Predators scoreboard watch: Can the Flames rise up to put heat on the Avs?

by Dirk Hoag on Mar 31, 2010 6:30 PM EDT

The Western Conference standings are going to shuffle around quite a bit between the #5-8 spots over the final days of the regular season, and tonight's schedule features two games in particular that could affect the bottom end of that range:

Anaheim @ Colorado: Besides their 4-point cushion which keeps them in 8th place, the Avalanche also have a game in hand on their pursuers. But games against division leaders San Jose, Chicago and Vancouver remain, so they'd prefer to bank some points against the Ducks, who are merely playing out the string at this point. Colorado is also just 5 points behind Nashville with 3 games in hand, so Predators fans will be pulling for Anaheim tonight.

Calgary @ Phoenix: If the Flames hope to make any sort of last-ditch effort to reach the playoffs, they need a win on the road tonight against the surprisingly tough Coyotes. Phoenix is playing very well these days, however, and hasn't given up hope of catching San Jose in the Pacific Division.

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Go Flames!

I want to clinch tomorrow

Graphic Designer/Researcher/Writer at Music City Miracles.
Official Graphic Goon of On The Forecheck.

by Aditya T (smashville) on Mar 31, 2010 7:37 PM EDT reply actions

Wouldn’t we clinch faster if rthe flames lost?

by flyalder on Mar 31, 2010 8:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Right now we need 3 points

If the Flames lose we’ll need 1, which we can get tomorrow

Graphic Designer/Researcher/Writer at Music City Miracles.
Official Graphic Goon of On The Forecheck.

by Aditya T (smashville) on Mar 31, 2010 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions

uh...

I’m confused then…don’t you mean go Coyotes?

by BradPerala on Mar 31, 2010 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions

uhh...ooops

I did. That’s exactly what I mean.
GO COYOTES!

Graphic Designer/Researcher/Writer at Music City Miracles.
Official Graphic Goon of On The Forecheck.

by Aditya T (smashville) on Mar 31, 2010 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Check out

CBSSports.com/nhl

Graphic Designer/Researcher/Writer at Music City Miracles.
Official Graphic Goon of On The Forecheck.

by Aditya T (smashville) on Mar 31, 2010 9:02 PM EDT reply actions

clipped, thanks.

More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.

by Dirk Hoag on Mar 31, 2010 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I think this is one of the most important offseason issues for the Preds. No doubt Hornquist was a great find, but he is an RFA at the end of the season. According to my research the Preds need to make a qualifying offer of 105% of his current salary. That would be $749,000 ($713,333 * 1.05). This would be a steal and of course will not happen. So the question is what will it take to re-sign Horn Dog, or what kind of offer sheet will the Preds need to match?

by jerseypredsfan on Apr 1, 2010 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Check the archives, we discussed this at length 2-3 weeks ago.

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by Chris Burton on Apr 1, 2010 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions

So who do we want?

If we admit that 5-8 is a jumble, and we could realistically land anywhere (although given the egg the Avs are laying tonight, we probably won’t be 8th), who do we want in the first round?

The Sharks, Hawks, Canucks, and Coyotes all have their plusses and minuses. None are unbeatable. In fact, I’d rather get any of the four than the Red Wings. But which one is the best chance for the Preds to get into the second round?

by WestSideDrew on Mar 31, 2010 11:13 PM EDT reply actions

I've been thinking about this a lot too

in my head: I don’t want the Yotes. I also don’t want the Sharks-we may be able to beat them but I want to try another team in the playoffs if possible. The Canucks are solid, and may have been my preference if not for the way Chicago has been playing. That being said, I just get the feeling Chicago can go on a tear at any moment, even with their injuries. In summary, I’m back to square one in my thoughts…

by Great Paperclip on Mar 31, 2010 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't want the Sharks at all

Other than that I’m good.

Graphic Designer/Researcher/Writer at Music City Miracles.
Official Graphic Goon of On The Forecheck.

by Aditya T (smashville) on Mar 31, 2010 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions

pretty much this

I think we “can” beat every team in the West in 7 games- except the Sharks. I’d like the Coyotes, Canucks, and Hawks in that order. But no Sharks. No Sharks. Please. Ye gods.

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by Chris Burton on Apr 1, 2010 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah...

I’m leaning the same way. Chicago had a good game tonight, but they’ve been bad for long stretches since the Olympics. Their goaltending is suspect, and their defense is banged up. On the other hand, they can go on a tear.

But I think my gut says Canucks. Luongo is beatable and prone to bad outings occasionally. The Canucks have been adequate down the stretch, but not overwhelming. And they generally do not travel East very well. If the series goes to six, that will work in the Preds’ advantage.

Maybe. Hell, I don’t know… Let’s just get the clinch first!

by WestSideDrew on Mar 31, 2010 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions

No!

Flames are winning 2-0 in the third. I wanna just clinch already!

Graphic Designer/Researcher/Writer at Music City Miracles.
Official Graphic Goon of On The Forecheck.

by Aditya T (smashville) on Mar 31, 2010 11:29 PM EDT reply actions

aaaaaaaaand

scene

On the Forecheck: a blog that's more productive than a Predator power play!
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Now Cycling like the Sedins

by Chris Burton on Apr 1, 2010 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions

I read earlier today...

…that if the Flames lost in regulation tonight, the Canucks would have clinched. I don’t understand that. Doesn’t seem that a division leader would be affected by someone dropping out of contention. Seems as though the teams barely hanging on to 7th or 8th seeds could clinch when the competition right behind them falls out of contention. Anyone have an explanation?

by LuvthePreds on Mar 31, 2010 11:45 PM EDT reply actions