The Calgary Flames managed to make it to the post-season for the first time since 2009 and will clash with Vancouver Canucks in the first round. The Nucks missed out on the post-season last year but are coming into the playoffs steaming this time, winning each of their last three games, all at home. The Flames meanwhile closed out the regular season with a 5-1 loss at Winnipeg after an otherwise impressive finish to the season. I expect Vancouver to be the team that keeps rolling and open this series with a win.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. No More Underestimating Of The Flames - I have a feeling a lot of teams were caught off guard by the Flames this season. They lost key members of the team during the summer and were not supposed to be a contender, particularly not when Mark Giordano went down with an injury in February but they've somehow been allowed to rally back from early deficits time and time again. Well, now it's the playoffs, and the Nucks will come in here playing as hard as ever not giving away anything for free.

2. Goaltending - Ryan Miller was back in the Nucks net after injury and will add some healthy competition for the goaltending spot in Vancouver. Eddie Lack has impressed in Miller's absence though and is expected to get the nod tonight. He's likely to be matched-up against Jonas Hiller who has been good over his starts in April so far but was 0-1-1 with a 2.52 GAA in two starts against the Nucks during the regular-season.

3. X-Factor - Daniel Sedin is on fire and wrapped up the regular season by tallying four goals and four assists over five games in April. His twin brother Henrik did not do much worse, assisting six and scoring one over an equal amount of games.

Selection: This is a play on the Vancouver Canucks (8*)