I'll do the obligatory preface of I don't think there are any easy first round match ups in the NHL (including the Oilers), all will be tough series to win. I'll also add though, that the way the Flames have been playing, I also think they have a realistic chance in any series they draw.
All that being said, I would definitely say there are harder match ups then others. Of the teams the Flames could actually draw in the first round (I'm counting the Wild out at this point), the Hawks and Ducks certainly represent a level of difficulty above any other options.
- The Hawks are IMO the best team in the west for sure, plus they have the playoff pedigree. For that reason they would be my least preferred opponent.
- The Ducks IMO aren't the Hawks. But stylistically we might not match up best against them, although I feel the Flames are starting to play heavy teams very well, and of course there is the Honda Centre curse. On top of that, they are red hot right now. Still, something tells me they aren't at the Hawks level, and I think this Flames team has the moxie to overcome their Ducks road woes if we played them, so I'd still prefer them to Chicago.
After that, I feel the Sharks and the Oilers are both a level below the above two.
- I think I'd pick the Sharks as 2nd choice. Despite better regular season success vs. the Sharks, and the fact they seam to be on a tail spin, they know how to get it done, and won't be in awe in the first round. I really like our chances with the Sharks, but they are still a good team that knows how to win a series.
- Which makes the Oilers my top pick. I'd assume the Flames would likely be the Oilers first pick as well which would make sense. End of the day, despite the 4 losses this year, I don't think we played the Oilers since the team and especially Elliott has figured things out. After that, I think the Oilers are for the most part a 2 player show in McDavid and Talbot. And I agree with Duha on the Fan today, I really like the Flames chances the way they are playing right now to find a way to really limit McDavid and then letting our better depth be the difference. On top of that, very limited playoff experience on that roster, especially from their key players.
I will say, a BOA would be a far more stressful series then any of the others, as the stakes for us fans would be high, but I think it's our best odds at the 2nd round
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