The Avalanche on Thursday night will begin its run at the Stanley Cup when it opens the playoffs at Calgary. Colorado hasn’t won a playoff series since 2008, when it topped the 4-2 in the Western Conference quarterfinals.
Will this be the year the Avs break their streak of bad luck? Our staff shares its opinion.
Mike Chambers, Avalanche beat reporter
Flames in 7. The Avs could steal a game in Calgary and be strong at home, but defeating a top-seeded Canadian team with home-ice advantage will be extremely difficult. I won’t be surprised to see a series upset but, given the Flames’ brilliant season and their rabid fan base, the favorite has to be favored.
Mark Kiszla, columnist
Flames in 7 games. But Avs goaltender cannot only steal a game, he could steal the series.
Sean Keeler, reporter
Flames in 6 games. If Playoff Gruby looks like March Gruby, anything’s possible. But the Flames come in waves offensively, given five skaters with at least 74 points. The non-MGM guys on the Avs’ roster did a heck of a job picking up the flag over the past three weeks with Landeskog and Rantanen on the mend. To get past the Flames, though, they’re going to have to run with it.
Kyle Fredrickson, reporter
Flames in 6 games. Give Colorado credit for clawing and fighting to reach the playoffs, but Calgary ran away with the Western Conference crown for good reason. The Flames’ offensive firepower will be too much for the Avalanche.
Matt L. Stephens, editor
Flames in 7 games. is once again healthy, and so is . The best line in hockey is reunited, and it feels so good. But Rantanen, Landeskog and will only be on the ice together at home. Colorado will sweep at , but it won’t be enough to end Calgary’s magical season.
Lori Punko, editor
Avalanche in 7 games. Yes, the Flames beat the Avalanche three times in the regular season. And yes, Calgary won the West. But the Flames closed out the regular season 9-5, while the Avs went 8-0-2 behind Grubauber’s impressive showing in net. Mikko Rantanen is finally back, and Cale Maker joins the team for Game 3 on Monday. Yes, it’s a longshot, but the pendulum is swinging in Colorado’s favor.
