Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Bozek
So you think the Flames didn't outplay Dallas, and weren't being held in check by an outstanding performance by the Dallas goaltender...
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Personally, I've actually kind of flip flopped on this subject, especially after the team's performance against the Oilers.
Is it possible the Flames were overrated going into the playoffs? Sort of similar to the Panthers. I'm starting to think the Flames were built more for the regular season than the playoffs this year.
It's just a theory right now since I haven't had time to look into it too much. But Dallas definitely was a more formidable foe than they received credit for. I know Oettinger was spectacular, but diving a bit deeper, I think the Flames could've easily lost this series.
- Game 1: Was close after period 1, too close for comfort in the final 40.
- Game 2: Was also close. game could've gone either way. Series deserved to be tied 1-1.
- Game 3: Deserved win for Dallas.
- Game 5: Thought Dallas outplayed the Flames after 40, easily could've taken it, but Backlund-Mangiapane-Coleman ripped the game from the Stars' hands.
- Game 6: Deserved win for the Stars. Probably their best performance of the playoffs.
So, in my estimation, 4 or 5 games could've easily went to the Stars. Glad it didn't obviously. But for a #2 vs #7 seed, the series was way too close than it should've been. But the Stars deserve credit, their heaviness, structure and checking gave the Flames major trouble at times.