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Seven-game surge allows Flames to dream bigger than wild card

Calgary Flames v Nashville Predators

NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 21: Mark Giordano #5, Johnny Gaudreau #13, and Sean Monahan #23 of the Calgary Flames celebrate a 6-5 overtime victory over of the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on February 21, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

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When the Calgary Flames fell to 24-24-3 with a loss on Jan. 24, it was reasonable to wonder if they’d even make the playoffs. Things have changed quite a bit since then, to the point where they might even enjoy a round of home-ice advantage.

The Flames have blazed a 12-2-1 path since falling to ".500,” but they’ve been especially hot lately, managing a seven-game winning streak on the strength of Sunday’s 5-2 win against the New York Islanders. They’re also 8-0-1 during a nine-game point streak.

While they remain in a modest spot as the West’s top wild card team, it’s at least conceivable that they could eventually pass the Ducks for third in the Pacific or even the Oilers for second in the division.

Pacific standings (updated at end of Sunday)

1. Sharks - 83 points in 64 games (lost to Wild)
2. Oilers - 78 points in 65 games
3. Ducks - 76 points in 65 games (lost to Canucks)

Flames - 76 points in 66 games

Don’t blame them for dusting off a creaky meme or two, as it’s been a while since they’ve enjoyed a run like this.

As discussed earlier on Sunday, tonight’s win came at the expense of Thomas Greiss and the Islanders.