NHL Western Conference Playoffs Odds: Blackhawks vs. Flames

Miikka Kiprusoff and the Flames take on the Blackhawks in the NHL Western Conference Playoffs. (AP Images)"]

If this opening round series were played during the regular season, the Chicago Blackhawks most likely would have walked away with a sweep.

But the Calgary Flames have shown in the past that they are a different bunch in the postseason.

The Blackhawks won all four games they played against Calgary this year and did so in convincing fashion, outscoring them 19-7 overall.

This series has the potential to be high scoring and very entertaining. Chicago has the fifth-best offense in the NHL, averaging 3.17 goals per game, while Calgary sits seventh at 3.06 goals per outing.

Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff struggled down the stretch and better expect to be kept busy by a Hawks team that averaged 32 shots on net during the season.

This will be the first taste of the playoffs for young stars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, and if they can overcome a lack of experience the Blackhawks should take care of business.

For all your NHL betting head over to the Bodog Sportsbook.