Two teams battling for the final playoff spots in the Western Conference will square off at the Saddledome tonight as the Calgary Flames are hosting the Dallas Stars. The visitors have revived their playoff hopes by winning six of their last seven, but I think the Flames are about to put the final nail in the coffin by denying the Stars two points in this contest.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational/Motivational - The Flames are currently third in the Pacific Division, but tied on points with the defending Stanley Cup champion Kings who are currently outside the playoffs. A win here would be huge and they can not afford to give up points on home ice. The Stars recent rally has not come without a price, and the win against the league worst Buffalo Sabres Monday was anything but convincing. It is more than likely we'll see the Stars fade off again after tiring themselves out with one last push.

2. The Stars Defense - Improved play from Kari Lehtonen in the Stars net has been a major reason to the Stars recent surge, but he was back to his old tricks Monday giving up three goals to the offensively challenged Sabres. That does not bode well as he'll be up against a Flames offense that has averaged a league best 3.45 goals per game this month.

3. X-Factor - The Flames youngster Johnny Gaudreau is among the best rookies for points and is showing no signs of slowing down notching five goals and eight assists over 11 games this month.

Selection: This is a play on the Calgary Flames (10*)