Fate of the Flames
Posted Mar 23, 2011 3:42 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
In the words of Neil Young, “it’s better to burn out than fade away.”
But fans of the Calgary Flames are hoping neither happens over the remainder of the NHL’s regular season, and the hometown heroes’ hot streak — which started around Christmas, vaulting them into playoff contention — continues for two more weeks.
Wednesday night, the Flames have basically a must-win game with the Sharks in San Jose if they hope to keep their playoff hopes alive. (The play-by-play with Peter Maher and Mike Rogers on Sportsnet Radio-The Fan 960 starting at 8pm).
In a 660News straw poll Wednesday, some fans were optimistic about the Flames’ chances, but most realize the hockey club has a steep hill to climb.
One woman, who’s flying a playoff flag from her car, feels it might be coming down soon.
“I’ve been watching it” (the playoff chase) “and I don’t know,” she told 660News. “I’m a little bit doubtful whether or not they’re going to win.”
She promises to be glued to the tv screen and cheering her heart out, but offered this when asked to predict tomorrow’s headline: “Flames are out, I’m sorry,” she said.
“Do or die,” was Greg’s headline he said with a laugh as he mixed hope with reality.
“I think the Flames got their work cut out for them,” he told 660News. “Chances of a playoff spot are pretty slim, I think.”
The Flames are tied for 8th place in the Western Conference, but sitting in 10th, just a win away from 7th. But the three teams the Flames are battling for that final playoff spot have two games in hand.
While they’re not mathematically out of contention, most sports pundits believe that a loss to the Sharks will mean the Flames’ playoff dream is dead, this year.
