[flamesforcup]

Originally Posted by MarkGio

Assuming healthy line-ups:

Maroon-McDavid-Draisaitl Vs. Gaudreau-Monahan-Ferland
Although I can't see this match-up happening (Backlund likely plays against McDavid), I can't see Monahan shutting down McDavid, so the edge goes to Oilers.


Lucic-Nugent-Hopkins-Eberle Vs. Tkachuk-Backlund-Frolik
The 3M line is one of the best and most consistent in the league. Ebs and Nuge have struggled. Have to give the edge to the Flames.


Pouliot-Desharnais-Kassian Vs. Versteeg-Bennett-Chiasson
Pouliot has improved as of late and Desharn brings some energy, but man those guys have struggled all year. This Flames line has been steady, but not overwhelming. I think the two lines wash each other out.


Caggiula-Letestu-Hendricks Vs. Bouma-Stajan-Brouwer
I have no idea - these guys don't play enough to make an honest determination. Letestu has been good, but so has Stajan. Again, the two lines cancel each other out.


Klefbom-Larsson Vs. Giordano-Hamilton
Giordano and Hamilton have been arguably the best pairing in the league. Even though comparing defensive lines against each other is silly (it should be comparing D-pairing to forward group), but out of simplicity, the Flames pair wins hands down.


Sekera-Russell Vs. Brodie-Stone
I like both pairings a lot. Russell blocks gamma rays and Sekera is all-around, but Brodie is the closest of all these guys to being a #1 defenseman. Stone is the worst of all these defenseman, however, he's no bum. So I think its a wash.



Nurse-Gryba Vs. Bartkowski-Engelland
Bartowski is garbage but Engelland is solid. Can't speak much about the Oilers line except that Nurse struggles a lot. I guess I give the edge to the Oilers here.


Talbot vs. Elliot
Talbot hands down. Elliot might go beast mode and Talbot might get fatigued, but on paper it goes to Talbot.

Brossoit vs. Johnson
Former Flames prospect has some promise for sure, but Johnson proves he's a capable back-up to hold things down whereas Brossoit is unproven.


Total Score
Even match-up. No doubt the Flames have better defense, but the Oilers have the better starting goalie. The forwards cancel each other out. The depth elements are a wash. I think this series could go to game 7 overtime.

This is the best and most unbiased break down i have seen props.