The Calgary Flames clinched a playoff berth by beating the San Jose Sharks 5-2 and the St. Louis Blues did the same by getting to overtime (but ultimately losing 2-1 via a shootout) to the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night.
The Blues have now made it to the playoffs six straight times since 2011-12. This is just the second time Calgary’s made it to the postseason since 2009-10.
It all makes for a pretty deal in Western Canada, especially if seeding pits the Flames against the Edmonton Oilers.
For just the 2nd time in 25 years, #Flames and Oilers BOTH make the playoffs. Raised on 80s Smythe Division hockey, let's make this a habit.
— Darren Haynes (@DarrenWHaynes) April 1, 2017
With that, there is just one Western Conference playoff spot still up for grabs. It comes down to either the Nashville Predators or Los Angeles Kings, with a huge advantage for Nashville:
Predators: 89 points in 77 games
Kings: 79 points in 76 games (in progress against the Canucks)
Barring a borderline-miraculous turnaround for Los Angeles, the West’s final stretch will revolve around jockeying for position.
The Flames could see quite a bit of movement in the congested top rankings of the Pacific. The Blues, meanwhile, hope to hold off the Predators for the third spot in the Central.