Ducks vs. Flames Game 4 Prediction

Ducks vs. Flames: Game 4 prediction

Apr 17, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) controls the puck in front of Calgary Flames goalie Brian Elliott (1) during the third period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Ducks have all the momentum in their opening round series with the Flames and will look to close it out Wednesday night in Calgary.

After Monday’s comeback win, it feels like the Ducks are just unstoppable in this series with the Flames.

Anaheim rebounded quickly from a three-goal deficit that began in the second period, scoring two in the third and the winner in overtime to finish the historic comeback. The Flames looked as if they had finally figured out the way to beat the Ducks early, handily for that matter, and showed no signs of relenting in Game 3.

Unfortunately for Calgary, the playoff-tested group of Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and company came back aggressively and quickly. Also, Perry seemed to find his groove in Game 3, as the veteran was a solid +5 on the ice for the Ducks, including his overtime winner just a minute and thirty seconds in.

The Flames’ biggest key for this game on Wednesday night will be getting at John Gibson early and often. The Ducks goaltender let in four goals on 16 shots before getting pulled, and Jonathan Bernier saved the day for Anaheim. If the Flames can get at Gibson early like they did in Game 3, they’ll need to perform better defensively to work with the large cushion their offense provides.

Sean Monahan and Calgary’s power play will be a big factor in their potential offensive breakout, as the young star has led his Flames throughout this series. Monahan scored his third power-play goal of the series in Game 3, and will need to keep it up to salvage his team’s hopes for survival in Game 4.

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Pick: Flames 4, Ducks 3

This series hasn’t been lacking in scoring like some of the other opening round series in the league, but sure has had some close games throughout. One goal has decided each of the first three games, and I believe the trend continues in Game 4.

However, I think the Flames break the trend from the previous three games, and take one home in their own arena to salvage some dignity and avoid a sweep.

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