NHL playoffs 2017: Ducks vs. Flames preview and prediction

Apr 4, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) collides with Calgary Flames goalie Brian Elliott (1) and defenseman Deryk Engelland (29) in the third period at Honda Center. The Ducks defeated the Flames 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames are set to square off in what should be a great heavyweight fight in the first round. Will Anaheim prevail or can Calgary pull off a huge upset?

The NHL’s playoff format is often terrible because it refuses to reward the best teams. However, the format does create great theatre with lots of divisional rivalries. The first round series between the Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames is a perfect example. These two teams loathe each other and the general managers are yelling at each other through the media. Is this a playoff series or a pay-per-view boxing match? With the blood likely shed in this series, it will be hard to tell the difference.

Anaheim comes into the postseason having won the Pacific Division. However, being divisional champs hasn’t always worked out well for them. Last season, Anaheim lost in the first round despite winning the Pacific. Much like last year’s team, this year’s team boasts a very strong blue line. However, they will be without defenseman Cam Fowler, who suffered an injury tanks to a questionable hit from Flames captain Mark Giordano. Anaheim relies heavily on Ryan Kesler and Ryan Getzlaf, as both centers average over 20 minutes a game.

The Flames are primed to pull off the massive upset. Fowler’s injury certainly helps their case. Dougie Hamilton and Giordano lead one of the most productive blue lines in the NHL. They also have a ton of speed and skill, led by Sean Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau, Michael Frolik, Mikael Backlund and the polarizing Matthew Tkachuk. Brian Elliott has been playing great as of late and he’s certainly no stranger to postseason success.

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Prediction

This series could go either way. You could make a very strong case for either team. However, the determining factor in this series will likely be an intangible. Calgary hasn’t won in Anaheim in over a decade. Since the Ducks have home ice advantage, that means a lot. Although all hockey fans should be rooting for a Battle Of Alberta second round series, it’s not happening this year. Maybe in 2018?

Pick: Ducks in 7 games

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