Mark Spector

Mark Spector is a columnist for sportsnet.ca

Left for dead.

I said it. The Calgary writers said it. The Calgary radio shows said it. You, the Calgary Flames fan, very likely said it. After that 5-0 loss in Boston, the Flames were done. They had quit.

In fact, we’re betting that if you’d have conducted an anonymous poll inside the Calgary Flames dressing room, very few Flames players would have been ready to bet a paycheck that their club would get this close to the playoffs again this season.

Of course, Cory Sarich begs to differ.

"Even back in Boston, we knew if we just took care of our business, we’ve got a shot," he said after the Flames edged Phoenix 2-1 Wednesday night. "We need a little help, but it’s right there for us. It’s in our hands and we need a big victory."

So, where are we, with the Flames in Colorado on Friday night, poised to reel in a team that’s been ahead of them almost all season? Because we can all agree, a regulation loss in Denver would solidify what all of us naysayers believed almost a week ago.

The standings tell us the Flames are just two points behind the Avalanche, in the chase for the eighth and final playoff berth out West. But the standings, so black and white, tell only half of the story.

The Avs have a game in hand on Calgary, that’s worth half a point.

The Avs have more wins and have already won the season series, that’s worth half a point.

But Colorado needs every one of those small advantages, with smoke pouring out from under the Avalanche’s hood as we speak. They’ve lost six of their last seven games, and emotionally the Flames are miles ahead of their prey at the moment.

"It’s funny how it works out," mused Rene Bourque. "We lose two (last weekend in New York and Boston) and four days later we’re right there with Colorado."

Calgary needed someone to back up for them and Colorado obliged. They’ve not only lost six of seven, but the Avs have only won 11 of their past 25 games.

"There’s no room for panic," Avs captain Adam Foote said after Wednesday’s home-ice loss to Anaheim. "We have to regroup. The quick fix is remembering how we got here, remembering how we’ve had success in the season."

Alas, Foote is right on. But try applying that theory to a young team that is in freefall, with a roster full of players who have never been through this type of pressure before.

"This is the time everybody wants to play hockey," Bourque confirmed.

Advantage Calgary.

Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson, who had never played more than 31 games in an NHL season, is at 67 in Denver this season. He’s turning back into a pumpkin down the stretch, with an .851 saves percentage in his last five starts.

Some youngsters who have overachieved this season are hitting the wall in Denver: Chris Stewart (two points, minus-6 in his last five games); Paul Stastny (one goal, minus-5); T.J. Galiardi (two points, minus-7).

Colorado has won four of the five previous meetings with Calgary, but the Flames won in Denver two weeks ago and the four Colorado wins all came prior to Jan. 12.

This is all about momentum and Calgary clearly has it.

"Not much really has to be said. We know what the stakes are," Brent Sutter said. "We knew going in ... if we did our job and got some help that we’d have an opportunity to go down there two points behind. It’s a big difference from where we were last Saturday."

At this point, you can suspend all predictions. Those of us who picked Calgary as a playoff team back in September cancelled our votes when we bailed on the Flames last weekend.

At the same time, whether or not the Flames pull this thing off can’t mask the fact they’ve taken a step backwards this season. This team wasn’t supposed to be in a death race into the season’s final few games, hoping to squeak into the playoffs.

Darryl Sutter as GM? Trade Jarome Iginla?

We’ll have plenty of time to dissect those points down the road. For now, a wild final five Flames games await.

Just enjoy it.