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NHL playoffs preview: Flames vs Canucks

By Lauren Lapka

Jan 10, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sedin (22) shoots against Calgary Flames goaltender Joni Ortio (37) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sedin (22) shoots against Calgary Flames goaltender Joni Ortio (37) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Calgary Flames and the Vancouver Canucks will meet in the first round in the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Calgary Flames and the Vancouver Canucks, the two rivals are facing each other in round one of the NHL playoffs. These teams are pretty evenly matched when it comes to goals against per game and the power play. Where they really differ is the penalty kill. The Canucks ranked 2nd with an 85.7 % kill rate and the Flames ranked 20th, the only team in the playoffs worse than them is the New York Islanders.

The Flames don’t stand out in any advanced stats category, but they managed to knockout the Los Angeles Kings, who were ranked first in possession, not to mention defending Stanley Cup champs. Where the Flames did excel was blocked shots, they finished first with 1,557. On the opposite end of the spectrum, they were 28th in shot attempt percentage. They and the Canucks are the two worst teams in the western conference when it comes to this category. Flames finished 45-30-7 with 97 points.

The Canucks  finished the regular season 48-29-5 with 101 points. They weren’t exactly one of the best teams this season, but they were able to take down a lot of strong teams when it mattered most.  They finished the regular season 2nd in the penalty kill with an 85.7% kill rate.

PLAYERS TO LOOK FOR: 

Jiri Hudler, Calagary’s leader in points, goals and assists. He’s holding up this offense while Mark Giordano is out. But keep and eye out for the return of Giordano, if they’re leader can return that will create a much needed spark for that group. Their rookie Johnny Gaudraeu is on fire. He racked up 24 goals this season.

As for the Canucks, look out for the Sedin Sisters. Henrik and Daniel led the team in points, Daniel with 76 and Henrik with 73. Daniel also led in assists with 56. Their chemistry is on point. They always seem to find each other on the ice. Radim Vrbata, he led the team with 31 goals. He has plenty of veteran experience and knows hot find that sweet spot on the net. Overall, he’s a very smart hockey player.

INJURIES:

Calgary’s Ryan Culkin is still not participating in full contact practice because of a wrist injury. Mark Giordano has been sidelined with a biceps injury, he could return late in the post season if the team advances. Ladislav Smid is out for the season with a neck injury. Karri Ramo is day to day with a lower body. Lance Bouma is day to day with an upper body. Raphael Diaz has been out with an undisclosed injury. Paul Byron is day to day with a lower body.

Vancouver’s Andrew Alberts retired after a concussion he suffered in December. Zack Kassian has yet to practice after sustaining a back injury. Brad Richardson, who has been dealing with an ankle,  is hoping to be in Game 1.

PREDICTION:

It’ll be close, but I am taking the Canucks in 7.

SCHEDULE:

GAME 1: April 15, Calgary @ Vancouver 10:00ET/9:00CT USA

GAME 2: April 17, Calgary @ Vancouver 10:00ET/9:00CT CNBC

GAME 3: April 19, Vancouver vs. Calgary 10:00ET/9:00CT NBCSN

GAME 4: April 21, Vancouver vs. Calgary 10:00ET/9:00CT USA

IF GAME 5: April 23, TBA

IF GAME 6: April 25, TBA

IF GAME 7: April 27, TBA

For more of my videos, check out my author page here. Now that you know what my thoughts on it are, let me know what you think in the comments below or send me a tweet on the interwebs @LaurenLapka.

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