This year is a bit of a different story with the Flames looking like a much stronger team than the one from two years ago and the Stars regressing since 2020. But the two meet again in the first round of this postseason. 

Calgary took control of the Pacific Division early and ran with it. The line of Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm have been one of the best lines all season. Jacob Markstrom is having a terrific year in net and should be a finalist for the Vezina. Coach Darryl Sutter has the boys from Alberta in prime position to make a run. 

Since Calgary made it to the final in 2004, the club has won just two playoff series and hasn’t advanced as far as the Western Conference championship. 

“We’re all excited because we made playoffs,” Sutter said on Monday. “Now you try to take the next step. Try and win a game.”

Speaking of sensational forward lines, the Stars counter with the combo of Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson and Joe Pavelski. The trio have been a dominant force for Dallas, which has relied upon their offensive contributions quite heavily throughout the season. 

Stars coach Rick Bowness understands how much the Flames have changed since the two last met in postseason play. He said on Monday that they know “this is a much better team” than the one they saw in 2020. 

What channel is Flames vs. Stars Game 1 on?

Date: Tuesday, May 3 TV channel: ESPN2 (U. S. ), Sportsnet, CBC (Canada) Live streaming: Sling TV 

Flames vs. Stars Game 1 will air on ESPN2. In Canada, the game will air on Sportsnet and CBC.

Viewers in the U.S. can stream every NHL playoff game live on Sling TV. With the Sling Orange Sports Extra package, get $10 off your first month now with access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and TNT. NHL playoff games on ABC are simulcast on ESPN3, which is included with Sling Orange, available for $35 per month, including $25 the first month for new subscribers.

MORE: Watch the NHL playoffs on Sling TV

Flames vs. Stars start time

Date: Tuesday, May 3 Time: 10 p. m. ET | 7 p. m. PT

Game 1 of the Flames vs. Stars series will start around 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 3. The game will be played at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary. 

Flames vs. Stars schedule, TV channels

(All times Eastern)

Western Conference: (P1) Calgary Flames vs. (WC1) Dallas Stars

*If necessary

MORE: Championship odds, best bets to win the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup

Flames vs. Stars odds

Flames: -233

Stars: +194

Odds provided by Sports Interaction

Today’s NHL playoff schedule

Tuesday, May 3

Tomorrow’s NHL playoff schedule

Wednesday, May 4