The Avalanche on Thursday night begins its run at the Stanley Cup as it opens the playoffs at Calgary. Colorado hasn’t won a playoff series since 2008, when it topped the Minnesota Wild 4-2 in the Western Conference quarterfinals.

Will this be the year the Avs break their streak of bad luck? Its opinion is shared by our team.

Mike Chambers, Avalanche beat reporter

Flames in 7. The Avs could steal a game in Calgary and be strong at home, but defeating a Canadian team will be extremely difficult. I won’t but, given the Flames’ brilliant period and their rabid fan base, the favorite has to be preferred.

Mark Kiszla, columnist

Flames in 7 games. But Avs goaltender Philipp Grubauer can’t only steal a game, he can steal the series.

Sean Keeler, reporter

Flames in 6 games. If Playoff Gruby resembles March Gruby, anything’s potential. But the Flames come in waves given five skaters with at least 74 points. The men on the Avs’ roster did a heck of a job with Landeskog and Rantanen on the fix. To get past the Flames, though, they re going to have to run with it.

Kyle Fredrickson, reporter

Flames in 6 games. Give Colorado charge for clawing and fighting to reach the playoffs, but Calgary ran away with the Western Conference crown for good reason. The Flames’ offensive firepower will be too much for the Avalanche.

Matt L. Stephens, editor

Flames in 7 games. Mikko Rantanen is once again healthy, and so is Gabe Landeskog. The best line in hockey is reunited, and it feels good. But Rantanen, Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon will simply be on the ice together in your home. Colorado will sweep at Pepsi Center, but it won’t be enough to end Calgary’s magical season.

Lori Punko, editor

Avalanche in 7 games.  Yes, the Flames beat the Avalanche three times in the regular season. And yes, Calgary won the West. But the Flames closed out the regular season 9-5, while the Avs went 8-0-2 supporting Grubauber’s impressive showing in web. Mikko Rantanen is finally back, and Cale Maker joins the group for Game 3 on Monday. Yes, it’s a longshot, but the pendulum is swinging in Colorado’s favor.

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