The Flames burn their way as the west's #1 team

The Calgary Flames have just clinched the best record in the Western Conference. (49-23-7 105p pts). With that, they also have clinched the Pacific Division for the first time in 13 years. I don't think many people could have said they saw this coming before the 2018-19 NHL season started. For the last few years, the Flames have been average to above average. They have never journeyed deep into the playoffs, but this year could be different. They would have guaranteed home ice advantage until the Stanley Cup Final. Also guys like Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan, Elias Lindholm, Mark Giordano, Mikael Backlund are having monster years for the Flames. I think this could be the year that Calgary has a deep playoff run. I think whatever wildcard team they see in the first round will not give them too much trouble. I don't see San Jose or Vegas giving them a huge problem either. I think they could realistically make it as far as the Western Conference Finals. Winnipeg could give them some trouble, but if this team plays like they have been playing, they can possibly punch a ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I think a lot of people are sleeping on this team despite what they have accomplished up to this point in the regular season. We'll see for sure once the playoffs are underway in a week....