I think for the Flames to win this series, a few things need to happen:
1. Must contain Heiskanen and Klingberg, these 2 murdered the Flames back in 2020 with the 8 and 6 points they put up respectively. I wouldn’t play them so passively this time around, get on them, pressure and give them no time or space.
2. Top line has to produce 5 on 5. The biggest reason why this era of the Flames have faltered in almost every series could probably be attributed to the lack of production from their top line at 5 on 5. Generally speaking, they’re a big reason why the Flames use to make the playoffs, so when they’re not themselves, the team is an easy out.
I am more confident in the top line this time around though based on their production post all star game, which was a really big problem in years past.
3. Discipline. Looks like the games are being called like the regular season, so the team will have to adjust unfortunately. So our guys won’t get away with a few things they normally would have in prior years, but that didn’t hurt them this season. However, the Stars are the most disciplined team in the league I believe, so they’re use to not taking penalties. The Flames take a lot in contrast, so they cannot exacerbate the problem by being overzealous as the Stars’ PP can be lethal.
If the Flames can achieve these 3 tasks, then I think the Flames take this series.
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