Do you prefer Anaheim or Chicago in Round 1?

[SportsJunky]

I want the Ducks. Watching the highlights from the game last night I can only imagine the emotions and physicality of a 7 game series. Bring it on Anaheim.

[Erick Estrada]

I think the problem with facing the Ducks is that it appears if the Flames fight fire with fire they will get the short end of the stick from the officials and a frustrating no-win situation for players and fans. We would likely see more skating and less extra curricular stuff playing the Hawks which at least provides the Flames an opportunity to play their game. Chances of beating either team are slim but playoff experience of any variety will be good for this team.

[Rick M.]

I'd prefer Chicago. At least we'd see some good hockey.

[442scotty]

Bring on Chicago

[Cycling76er]

Chicago. While they're a top tier team I find we usually play really well against them.

[Enoch Root]

We're winning either way

[Vinny01]

I hate the Ducks more for sure so beating them would be huge.

What would be interesting is if the Flames-Ducks series was a homer one through the first 6 games. The Flames would be losers 3 more times in the pond butnwould face a Ducks team in game 7 that has lost 3 or 4 years in a row game 7 on home ice. All of a sudden that is in the Ducks head and would be a brilliant way to end the streak

[Toonage]

I just can't wrap my head around people thinking that a franchise that hasn't won in Anaheim for so long (and a collection of players that haven't done it in a few years themselves) will all of a sudden turn their fortunes around and win one or more in that building over a span of 2 weeks.

Both teams may spell a first round exit for Calgary, but at least they have the positivity of actually winning in Chicago recently to boost their confidence going into a series. Plus it will most assuredly be less physical so if they do pull off an upset they'll still be healthy enough to make a go of it in round 2.

You want to exercise demons? Do it at the start of a season.

[Huntingwhale]

Hawks, and I'm not just saying that because of the 2 recent losses. The Ducks always lull the Flames into playing Ducks hockey. Some people think we need to push back the Ducks physically in order to beat them. All that does is play exactly right into their hands and allow them to play THEIR game, not ours. Calgary isn't a big, nasty team. We aren't the most physical bunch. What we are is skilled, hard working, fast and good on the transition. The Ducks are easily able to get into our heads and fool us into thinking that since they are scrumming it up and playing hard, that we need do the same thing. False. All that has done is results in 25 straight losses. Each and every time, the Flames play right into their hands.

The Ducks are a quick 1st round exit. The Hawks are a much better match up and I feel a glimmer of hope against them.

We haven't won at Honda Center in 14 years. We've beaten the Hawks at the United Center 3 of the past 4 seasons. I know exactly who I'd prefer to play.

[PlayfulGenius]

If I was a player on the team, I'd be praying for a chance to beat the Ducks.

As a fan, the most satisfying first 2 rounds would be victories over Anaheim and Edmonton... so, that's what I'd like to see...bring on the Ducks!!

[SofaProfessor]

Doesn't really matter a whole lot in my opinion. If you beat one then you're likely to see the other later in the playoffs anyway.

[PlayfulGenius]

Ideally, though... Edmonton strings together 3 more wins to finish the season strong..:they finish first and play the Flames!!

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by Toonage

I just can't wrap my head around people thinking that a franchise that hasn't won in Anaheim for so long (and a collection of players that haven't done it in a few years themselves) will all of a sudden turn their fortunes around and win one or more in that building over a span of 2 weeks.

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.

[Yamer]

After last night's game I am convinced that the Anaheim franchise is in the heads of the Flames players, and that no one on the Flames apart from maybe Tkachuk and Engelland are interested in playing the kind of game the Ducks bring.

Chicago 110%

[Jiggy_12]

I don't like what I've seen the past 2 games and I want the Flames to walk in to the playoffs with a fresh start. So I pick Chicago.

I also want no part of Getzlaf right now.

[Toonage]

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.

Nope, what I'm saying is that people are favoring a match up with much longer odds of winning. I'm not being superstitious. I'm trying to be realistic.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Toonage

I just can't wrap my head around people thinking that a franchise that hasn't won in Anaheim for so long (and a collection of players that haven't done it in a few years themselves) will all of a sudden turn their fortunes around and win one or more in that building over a span of 2 weeks.

Both teams may spell a first round exit for Calgary, but at least they have the positivity of actually winning in Chicago recently to boost their confidence going into a series. Plus it will most assuredly be less physical so if they do pull off an upset they'll still be healthy enough to make a go of it in round 2.

You want to exercise demons? Do it at the start of a season.

Pretty simple really. Chicago is a far better team than Anaheim and while the Flames have struggled against the Ducks but the Ducks have struggled in the playoffs. Chicago has 3 cups with this core.

I get that the Ducks are in everyone's head right now but it might only take 1 win to turn everything around in favor of Calgary.

[Vinny01]

Can the Ducks survive a 7 game series without Fowler, Lindholm, and Vatanen? Notmsurenthose 3 will be out that long but they could be?

[Igottago]

Ducks for sure. Let's see what this Flames team is made of. Clearly the Ducks have owned the Flames but overcoming that would be a huge step for the Flames. The most difficult path is always the most rewarding. (Not that Chicago wouldn't be difficult, obviously).

[GioforPM]

For some reason Chicago scares me less than Anaheim. It's not the curse, it's just that Anaheim's style seems to match up better for them against Calgary. Less open ice for Calgary's skilled guys. Matching or exceeding Tkachuk in dickishness. Bigger top forwards which is harder on Backlund and guys like Brodie.