[GDT] Flames vs Ducks 7:30 - A nice relaxing game for fans

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Bunk

In 2004 we had to beat all three of the top ranked teams in the west to reach the cup final. I'm not worried about who we face, I worry about how we play. If we are at the top of our game we can beat any team in the west, I believe.

While true, we were pretty gassed by the Final. I think you always hope for the path of least resistance because with the playoffs being such a long hard slog, things like injuries and depth can play as big of a role as talent or chemistry.

That said, I have no idea what the path of least resistance is. I don't think the disparity between the Western teams this year is very big...there's no real stinker among them. I think all 8 teams have a decent chance of coming out of the conference. In the end we just have to make sure we are are prepared and playing our best....the rest will come down to chance and dumb luck.

[Ducay]

We're cursed vs. Ducks, so pass on that matchup.

Chicago is magically blessed in the playoffs, plus have been doing awesome this season, so I'll pass on that one as well.

So thus, Edmonton or SJ are the best bets. Sure we may match just fine (or better) against CHI or ANA on paper, but playoffs are more about spooky voodoo magic than stats.

[Yrebmi]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Of all the teams I'd prefer to avoid, the Ducks are #1. Only because a curse exists. If the Flames can break the curse prior to a potential playoff match up. I'll change my vote.

I would rather avoid a playoff series against Anaheim because i think they play physical and border line dirty.
Even if you win the series your team will be bruised and hurting with possibly multiple injuries.

[tsquared1967]

Originally Posted by Table 5

While true, we were pretty gassed by the Final. I think you always hope for the path of least resistance because with the playoffs being such a long hard slog, things like injuries and depth can play as big of a role as talent or chemistry.

That said, I have no idea what the path of least resistance is. I don't think the disparity between the Western teams this year is very big...there's no real stinker among them. I think all 8 teams have a decent chance of coming out of the conference. In the end we just have to make sure we are are prepared and playing our best....the rest will come down to chance and dumb luck.

When you finished in sixth place in 2004 and win you play all the top teams to make the cup final. They didn't have a wild card system back then as they had top 8 in the conference make the playoffs. They had a knock-out system of 1 vs 8.... and they re-ranked after each round. They don't re-rank after the first round now. Finish in 8th you will face the Blackhawks. Beat the Blackhawks and next round will be Minnesota or St. Louis (based on current standings).

Path of less resistance would be to stay in the Pacific division for the first two rounds. JMHO

[direwolf]

It'll be nice watching a game for once without worrying about making the playoffs. This will be a tough one, and the Ducks are gonna be angry from losing to the dumpster fire up north. Flames need to be ready and come out hard. Score early and often, get a good lead, and lock it down.

A loss tonight won't actually bother me that much, as long as they win the game on Tuesday in Anaheim. The curse needs to die. If they can do that, I think our odds of beating the Ducks in the playoffs increase quite a bit.

[H2SO4(aq)]

Every team is good, but i feel confident we can beat any of them. Id rather Chicago than Anaheim myself but who knows.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Yrebmi

I would rather avoid a playoff series against Anaheim because i think they play physical and border line dirty.
Even if you win the series your team will be bruised and hurting with possibly multiple injuries.

Absolutely, and a major part of the reason the curse exists in the first place. The Flames have been out muscled and out "gooned" by the likes of the Ducks and Blued for a long time.

But, I have gained confidence in the Flames since their last meeting with the Blues, they were taking it to the Blues physically before the blues could do it the Flames. And they succeeded.

Ducks are a very different beast though. I like this game tonight as a measuring stick. I don't think either team really wants to take their foot off the pedal yet.

[saillias]

Originally Posted by Aeneas

Big win, want to see sad Kesler; and Bieksa picking himself up off the ice.

5 bucks says Kevin Bieksa is still very mad because Ferland hit him in the playoffs a few times 2 years ago.

[Lanny'sDaMan]

It appears I shall be in attendance tonight PL1 against the rail. EXCELLENT seats

[GreenLantern2814]

I'd really like to see Rasmus this game. One of the D has to need a night off. The kid's been up for weeks, let us see what he's got.

[jkflames]

First Flames game of the year. Coming in with an all time record of 6-1-0-1 for games where I'm in attendance. Bringing my good luck! Go Flames!

[Gaudfather]

Am taking my oldest daughter to the game tonight - this has become an annual tradition for us. She is a big Monahan fan. Looking forward to a strong outing by the Flames! GFG!

[bucksmasher]

This year I don't want to hear the phrase "backing into the playoff". That didn't work so well the last few times.

[Lanny'sDaMan]

Originally Posted by bucksmasher

This year I don't want to hear the phrase "backing into the playoff". That didn't work so well the last few times.

But, the Flames are in, so there's no backing in. It's done. Fait Accompli!

To back in you need to lose up to the end, and have another team get you in.

[GranteedEV]

I'd rather lose this one and win on Tuesday than win this one and lose Tuesday..

However,

GO Flames!!

[Enoch Root]

Any recommendations on a game place to watch the game in downtown T.O.? (walking distance from the Sheraton Eaton's Centre)?

[Dion]

[tsquared1967]

The Ballroom is the closest open till midnight. Shark Club open until 1 am.

[Tegra_devil]

After 4 years of creeping the board I finally signed up. Go flames go!

[Inferno]

The Ducks deserve a beating after ####ting the bed last night.