Dallas Stars (46-30-6, fourth in the Central Division) vs. Calgary Flames (50-21-11, first in the Pacific Division)
Calgary, Alberta; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EDT
Fanduel sportsbook line: Flames -225, Stars +183; over/under is 5.5
NHL playoffs first round: Flames play host to series opener
Bottom line
The Calgary Flames entertain the Dallas Stars to begin the Western Conference first round. The teams meet Thursday for the fourth time this season. The Flames went 2-1 against the Stars during the regular season. In their last regular-season matchup on April 21, the Flames won 4-2.
Calgary is 50-21-11 overall and 23-9-7 in home games. The Flames are 7-4-8 in games decided by a goal.
Dallas is 46-30-6 overall and 19-18-2 on the road. The Stars have conceded 244 goals while scoring 233 for a -11 scoring differential.
Top performers
Johnny Gaudreau has 40 goals and 75 assists for the Flames. Dillon Dube has scored eight goals over the past 10 games.
Jason Robertson has 41 goals and 38 assists for the Stars. Roope Hintz has scored six goals with five assists over the past 10 games.
Past 10 games
Flames: 6-2-2, averaging four goals, 6.5 assists, 4.2 penalties and nine penalty minutes while giving up 2.8 goals per game.
Stars: 5-3-2, averaging 2.3 goals, 4.4 assists, 2.3 penalties and 5.2 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game.
Injuries
Flames: Sean Monahan: out for season (hip), Tyler Parsons: out for season (undisclosed), Trevor Lewis: day to day (personal).
Stars: Braden Holtby: out (lower body), Vladislav Namestnikov: out (lower-body).