Do you prefer Anaheim or Chicago in Round 1?

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

So what? Not trying to be rude. What's wrong with wanting to witness a thumping?

I was using that to illustrate that people are thinking with their hearts. Fans wanting revenge rather than (albeit slightly) better odds.

[Igottago]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

So much wishful thinking in this thread regarding the Ducks. The Flames have lost 25 straight games in Anaheim and have looked terrible in every one, and they were terrible against the Ducks 2 years ago in the playoffs. The Flames just don't have the size or mental toughness to deal with them, another series against them will just be another embarrassment. At least with Chicago we won't have to worry about guys taking runs at Giordano, or watching smug interviews with Kesler and Bieska

Running away from the most challenging situation is not championship mentality. In order for the Flames to advance to an elite level they have to overcome teams that own them.

If they do get blown away by the Ducks again -- at least they'll know what they need to address in the offseason.

[SportsJunky]

Well, I don't really care who Calgary plays but some redemption against Anaheim would be nice. It would make for a great story.

[Stanley]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern2814

Terrible attitude. If we beat the Hawks, bully for us and all.

We beat the Ducks, you'll experience a feeling so profoundly wonderful you'll be amazed you don't have to cuddle afterward

Well....that's a good point, cannot argue with that!

[polak]

Originally Posted by northcrunk

Beating the ducks would give the team the same boost as beating the wings in 04 did.

This is true.

If they could beat the Ducks in the 1st round it'd be a dream start for a Cinderella run.

'04 Flames beat the Wings in their last meeting of the season though (on the road too)

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Yep. Lots of people thinking with their hearts and not with their heads.

How many of the requests for a series with the Ducks are accompanied by wanting to thump them or see them cry etc.

We're talking about the Hawks here. It's not not like we are choosing the Ducks over the Avs. If you look at it objectively, the Hawks are the superior team, so yes, I would want the Flames to play the team that overall is not as strong, plus has a decimated blue line, curse be damned.

So I'd actually argue the opposite. People who want the Hawks are thinking more with their gut feeling rather than with their heads, as they're intimidated by the Ducks before the playoffs even start.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

We're talking about the Hawks here. It's not not like we are choosing the Ducks over the Avs. If you look at it objectively, the Hawks are the superior team, so yes, I would want the Flames to play the team that overall is not a strong, plus has a decimated blue line, curse be damned.

So I'd actually argue the opposite. People who want the Hawks are thinking more with their gut feeling rather than with their heads, as they're intimidated by the Ducks before the playoffs even start.

Not quite, but I am concerned that getting past a first round with the Ducks will leave the team in a worse state than if they played Chicago. Both opponents will be as tough as it gets. I want a long playoff run for the Flames. And even though getting out of the first round is a tall order regardless, I think if they do it against Chicago they'll be better suited, health wise, for the next round.

[jaikorven]

After last nights game, I think the Flames may have finally decided to actually push back a bit with the Ducks. They seemed to show more fight.

I also just hate the way the Ducks play and their crappy smug attitudes, so I want to play the Ducks. Even if we only win one game...I want that win.

[EldrickOnIce]

[Azhouse]

Originally Posted by Toonage

How many of the requests for a series with the Ducks are accompanied by wanting to thump them or see them cry etc.

Yes

[MisterJoji]

Originally Posted by Parallex

You realize that what you're saying is that you can't wrap your head around people not believing in Voodoo right? Curses aren't real.



I'm going to say Chicago but only because the last couple of games have shown that the Flames are far to willing to let themselves get bogged down and distracted by the extracurriculars dictated by the other team. If they could keep their heads in the game I'd say the Ducks (with their mass of injuries) but they seemingly can't so I'd rather see them face Chicago... our odds are probably the same either way but at least with Chicago we'd get more entertaining hockey and if we get beat I'd rather see us get beat by the other team and not beaten by ourselves.



Regardless, I think we end up playing Chicago. I just want to see the Black Aces called up and playing. We'll probably lose but It's more important to rest our big guns and have them at close to 100% for the playoffs then it is to try and eek out 7th place instead of 8th place.

While I agree that the true notion of a team being cursed isn't real, there's no denying the fact that a streak like this can mess with a players psyche. 26 straight losses. If you're playing them in Anaheim have a bad bounce or two go against you, I bet it weighs heavily on the players. Look at the Cubs and Red Sox curses. They were both recently exorcized but you can argue the fact that those curses didn't affect the players. Which brings me to another question, how superstitious are you? I'll be watching a game, get up off the couch and the team starts playing better, so I won't go back to that couch for the rest of the game. In my head I know it's stupid and completely irrational but I can't help it.

[MrMike]

It's probably been mentioned here, as I didn't read through the 8 pages, but...

Ferkland vs Bieksa

[SmoggyFlamesFan]

The law of averages states: this streak must end some time. The flames play more tactfully and sustainably then they did under Bob with a balanced attack. If last night is any indication, they're sick of being manhandled by the Ducks. They could break out against them in a big way during the series. Then again, they may not. I will not be surprised either way.

[Stay Golden]

Hawks or Ducks could neither be a choice lol.
Well they are both birds so torch them.

[Flames_Gimp]

I want edmonton, after the beating in the season series, would be sweet revenge to beat them.

[djsFlames]

If the Oilers take the game against San Jose then BoA may still be a possibility with two games vs the Canucks to finish the season.

[Southside]

Originally Posted by MrMike

It's probably been mentioned here, as I didn't read through the 8 pages, but...

Ferkland vs Bieksa

That's the thing. If its the Ducks our forwards have to lean heavy on their D every chance they get. Soften up an already wounded D core. Every forward taking every chance they have to hit the opposing D. That would be key to the series.

[CsInMyBlood]

Such a tough question.

I think Chicago is better than Anaheim

Ok Anaheim then. But I hate Kesler, Bieksa and Perry. Don't want to see their smug faces or watch their cheap shots for a series.

True, Chicago then. But I hate that damn goal song Chicago plays when they score. And they like to score.

Yeah, it is brutal for sure. Ducks it is. But Anaheim will be an all out physical war. If we do beat them, how gimped will we be for round two?

Ugh, no doubt. Blackhawks won't bring that pain. But Panarin, Anisamov, Toews, Kane, Keith, Hossa, Seabrook, Panik, Hjalmarsson. Did I mention I hate that damn Chicago goal song?

I seriously cannot pick our poison. But I do believe this team could have an underdog chance at either of them. So I will not choose one or the other.

We made the playoffs! Bring em both on at the same time if they want! Flames playoff hockey! Woooooo! Can't wait to see who steps up with that extra playoff gear.

I believe.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

If the Oilers take the game against San Jose then BoA may still be a possibility with two games vs the Canucks to finish the season.

Ducks would need to lose against the Hawks or Lings in regulation or both in OT for the Oilers to pass them if they win out

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by MisterJoji

While I agree that the true notion of a team being cursed isn't real, there's no denying the fact that a streak like this can mess with a players psyche. 26 straight losses. If you're playing them in Anaheim have a bad bounce or two go against you, I bet it weighs heavily on the players. Look at the Cubs and Red Sox curses. They were both recently exorcized but you can argue the fact that those curses didn't affect the players. Which brings me to another question, how superstitious are you? I'll be watching a game, get up off the couch and the team starts playing better, so I won't go back to that couch for the rest of the game. In my head I know it's stupid and completely irrational but I can't help it.

Stand and face your demons.