They are entering the playoffs as the hottest team in the NHL, absolutely brilliant since the trade deadline at the end of February, almost unbeatable. There is no shortage of skill, beginning with Joe Thornton. Goaltender Evgeni Nabokov had an MVP-calibre season. Their special teams are both good. And the addition of Brian Campbell at the deadline turned around their season. He was the puck mover they lacked and has added a dimension to their game that was missing. The likes of Patrick Marleau and Jonathan Cheechoo also got better after slow starts and, as a team, they figured out how to win games on home ice. This squad overcame a lot during the season and is stronger for it.

They have an all-world leader in Jarome Iginla, who finished with 50 goals. Now, that is a heady number any time, but think about doing it in the West. As he goes, the Flames go. Daymond Langkow has been very good for them as well and Dion Phaneuf is a force on the blue line. With Miikka Kiprusoff they have a goaltender who can steal a win and is a proven playoff performer.