Its already turned into a grind, 3 way tie for 9th in points, went in tonight 1 pt out, came out 2 points out. Atleast we got a point, and still have time to get points backs from PHX.. Lets just hope Dallas doesnt make much use of those games in hand
Have to be pretty happy with how the week went. 4 games in 6 days is tough - and to walk away with 6 points (although hurting) looks good.
Dallas and LA games coming up are huge.
of the teams in the west with fewer than 70 points on the year, we are tied with the 2nd most points (we earned 13) earned in that stretch, Phoenix has earned the same amount as us and Anaheim has earned 1 more. I think trends don't always mean alot but it is a good sign I think.
Looking at Dallas' tight schedule, I can see them dropping out of the race a little bit. I expect them to be 12th by the deadline.
Given Chicago's schedule, while considering their play lately, I can see that 6th spot being open for grabs by the deadline.
Seeing that Minny is not playing any opponents in the race, besides one Dallas game, it will be harder for them to gain some ground and catch up.
The Pheonix and L.A have the best opportunity to accelerate in the standings if either of them win their games, or they will just tighten things up more by losing or playing .500 hockey.
Colorado and Calgary have an opportunity to keep pace, maybe gain some ground.
Phoenix ties it up 1-1 with Vancouver tonight with 3 minutes left in the third... another 3 point game. Just hoping Van can get that second point. (Blasphemy)
There is some potential here for a bit of a streak over the next 5 games. The only toughie is LA but we know we can beat them. Good potential to make some gains over the next week and a half.
Things looking up. Of the teams Calgary is fighting against the Flames have the easiest schedule. Calgary only faces 5 of the top 10 teams down the stretch and has 9 games against the bottom 10 ranked clubs. For comparison sake, Chicago has 13 games against the top 10, and only 5 against the bottom 10. Los Angeles has 11 games against the top 10 and only 7 against the bottom 10. Dallas has 11 against the top 10 and 7 against the bottom 10. Phoenix has a pretty even split, with 9 against the top 10, 8 against the bottom 10 and 8 against the middle, where the Flames are. Colorado has a pretty easy schedule as well, facing the top 10 only 8 times and the bottom 10 11 times.
Right now, I would look at Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles with a lot of skepticism, simply because of their schedule and the challenges they face with certain underperforming aspects of their rosters. Phoenix is really the one team I see as controlling their own fate because of the balance in their remaining games. Calgary and Colorado both have potential to make a move and sneak into the playoffs, if the schedule has anything to do with it. Something for everyone to be optimistic about.
Things looking up. Of the teams Calgary is fighting against the Flames have the easiest schedule. Calgary only faces 5 of the top 10 teams down the stretch and has 9 games against the bottom 10 ranked clubs. For comparison sake, Chicago has 13 games against the top 10, and only 5 against the bottom 10. Los Angeles has 11 games against the top 10 and only 7 against the bottom 10. Dallas has 11 against the top 10 and 7 against the bottom 10. Phoenix has a pretty even split, with 9 against the top 10, 8 against the bottom 10 and 8 against the middle, where the Flames are. Colorado has a pretty easy schedule as well, facing the top 10 only 8 times and the bottom 10 11 times.
Right now, I would look at Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles with a lot of skepticism, simply because of their schedule and the challenges they face with certain underperforming aspects of their rosters. Phoenix is really the one team I see as controlling their own fate because of the balance in their remaining games. Calgary and Colorado both have potential to make a move and sneak into the playoffs, if the schedule has anything to do with it. Something for everyone to be optimistic about.
Our schedule is definitely favorable, what is not is our injuries. I don't think anyone can expect that Calgary will continue to win if Kosto is playing in our top 6. I think Feaster is going to have to make a move and he needs to do it sooner than later. I am just worried that his hands are tied because most teams will not be eager to trade for an injuried player. Unless of course, that player is a Mikael Backlund going to Columbus that does not have a chance at the playoffs anyways.
Things looking up. Of the teams Calgary is fighting against the Flames have the easiest schedule. Calgary only faces 5 of the top 10 teams down the stretch and has 9 games against the bottom 10 ranked clubs. For comparison sake, Chicago has 13 games against the top 10, and only 5 against the bottom 10. Los Angeles has 11 games against the top 10 and only 7 against the bottom 10. Dallas has 11 against the top 10 and 7 against the bottom 10. Phoenix has a pretty even split, with 9 against the top 10, 8 against the bottom 10 and 8 against the middle, where the Flames are. Colorado has a pretty easy schedule as well, facing the top 10 only 8 times and the bottom 10 11 times.
Right now, I would look at Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles with a lot of skepticism, simply because of their schedule and the challenges they face with certain underperforming aspects of their rosters. Phoenix is really the one team I see as controlling their own fate because of the balance in their remaining games. Calgary and Colorado both have potential to make a move and sneak into the playoffs, if the schedule has anything to do with it. Something for everyone to be optimistic about.
Excellent post.
I agree though, in the end, the Kings Yotes game doesn't change anything, as long as it wasn't a three pointer.
If we win the Kings game in regulation on Saturday we'll actually be in 8th since we will have 1 more win than LA.
Hopefully the team is all well rested, and with LA'd inability to score+kippers stellar play, we can take them out. Hoping for Cammy to continue bringing that secondary scoring after the top line.
EVERY GAME MATTERS?
