Two playoff contenders play each other tonight, in what could be considered a crucial game down the stretch? In fact, three teams fighting for playoff spots are all playing tonight and all need some points if they have a chance to get up the ranking.
The three teams I was referring to are the Ducks, Flames, or Stars. All three teams lie outside the playoff picture, hoping that a win or overtime/shootout losses could really help them propel into the picture. And trust me, with the tight race right now and only 9-10 games left for each team, getting in is no easy A.
The Ducks WILL tangle with the Stars tonight, but it looks like some edge has been going towards the Ducks, while the Stars are still searching for answers in their defensive game. Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen has had trouble against Anaheim and we'll probably see more of this flukes against this time, as they play one more time after this, Sunday, April 3rd in Anaheim.
Even though it looks like things are heating up in Anaheim and Dallas, Calgary is still plugging around after earning at least a point in their last two road games in Anaheim and LA. They'll be cruising up the coast and playing in San Jose and it looks like Calgary might have some dealings to work with.
Miikka Kiprusoff has not been the effective goaltender he was in previous games and it looks Henrik Karlsson is coming on as a solid goaltender. Yet, Flames coach Brent Sutter believes in Kiprusoff, hoping that his level of play can propel them into the playoffs.
But San Jose does play spoiler to teams trying to get in. They might play it as well to Anaheim and Dallas. Only Dallas has managed to fare well against them this season, while Anaheim has only won two games against them.
Looks like the light is blinking on and off for these three teams. Will they all get into the playoffs? Or will one's luck run short? We'll find out down the stretch. The Ducks, Stars, and Flames will get tested and it won't be long before we see who's in and who's out.
No comments:
Post a Comment