But while on a micro level that means games will start a couple minutes later than usual due to the double anthems, on a macro level it means the battle of the Pacific will be played out on the ice in the final two weeks of the season.
Both the Sharks and Oilers have 93 points in 76 games, while the Flames have 90 points in 77 games. Meanwhile, while already eliminated from playoff contention, the Vancouver Canucks will hope to play home ice spoiler, having two games against both the Sharks and Oilers remaining in their schedule.
According to
Sports Club Stats
, the Flames are the odds-on favorites to occupy one of the two Wild Card spots, while the Sharks and Oilers will be battling the Ducks for top seeding in the Pacific Division.
Entering tonight's game, the Sharks and Oilers have an equal likelihood of winning the Pacific Division (though both trailing the Ducks). The Sharks have a slightly better chance of ending up as the two seed in the Pacific, by virtue of the superior ROW and head-to-head records.
Of course, in the words of Han Solo, "Never tell me the odds." With the Sharks and Oilers facing off twice in the final six games, and the Flames and Sharks meeting up twice as well, there is plenty of opportunity for chaos in the Pacific Division seeding.
The Sharks have had the better of the matchups against the Canucks (with 4-1, 4-1, and 3-1 wins) and the Oilers (with 5-3 and 3-2 OT wins, marred by a 4-1 loss). They currently trail the Flames in the season series, with one 4-1 win to go with a pair of 3-2 losses.
Basically, the Sharks are edging in on the Battle of Alberta in the final two weeks of the season, and invited the Vancouver Canucks to tag along.
It's been a tight race for the division title, and the race looks to be even tighter down the wire. But whatever happens, the Sharks will be largely in control of their own destiny.
