This one could get ugly.
Even before the Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames take the ice for Game 1, the teams are already at each other's throats after Mark Giordano's questionable knee-on-knee hit on Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler in last week's contest.
Related - Flames' Treliving: Ducks' comments on Giordano are 'asinine'
The hit has the Ducks upset, and rightfully so, as they're now without their top blue-liner for anywhere from one to five weeks.
"I think there’s a lot of hate there," Ducks defenseman Josh Manson - who fought Giordano after the hit - said last week, according to the Associated Press. “Our guys had to do something. Hockey is a fast game, and things happen. It’s unfortunate. Hopefully Cam is all right, but it’s tough."
Heading into the series, the Ducks appear to have the advantage after owning the season series. They went 4-1-0 in five games, outscoring the Flames 17-14.
We can expect a bloodbath, but here's what else the series should see:
Players to watch
Matthew Tkachuk
Matthew Tkachuk's play is built for the playoffs.
The 19-year-old can contribute offensively - he tallied 48 points in his first campaign - and he'll back up that play by bringing physicality and tenacity to the ice regardless of his age.
He proved against the Los Angeles Kings two weeks ago that he isn't afraid and won't back down from anyone, and that's exactly the mentality a young team needs going into the postseason.
The Ducks are a heavy squad, but one thing appears certain: Tkachuk will not be pushed around.
Rickard Rakell
Rickard Rakell had one of the NHL's premier breakout seasons in 2016-17.
After tallying 29 goals over his first 165 games in the league, the 23-year-old went off for 33 in 71 contests - good enough to lead all Ducks players.
He's been the club's most dynamic forward, but still has much to prove. Despite his recent offensive outburst, Rakell's career playoff numbers are nothing to brag about. He has just three goals and five points in 27 career postseason matches.
Those numbers will need to improve if the Ducks intend on reaching the second round.
Weakest links
Flames can't win in Anaheim
It's been well-documented that Calgary can't win in Anaheim.
The Flames' 3-1 loss to the Ducks at Honda Center on April 5 pushed the club's regular-season losing streak in Anaheim to 25 games, dating back to Jan. 19, 2004.
The Flames have had slightly better luck in the postseason, but not much. After winning their first-ever playoff game against the Ducks at home in 2006, Anaheim has won the last five meetings.
The Ducks have home ice in the first round so it's quite simple - if the Flames can't win at least one game in Anaheim, they're toast.
Missing Fowler
Nine different Ducks defenders contributed to the 35 goals scored by the team's back end this season, while Fowler notched 11 of them.
It's quite clear that he's the team's most lethal option on the blue line, and unfortunately - due to the injury mentioned above - he'll be M.I.A. for the Ducks, at least to begin the series.
The 25-year-old leaves a huge hole, but with it comes the chance for someone to rise to the occasion. One worthy option is Sami Vatanen.
After setting a career high with 38 points last season, Vatanen managed only 24 this time around, including just three goals. He's been solid in the postseason, however, with 16 points in 28 career games. That production would be greatly welcomed by the Ducks.
Prediction
The Ducks have all the makings of a Stanley Cup contender.
They have a strong offense, a goaltender who can steal games, and both the size and ruggedness to go toe-to-toe with anyone. For that reason, it's hard to picture a less experienced Flames team taking four games from them.
As mentioned above, the Flames cannot - for whatever reason - win in Anaheim, and that's something they'll need to do. Unfortunately for them, the Ducks have been nearly as dominant in Calgary.
The Ducks have gone 6-3-1 over their last 10 games in Calgary, dating back to 2014. The Flames have certainly enjoyed a strong season, but they may have been matched up against their kryptonite in Round 1.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)
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