2022 NHL Playoffs: Calgary Flames players to watch

The Dallas Stars’ first round opponent in the 2022 NHL Playoffs is a really good one. The Calgary Flames have so many good players that can score and finish on the breakaway. This is going to be a tough test for the Stars since they only won one game against them this season.

I went through the Calgary Flames roster and picked out which key players are worth keeping an eye on if you haven’t followed the Flames this season.

Calgary Flames Goaltender

Jacob Markstrom

Markstrom has been the Stars’ kryptonite this season when both teams play each other. The 32 year old Sweedish goaltender posted a record of 37-15-9 this season along with a .922 save percentage. He’s going to an issue for the Stars in this series and will probably start every game unless he gets injured or sick.

Calgary Flames Defenseman

Erik Gudbranson and Nikita Zadorov

The Stars need to stay away from these two defenseman when they have the puck. They are the two tallest defenseman on the roster and can really check well against the boards. They aren’t the biggest scoring threat together since they only have ten goals combined this season. However they do know how to set up their teammates on the ice which has me the most concerned.

Calgary Flames Forwards

Matthew Tkachuk, Elias Lindholm, Johnny Gaudreau, Andrew Mangipane

These are the 4 main players that the Stars need to be really concerned about when it comes to their offense. Tkachuck, Lindholm and Gaudreau all have over 40 goals during the regular season. The Stars need to desperately lock down these 3 players if they want a shot at winning this series.

Another player that they need to be concerned about is Mangipane. Even though he didnt crack 40 goals this season, his 35 goals have helped the Flames make the playoffs. Stars have their work cut out for them on defense but if they can lock down these 4 forwards, they have a shot in the series.