Crucial Night for Flames, Senators in Playoff Race

Tonight is a big night for two Canadian NHL teams as they could secure playoff spots in the Western Conference. The Calgary Flames are clinging to the third spot behind the Vancouver Canucks, while the Winnipeg Jets are hoping to edge the Los Angeles Kings for the last wild card spot.

Calgary will face Los Angeles, who has struggled this year despite winning the Stanley Cup last season. If the Flames are able to beat the Kings in regulation, they will earn their first playoff appearance since the 2009 season. For Los Angeles, a loss means no postseason. They would become the first defending champions to miss postseason action since the 2006-07 season when the Carolina Hurricanes failed to make the playoffs after wining the Cup the previous year.

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“It’s going to be the toughest two points we have to get all season,” said Calgary forward Matt Stajan. The Flames currently sit third in the Pacific Division with 95 points, just two ahead of the Kings. Calgary has a 3-1 record against the Kings this season, two of which were overtime wins.

The stakes are just as high for Ottawa who are playing the New York Rangers. The Rangers have already secured the no. 1 spot after winning the President’s Trophy for the best regular season record. It’s possible they could sit key players as they don’t have anything to play for tonight. The Senators, on the other hand, will need a win and some help from around the league to secure the wild card spot.

Boston helped out last night by failing to earn a single point after being shut out by the Washington Capitals 0-3 on Wednesday night. If Boston loses to the Florida Panthers tonight, an Ottawa win over the Rangers will significantly help the Senators chances of making the playoffs.