The Dallas Stars have won seven of the last nine head-to-head matchups with the Calgary Flames. I predict more success for the Stars here in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Calgary is getting a bit too much respect for beating up on the Jets in four games in the qualifying round. Winnipeg was shorthanded and while the Stars went only 1-2 in round-robin play, the playoff format is more suitable to defensively strong teams like them (2nd in the NHL for goals allowed).

Sure Calgary has more momentum, but it also had to put in more effort through its four qualifying games than Dallas in its three round-robin games. I expect the Stars to come alive and show their class.

8* play on Dallas Stars.