Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2: Ducks vs Flames

The Anaheim Ducks and the Calgary Flames are set to meet in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Anaheim Ducks (4-0) and the Calgary Flames (4-2) have both advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Ducks are heading into round 2 after a clean sweep of the Winnipeg Jets. The Flames had a bit more of a challenge, but they ended up defeating the rival Vancouver Canucks in six games.

There has been only one other time Anaheim and Calgary have met in the playoffs, that was in 2006. Calgary led that series 3-2, but Anaheim won the last two, one of which was Game 7 in Calgary. The Ducks have the edge in terms of playoff experience. They’ve been here 8 out of the past 10 years. The Flames haven’t been here since 2009.

These are two big, physical teams that showed no mercy in their first round match ups. The Flames came back from a 3-0 and 4-3 deficit in game 6 against the Canucks. They’re 7-4 win clinched them a spot in the second round. That wasn’t the first time they had a come back. In Game 1, they trailed the Canucks 1-0 heading into the third period. With 30 seconds remaining in the game, they scored the game winner.

After the first round, the Flames have a success rate of 27.8 percent when it comes to the power play. The Ducks are right behind them with a 27.3 percent. However, Anaheim is stronger on the penalty kill with 84.6 percent, Flames have killed 81.2 percent. When it comes to scoring, Ducks are averaging four goals per game, the Flames are averaging 3. As for the exact opposite, Ducks are allowing an average 2.25 goals per game, and the Flames are allowing 2.33.

During the regular season, Anaheim and Calgary met five times. The Ducks were victorious with a 3-1-1 record. They outscored the Flames, but not by much (21-18).

PLAYERS TO LOOK FOR:

Anaheim’s Ryan Kesler may be an easy choice, but he is just that important to this team’s offense. He ended the regular season with 20 goals and has 3 so far this postseason. He scored a game-tying goal in the third period of Game 3 against the Jets and scored two in Game 4, one of which was the game winner.

Calgary’s Kris Russell will be a big part of shutting down Anaheim’s offense. The Flames led the league in blocked shots (1,557) in the regular season; Russell led the league with 283. Already in the postseason he is ranked second with 28. He’s also not afraid to play a little offense. He picked up 2 goals and 2 assists in their series against Vancouver.

INJURIES:

Anaheim’s Chris Wagner (upper body) skated on his own on April 24th, but it still doesn’t look like he’ll be back for round two. Nate Thompson (upper body) is back skating with the team and looks good to go for their series against Calgary.

Lance Bouma (upper body) is still out for the Flames. Raphael Diaz (lower body) is skating on his own, but its not quite near returning.

PREDICTION:

This is a tough decision. I’m not sure if my answer stems from Anaheim’s consistency or because I have faith in this young Calgary team, but I’m taking the Flames in 6.

SCHEDULE:

GAME 1: April 30, Anaheim vs. Calgary 10:00ET/9:00CT NBCSN

GAME 2: May 3, Anaheim vs. Calgary 10:00ET/9:00CT CNBC

GAME 3: May 5, Anaheim @ Calgary 9:30ET/8:30CT USA

GAME 4: May 8, Anaheim @ Calgary 9:30ET/8:30CT NBCSN

IF GAME 5: May 10, Anaheim vs. Calgary TBA

IF GAME 6: May 12, Anaheim @ Calgary TBA

IF GAME 7: May 14, Anaheim vs. Calgary TBA

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