If the NHL Playoffs Started Today, Calgary Flames Are In

Oct 15, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Calgary Flames goalie Jonas Hiller (1) is greeted by right wing Brian McGrattan (16) defenseman Kris Russell (4) and left wing Mason Raymond (21) after their win against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. The Calgary Flames defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

6% of the way into the 2014-15 season and our Calgary Flames are locked into a playoff position.  The Flames are currently first in the Pacific Division and would host the current Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings in the first round.

If only life in the NHL were that easy!!

This young NHL season has been anything but easy for our Calgary Flames.  After starting the season at home versus Vancouver (who still only have 2 games under their belt whilst our Flames have already completed 5), our Flames played the next night in Edmonton.  A stop in St. Louis, one of 10 teams last season to finish with over 100 points, was a humbling experience before staring down ANOTHER back-to-back in Nashville and Chicago (another one of those 10 teams last season that finished with over 100 points).

If being 3-2 at this point does not inspire some early season over-giddiness then the hockey Gods have turned you cold!

Do I understand that the win versus the Oilers and much moreso the win versus the Blackhawks were somewhat lucky?  Yip!

Do I understand the pendulum will swing and our Flames will undoubtedly lose a couple games this season in the same heartbreaking fashion as they have been winning?  Yip!

While the focus of this article started on the ultra big picture of the playoffs, the more realistic focus is this 6 game road trip of death our Calgary Flames are currently 3-1 on.  With a game Friday in Columbus (a playoff team last season) and the final game in Winnipeg on Sunday, our Flames have the chance to finish over .500 on this trip.  Again, even if it’s just gas, that last statement should make you smile just a little bit.

Live for today, hope for tomorrow. GO FLAMES GO!