Records…

Blackhawks-
Overall: 46-24-12
Last 10: 7-2-1

Flames-
Overall: 46-30-6
Last 10: 4-6-0

Season Series…

4-0 Blackhawks

Highlights of Last Meeting…

Previous Playoff Meeting…

1996 Western Conference Quarterfinals (4-0 Blackhawks)

RLD ‘Playoff Formula’…

Blackhawks- 54.95
Flames- 37.50

RLD ‘Playoff Formula’ Predicts…

Blackhawks in 4 or 5

Tale of the Tape…

Forwards-
Edge: Blackhawks… The top line of Kane/Toews/Havlat is clicking on all cylinders, and they’re healthier than Calgary right now.

Defensemen-
Edge: Blackhawks… This would be a push if Calgary didn’t have Regehr injured; the ‘Hawks mobility is the difference.

Goaltending-
Edge: Even… I love the way Khabibulin has played lately; Kipper still has the ability to steal a series.

Special Teams-
Edge: Even… Calgary’s PK is elite, but their power play has failed to score since March 23.

Coaching-
Edge: Even… Quenneville hasn’t exactly had great success in the playoffs; Keenan has coached in the postseason just once since ’96.

Experience-
Edge: Flames… Calgary gets it here as they have solid experience up and down the roster.

Team X-Factors…

Blackhawks-
Nikolai Khabibulin… He is why I like Chicago’s chances. ‘Khabi’ has turned his game up a couple notches this season with a chip on his shoulder. Remember, he was on waivers before the season with Huet on board. ‘Khabi’ won a Cup in Tampa, and has been smokin’ in these last couple weeks. Look for the young ‘Hawks to bank on the ‘Bulin Wall’ to have a great series.

Flames-
Olli Jokinen… We know the ‘Hawks have a formidable top line. Jokinen is going to have come up huge to match that. He and Iginla have the potential to be a potent combo in the playoffs, no matter who’s playing the other wing. I really think he’s the key to Calgary getting out of the first round.

Key Injuries…

Blackhawks-
C/W Patrick Sharp (leg, expected to return for Game 1)
D Brent Sopel (elbow, status for playoffs unknown)

Flames-
D Dion Phaneuf (unknown, likely to return for start of series)
D Cory Sarich (foot, likely to return for start of series)
LW Curtis Glencross (lower-body, likely to return for start of series)
LW Rene Bourque (ankle, likely to return for start of series)
D Robyn Regehr (lower-body, status for series unknown)
F Andre Roy (upper-body, status for series unknown)
D Mark Giordano, C Wayne Primeau, D Rhett Warrener (likely out for series)

Keys to the Series…

Blackhawks-
1. Kids stepping up… As important as Khabibulin is to their chances, Kane & Toews have to fight through that adversity of playing in the playoffs for the first time.
2. Skate, skate, skate… This year, the ‘Hawks have been one of the fastest teams in the league. Their blue line is mobile and quick, and the forwards can fly. They need to make this an advantage and cause the Flames to suck wind in the later stages of games.

Flames-
1. Play playoff hockey… Yes, that sounds simple, but Calgary has not played playoff-style hockey down the stretch. They’ve always been known to wear teams down in 7-game series. A healthier blue line will help this attribute.
2. Defend the Saddledome… For the 3rd straight year, Calgary will not have home-ice in the 1st round. They’ve proven they can win on the road, but have struggled at home. They’re 11-11 at the Saddledome in the last 4 playoffs (including the Cup run in ’04). They need to switch fortunes and possibly win all 3 home games (if necessary).

Why the Blackhawks will win…
Health and speed. Their speed can be a mismatch for Calgary, and health is not a concern at this point. Another thing to watch is their new checking line of Byfuglien/Pahlsson/Ladd. Pahlsson engineered the Ducks’ checking line in ’07 when they won the Cup. It would be huge for the ‘Hawks if this line can execute and provide momentum in this series.

Why the Flames will win…
Grit and experience. The experience will be advantageous for the Flames. And when you compare captains, Iginla has the clear edge over the young Jonathan Toews. I’m also very interested to see how this very talented Flames team will play as the underdog. They’ll be looking to avenge being swept by the ‘Hawks in the season series.

PREDICTION… BLACKHAWKS IN 7

[Source: RedLightD.Blogspot.com]

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