Trying to predict the outcome of the NHL playoffs is more than a little fun, mostly because there is a stunning level of parity in this league. Teams that excel in the regular season don’t always go deep in the playoffs, simply because they run into a grittier team that has been built for playoff success. I always like trying to pick out a dark horse when the playoffs begin, and the team that I like right now is the Calgary Flames. They are one of the most exciting young teams in the league, but they have given me some case for concern with their opening round match-up.
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The Anaheim Ducks are a team that the Flames have routinely struggled against in recent years, and they are going to have to buck some serious trends if they are to win this series and make the deep run that I have predicted. This series, which pits Pacific Division rivals together, will get rolling on Thursday night, with the Flames looking to steal one on the road that would shift home ice advantage back in their favor.Calgary Flames at Anaheim Ducks Game 1 Info & NHL Odds:
When: Thursday, April 13 at 10:30 PM ESTWhere: Honda Center, AnaheimTV: NBCSNLive Stream: NHL.comNHL Odds: Ducks -1½+180Why bet on the Calgary Flames
Given that the Flames have had very limited success versus the Ducks, you might have thought that they would have tried a little harder to improve their playoff seeding at the end of the season. That they sat their best players and played some prospects in the final couple of games should be viewed as a sure sign that they are confident of beating anyone. A look at the stats the Flames posted this season might make you wonder how they are even in the playoffs, as they are strictly middle of the pack in everything. They are a dangerous bunch, though, and had no less than 12 players hit double digits in goals scored this season.Guys … IT’S GAME DAY! The #Flames open the playoffs in Anaheim, taking on the #NHLDucks at 8:30 PM MT ~ https://t.co/g3LuZqUYC6 #CGYvsANA pic.twitter.com/wrl9ogeKDm
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 13, 2017