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And so, in the end, the Calgary Flames get the worst draw possible to open the playoffs.

The Anaheim Ducks – a team that has dominated the Flames the last decade – will host the Flames Thursday.

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And they’ll do so in a building the Flames haven’t won in since a playoff win in 2006.

It gets worse.

The Ducks have won nine of their last 10 meetings as part of a matchup that saw the Ducks go 4-1 against the Flames this year.

They’re bigger, they’re meaner, they’re more experienced, they’ve won five straight division titles and they are the ones who easily disposed of the Flames two years ago in the second round.

Did we mention the Ducks haven’t lost a regulation game in their last 14 outings and are 8-0-1 at home in their last nine?

But for a Flames team counted out by most at several points in the season, why should it be any other way?

From a Fames perspective, the stage is now set for the perfect turnaround.

A chance to prove everyone wrong once again this season – something that seems to motivate this bunch.