Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
After the St. Louis Blues avoided elimination on Wednesday, we have another team on the brink of an early exit.
The Calgary Flames finished first in the Pacific Division with 111 points, good for third in the Western Conference behind Colorado and Minnesota. But like Minnesota, they’re on the verge of an extended summer if they can’t figure out how to tame the Edmonton Oilers tonight in Game 5.
But before that, the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers — knotted at two games apiece — will do battle at PNC Arena in Carolina. The Hurricanes won the first two games, but the Rangers took the next two to put some pressure on the Hurricanes heading back home.
Here’s what you need to know about tonight’s matchups:
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Rangers
Can the Rangers end Carolina’s home streak?
The Carolina Hurricanes haven’t lost a game at home during these playoffs. They haven’t won a game on the road, either, and that’s why Carolina gave up two wins against the Rangers on the road and find themselves tied in a series they once had control in.
For the Rangers, that’s money. The Rangers are thriving right now and the momentum is fully on their side.
The Rangers are so determined. Many wrote them off after struggling against a Pittsburgh Penguins team using a third-string goalie. And while they did fall down 3-1 in that series, they fought back and ended up winning in seven games, anyways.
And now they’ve got a chance to put Carolina on their heels before heading back home for Game 6. Igor Shesterkin is playing close to his full potential again, and Andrew Copp and Frank Vatrano have been a big help as trade deadline acquisitions.
For the Rangers, just keep rolling. If it works, it works, and it
Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers
Which Jacob Markstrom will the Flames get in Game 5?
Markstrom’s struggles have been well-documented, especially in Game 4. For a guy going up for the Vezina Trophy, his performance has been simply unacceptable.
But, this series isn’t over. And when he’s on his game, he’s one of the best in the world. Hence, the Vezina nomination.
The Flames have struggled offensively, getting shut out in Game 3. Goal support has been an issue for the Flames in these playoffs, and a big reason why they had so much difficulty with Dallas in the first round.
But with a handful of blown leads and being forced to play catch-up early in Game 4 has put Calgary in a tough spot where they have to play must-win hockey the rest of the way against a team with Connor Flippin’ McDavid. It doesn’t matter how good you are, that’s just a lot to overcome.
So, at the very least, the Flames need adequate goaltending in Game 5. They’re too good of a team with too good of a defense core to keep letting this happen. Chris Tanev’s injuries have been a problem, for sure, but the Flames aren’t playing like the Flames we know they can be.
