The Calgary Flames are in the thick of it, in a three way battle with the Los Angeles Kings and the Winnipeg Jets for their chance at some post-season action.
The next few games are crucial for the team, but sports fans and local businesses are all on the edge of their seats, watching every game.
Every game that remains is important, with the next scheduled game to take place on Saturday night in Edmonton.
The results are even more important because the Flames are just one point ahead of both the Kings and the Jets.
But, it’s not just fans that are watching the results. Calgary businesses are counting on a post-season too, to make sure their sales stay up for a few more months.
Jersey City staff say last year their sales dropped off in February, when it became clear the team wouldn’t make the post-season.
“The difference between them not making the playoffs or not, is the difference between us not making our targets or not,” says Josh Steinbeck at Jersey City.
The team’s standing is definitely helping the industry weather the impact of the depressed economy.
It’s not just apparel stores that would enjoy the benefits of a successful playoff hunt for the team. Staff at bars and restaurants along 17 Avenue are gearing up for a potential playoff run.
“I think it’s great people have something to get excited about right now, given the state of the economy, cheering for the Flames down the stretch,” says Jon Molyneux, at National.
Fans are hoping that they’ll be able to relive the energy that took hold on 17 Avenue years ago.
“It was such a long time ago since 17 Avenue was so lively,“ says Flames fan Shannon Provencher.
There’s been a lot of excitement around the Flames this season, especially because it is a rebuilt team. Staff at Jersey City expect sales for players like Johnny Goudreau to remain strong through into next season.
