Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinny01
Here is how I break it down.
Flames have the clear advantage on the blueline. Edmonton has a questionable defense. Nurse is inconsistent, Keith is washed, Barrie is horrible in his end, Kulak is just another guy, and Ceci is average. Flames top pair had 98pts this year. Hanifin Qi’s reaching his potential as a top pair guy and Anderson had a breakout year. If Tanev can play he is a key shift down guy and great pair with Kylington. Flames have the best third pair in the league and built for the playoffs in Gudbransen and Zadorov.
Flames have a clear advantage in net. Markstrom is a Vezina finalist who had an incredible first round. Smith is playing well for a while now but we all know he can be broken and can fall apart any game. He is 40 years old.
Flames also have the advantage when it comes to coaching. Oiler fans seem to be in love with Woodcroft and they had a great record under him but Sutter is all time. Multiple cups, many playoff series wins, a lock for the Jack Adams. He has this team playing consistent and they have all bought in. They stick with it and have dominated teams 5 on 5 all year.
*TLDR*
Oilers have the best player
Flames have better depth, defense, goalie, and coach.
That is why we are largely being picked to win the series and I for one agree but definitely am nervous. Really hoping the Flames can win in 5 and avoid a long series.
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You should really try watching games other than Calgary. Kulak played top 4 mins all the playoffs last year on way to the finals. Nurse is a legit top pairing dman who is very difficult to play against. Barrie and Bouchard can move the puck better than anyone on the Flames D. Ceci was excellent in the first round. I'll give you the goalie advantage but the Oilers haven't struggled to score on him since he went to Calgary. The Oilers are deeper up front and the d is closer than you think. I hope Tanev is in so McDavid can walk him on national TV.