Assuming the Flames make the playoffs, who is your preferred 1st round match up?

[JerryUnderscore]

Lately I've been taking a look at each teams leader scoring and comparing them to their total offence. Essentially, I've been asking the question, What percent of total goals does that player have a hand in?

Since we're most likely going to match up against one of Anaheim, San Jose or Edmonton, here's there relevant data:

Anaheim (178 GF) Ryan Getzlaf 56pt (31.46%)
San Jose (188 GF) Brent Burns 70pt (37.23%)
Edmonton (187 GF) Connor McDavid 75pt (40.11%)
Calgary (185 GF) Johnny/Backs 48pts (26.09%)

Based on this, my preferred matchup would be Edmonton. Edmonton is a one trick pony. If McDavid isn't scoring the team isn't winning.

Conversely, Anaheim's offence is a lot more spread out with Getzlaf only factoring into 31% of their goals.

Of course, then you have Calgary, where Johnny Gaudreau and Mikael Backlund are currently tied with 48 points each, good for 26% of team scoring. We're scoring by committee, which will make it very difficult to defend.

[Vinny01]

The way the Flames are playing bring on any team. If there is a team we could avoid the Ducks and Hawks top the list. While I think the Flames would have a really good shot against the Oilers the stakes would be so high that I am notnsurenthstnis my preferred matchup. I like Calgarys chances against the Sharks.
A lot of my issues with playing the Ducks could be eliminated depending how we play them here towards the end of the season

[StrykerSteve]

The Ducks scare me.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

Because they're this team's historical rival. Because the intensity will be incredible. And because beating the Oilers in the playoffs is only marginally less satisfying than winning the Cup.

And if you're so concerned about the media fawning over the Oilers, then knocking them out of the playoffs will be that much more satisfying. You don't think the media fawned over Gretzky in his prime? That's one of the things that made beating them so much fun.

Honestly, not even knocking them out of the playoffs will be worth putting up with it in the first place. And yes, they fawned over Gretzky. While I am not sure what point you think you are making by bringing him up, it was god damned annoying. So too is the fawning over Crosby. I don't like it, I don't find it entertaining, and I don't want to put up with it.

[EVERLAST]

the ducks taking down the caps the way they did makes me wonder whats happening in Wash.
Friedman was talking about it on the fan this morning. Id say the ducks look to again be dangerous for sure but if we are healthy and end up against them or SJ to start we have a pretty good chance.

I like our chances against anyone while were healthy.

[Groot]

If I had a choice between playing Edmonton, the most shallow team in a western playoff spot, redeeming our season series by knocking them out in round 1 of their first playoffs in 10 years and getting an easier path to round 2, I will put up with the media fawning over McDavid all day every day. How much will they be fawning over him when he's got 3 points through 4 games and the Oilers are down 3-1?

Easiest path to 2nd round? Oilers
Most satisfying team to beat? Oilers

Gotta be Oilers!