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Originally Posted by polak
I guess I'm the only one who doesn't want to face the team that swept us.
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Yes, you are.
But it is probably because the rest of us are overlooking the fact that if the Flames had lost their last three games, and if the Kings had won their last four in regulation, then LA would be firmly entrenched in a wildcard spot, and the Flames would be out.
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I think people like to invent excuses as to why they'll struggle in the playoffs but they had our number all year and I'd rather not face them in the 1st round.
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Nobody is "inventing excuses." The Oilers are a single line of pop-gun offence with an excellent goalie who will enter the playoffs with one of the heaviest regular season workloads in the past 5 or 6 years. Historically, teams playing under these conditions do not do well in the playoffs.
Regular season series' records are practically meaningless. The Flames have been one of the best teams in the League for well over a month now, and the Oilers have been little better than average. Playoffs are the great equalizer where depth forwards and defensemen tend to get exposed. The Flames have the depth where the Oilers do not. The Oilers will not make it out of the first round, and I don't think it matters who they play.
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I think the Flames match up well with all of the other playoff teams. Ducks worry me too as they've historically owned us.
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The reality is that the Flames need to get over the Ducks if they hope to take another step. I think this is as good a time to do that as any. This team matches up quite well against every team in the West, and they will be a serious threat to win at least a round.