The Calgary Flames will face off against the Anaheim Ducks in the opening round of the playoffs.
The Ducks clinched their fifth consecutive Pacific Division title Sunday with a victory over the Los Angeles Kings.
“It’s amazing. One minute you’re thinking it’s going to be Edmonton, and the next all of a sudden Anaheim scores late … you just don’t know,” Flames assistant general manager Craig Conroy said.
“I think they’re prepared for Anaheim. Now it’s time to go and win a game in Anaheim at least,” he added.
The Flames haven’t won in regulation at Anaheim’s Honda Center since 2006.
“We’re making a little bit too big of a deal out of it,” Conroy said. “We’re going to go in and play as hard as we can and eventually we’re going to win.”
“Everything comes to an end,” he added. “Overall, I don’t think it’s a big deal.”
BELOW: Calgary Flames playoff schedule
There are five Canadian teams in the playoffs this year: the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Montreal Canadiens, the Ottawa Senators, the Edmonton Oilers and the Flames.
Of the 16 playoff teams, nine have a different coach than the one they began last season with, including the Flames.
The 2017 NHL playoffs start on Wednesday with the Canadiens taking on the New York Rangers, the Senators hosting the Boston Bruins and the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets. In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Wild take on the St. Louis Blues and the Oilers host the San Jose Sharks.
War of words with Ducks GM
The Calgary Flames may not have their first playoff game until Thursday, but a war of words has already begun.
Flames general manager Brad Treliving called Ducks GM Bob Murray’s criticism of Calgary captain Mark Giordano “asinine.”
Ducks defenceman Cam Fowler is out for several weeks after he and Giordano collided in a regular-season game last week.
Murray said after that game he didn’t have any respect for people who go after knees, adding Giordano had done that before.
Treliving said making comments about opposing players is an attempt to influence officials.
How to buy playoff tickets
Fans looking to purchase playoff tickets can register for a ticket purchase draw through the Calgary Flames website or purchase tickets though Sport Chek or Co-op.
“We’ll have over 3,000 tickets per game available,” Flames VP of sales Rollie Cyr said. “The registry is open. It has been open since Friday.”
“There are still guaranteed options where you can buy some premium experiences,” he added.
Cyr stressed the only way to verify you’re getting a legitimate ticket is by purchasing through Ticketmaster, the Calgary Flames, Sport Chek or Co-op.
BELOW: Stanley Cup playoffs bracket
With files from The Canadian Press