, Calgary has to beat out St. Louis in whatever points the Blues have put up at that time, whether it is 94 or 95.
But the common denominator in all these scenarios is, as mentioned earlier, Calgary has to go 3-0 the rest of the way.