The set-up: I had a play on the Flames in Game 1 and if you didn't have a chance to read that analysis, I believe it's worth a look here, because for the most part the logic behind that selection, basically directly applies to this one as well:

Calgary took two of three from Dallas in the regular season and considering these clubs recent form, I believe the Flames are going to find a way to get the job done in Game 1 of their opening round series. Interesting that these clubs have never met in the playoffs before. Yes the Flames finished the regular season with the 20th ranked offense, bu from January 1st on they moved up into the top seven. In fact Calgary averaged 4.0 GPG in its series win over the Jets. The Flames' special teams was solid with the power play producing at 29.4 per cent and the penalty kill at 88.2 per cent (while also adding a shorthanded goal.) A strong performance from Cam Talbot certainly didn’t hurt either. The netminder went 12-10-1 with average numbers in the regular season but posted a .945 save percentage, 1.51 goals-against average and one shutout in four starts against the Jets. The Stars looked terrible in their three round robin games, allowing an average of 36.5 shots per game to the opposition. Dallas was ranked 26th in the NHL in scoring before the break and it looked terrible on that end of the ice during the re-start. I'll back the better in form team here!

The pick: Additionally note that the Flames are 7-2 in their last nine after allowing two or less goals in a victory in their last outing. Calgary looks better on both ends of the ice and I expect that trend to carry over here.

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on the Calgary Flames.