Flames v. Jets Series Preview

Season series: Flames 2-1-0

Forwards

This series features two top lines capable of making magic. In Calgary, Sean Monahan, Johnny Hockey a.k.a. Johnny Gaudreau, and Elias Lindholm have tremendous chemistry. Winnipeg heavily relies on their top trio of Mark Schiefele, Kyle Connor, and Blake Wheeler; all logging big minutes. I think this series will come down to which team can find depth scoring, and Winnipeg didn’t have it this year. EDGE: Flames

Defensemen

Mark Giordano, captain for the Flames, is a stud who has been criminally under-appreciated for his entire career. He’s without a doubt the best D-man in this series. I prefer Calgary’s depth as well. No need to overthink this. EDGE: Calgary

Goaltending

Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck has my vote for this year’s Vezina Trophy (goalie of the year), if the NHL gave voting rights to beer league bloggers. He’s the primary reason why Winnipeg is even in the qualifying round. He can steal this series by himself, no doubt. EDGE: Jets

Coaching

The Flames had a coaching change in the middle of the season due to an abuse investigation. Paul Maurice, according to Wikipedia, is the youngest coach to reach 1,000 games coached in the league. EDGE: Winnipeg

Prediction

Hellebuyck steals a couple games for the Jets, but Winnipeg can’t find its offensive game. Calgary’s top line gets clicking eventually and Matthew Tkachuk stirs some shit up. Flames in 5.