Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey reviews the scheduled games and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will win in key head-to-head matchups.

The Calgary Flames (35-27-12, fourth in the Pacific Division, six points away from the second wild-card spot) will host The Anaheim Ducks (33-33-8, sixth in the Pacific Division, 14 points away from the second wild-card spot).

As the NHL season progresses, the stakes rise higher, and the Calgary Flames’ upcoming matchup against the Anaheim Ducks is no exception. This game could be pivotal for the Flames as they pursuit a playoff berth, while the Ducks look to salvage their pride amidst dwindling hopes for the post-season.

The Calgary Flames have essentially no room for error to keep their playoff hopes alive as they play host to the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday.

With math and ‘magic numbers’ now a daily part of the NHL’s playoff lexicon, the clock is ticking fast for the Flames to make a charge up the standings to secure their spot in the spring dance. Tuesday’s 3-1 loss to the Utah Hockey Club digs especially deep thanks to an unforgiving out-of-town scoreboard,

The Calgary Flames host the Anaheim Ducks after the Ducks took down the San Jose Sharks 4-3 in a shootout. Calgary has an 11-4-4 record in Pacific Division games and a 35-27-12 record overall. The Flames have a -27 scoring differential,