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CANUCKS ARMY PLAYOFF GDT #1 – CANUCKS VS. FLAMES
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Always90four
Apr 15, 2015, 11:00 EDTUpdated:
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You probably didn’t sleep last night did you? Understandable, I mean, it’s the first day of playoffs! Game 1 is finally here and just hours away. We’ve heard all the series previews and predictions and now its time to play the games for real. Canucks and Flames, best of 7, TONIGHT!
The Canucks have quite the seasoned team going into this post season and despite what the experts say, if a few things go their way, Vancouver might be able to accomplish something they’ve never done: beat the Flames in less than 7 games (not counting the best of 5 series). OH, you thought I meant the Cu….It’s Game ONE, settle down.

BROADCAST INFO

Puck Drop: 7 PM Pacific
TV: CBC (Hockey Night in Canada)
Radio: TSN 1040

LINEUPS

Eddie Lack gets his first ever playoff start tonight. Willie D hasn’t shown his hand but c’mon, we all know this one. Brad Richardson looks like he is ready to play in Game 1, but how ready? We’ll find out. Bo Horvat and Ronalds Kenins both see their first ever NHL playoff games as well. It’s so exciting that I’ll have a spare pair of pants just in case things get crazy.
Jonas Hiller should start, but will he finish? Mark Giordano will not play at all this series and it’s just one more reason the Flames will get extinguished. Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and Sam Bennett all will see their first Stanley Cup Playoff game so they’ll be nervous, more nervous than the Canucks – I just know these things. 

HEAD TO HEAD

REASONS TO WATCH THIS PLAYOFF GAME

  • 24 months since the last Canucks playoff game…which was a loss. You’re not going anywhere. With the Canucks luck, this will end up being a triple OT thriller because they wanted to make up for the games they didn’t play last year.
  • Henrik and Daniel Sedin like the Flames almost as much as the Oilers. This series is tailored for them and the two different looks of Alex Burrows and Radim Vrbata on the wing make line matching brutal. Sedinery will be on display.
  • Brad Richardson is back and should start, barring a setback. He has been missed and should give Bo Horvat some support in the circle. It also gives WD a line of Matthias/Richardson/Dorsett that packs more versatility. Being able to roll four legit lines will have the Flames spinning their wheels.
  • No one really thinks the Flames are going to win this thing, do they? When it comes to Vancouver vs. Calgary, there is only one possible winner, and its not the team wearing red. How bad the beatdown will be will be determined tonight.
  • The Flames lead the all time playoff series against the Canucks, 17-15. Many of those matchups have been instant classics. This Canucks team is pretty deep and if the Flames can’t manage to have four lines that can go with them, it might not be a very long series. Oh, and lets not forget what this guy did:

    WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

    Well, this should be fun.
    For all the hot takes on the Flames side, be sure to head on over to Flamesnation.ca and follow them on Twitter @flamesnation.

    MY TAKE

    Oh man, I have waited for this for some time now, as all of you have as well. Despite the library atmosphere in Rogers Arena, this year’s team will probably bring out the old type of fan that brought it every game to the rink. Towel power will be in full tilt and there’s nothing like it. Calling it now, Eddie Lack will be the difference maker and the Canucks will feed off him. Canucks take Game 1, 4-2. Get out your towels, it’s time to party!

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