The Calgary Flames playoff hopes keep sputtering along. As they have done for the past couple seasons, the Flames are leaving the drama right to the end. Tonight’s game was the “see” end of the see-saw that has been the Flames season… as in: “See! We are still alive.” But it gives some fans some hope.

The Flames pulled off a 5-4 victory over the visiting Dallas Stars toinght, but with the exception of a few minutes in the 3rd period, it wasn’t a very convincing win.

Jaime Benn opened the scoring for the Stars just 26 seconds into the game. He also added another goal 44 seconds into the 2nd period.

The Flames powerplay was the difference-maker tonight, as they scored on 3 of 6 attempts. Olli Jokinen, Mark Giordano and Alex Tanguay all scored for the Flames with the man advantage. Blake Comeau and Mike Cammalleri rounded out the scoring for the Flames.

Mike Ribero and Phillip Larson also scored for the Stars.

So what does this mean for Flames fans? Not much, really. While the Flames are “mathematically” still in the playoff race, they are now in a position where they will need help from other teams if they hope to make a post-season appearance. Calgary is in 11th place in the Western Conference, and is the 5th of 5 teams battling for the last 2 playoff spots.

The scoreboard watching will continue for the next few games until the Flames are either eliminated for the 3rd straight season, or they make some kind of miracle push to end up in the playoffs. As much as I still cheer every time they score, and enjoy watching the Flames win, I don’t have a lot of confidence in their ability to pull it off… and I know I’m not alone.