[Mathgod]

Who do you think the Flames would match up against best in the first round of the playoffs?

I think it's fair to say that a series against the Hawks would be the worst case scenario.

The Ducks would also be a tough matchup. We all remember what they did to the Flames 2 years ago and I believe that team still matches up well against the Flames. It looks like Perry has broken out of his slump and is back to being his dangerous self. Throw in the Honda Center curse and you've got a tough situation overall.

A BOA first round would obviously be the most interesting scenario. Keeping McDavid in check is easier said than done, but if you can do it you've done yourself a huge favor. Ultimately though I think that series would come down to goaltending. Talbot is a Jekyll & Hyde goaltender, so the series would likely come down to which Talbot shows up for that series.

The best scenario for the Flames, I think, would be a matchup with the Sharks. Most of their key players are on the wrong side of 30. Thornton is 37, Marleau is 37, Burns is 32, Pavelski is 32, MEV is about to turn 30. By making it a physical, fast-skating series, I believe that the Flames can overwhelm the Sharks with their speed and work ethic and draw a lot of penalties.