Ducks vs. Flames: Game 1 prediction

With the Calgary Flames set to make their second playoff appearance in the past eight years, and the Anaheim Ducks looking to make a deep run, this series is bound to be intense.

The Ducks had no problem handling the Flames in the regular season, winning all their series games with the exception of one, an 8-3 loss in early December. However, that shouldn’t count the Flames out.

Both teams have dynamic players and potential to win. First off, the Ducks have an arsenal of offensive weapons. Led by Ryan Getzlaf, who leads his team with 58 assists and 73 points, the team also has three 50-point scorers in Ryan Kesler, Corey Perry and Rickard Rakell. Rakell was also the only Ducks player to reach the 30-goal mark this year.

What also makes Anaheim dangerous is their ability to shut down the opposition. Getzlaf is a shutdown center, as is Ryan Kesler. Both bring tremendous physicality to the ice when they play, and can make it frustrating for their opponents to get their offense going.

Toward the end of the season, Calgary proved they shouldn’t be counted out. They went on a lengthy hot streak and seemed unstoppable. The Flames’ offense, rounded out by the likes of Johnny Gaudreau, Mikael Backlund and defenseman Dougie Hamilton, is one of the most dangerous units in the Pacific Division. Not to mention, Matthew Tkachuk can not only score, but also get under the skin of any other team.

The Flames also have one of the best playoff performers in Troy Brouwer. He was one of the major reasons that the St. Louis Blues made an impressive run all the way to the Western Conference Finals last postseason.

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Overall, both of these teams bring something special to the ice, but the Ducks finished the season strong, absolutely dominating the Pacific Division. They are on home ice and have the grit to take on the Flames.

Final Score: Anaheim 5, Calgary 2