NHL playoffs 2017: Updated bracket after Ducks sweep Flames

The Stanley Cup playoffs bracket has been updated after the Anaheim Ducks swept the Calgary Flames in the first round. 

The Anaheim Ducks have dominated the Calgary Flames for the better part of the past 20 years. This remains true after they swept the Flames following a 3-1 win in Game 4 of their first round series. Even without star defenseman Cam Fowler, Anaheim dominated Calgary. And when the Flames got chances to win against them, they failed to execute while Anaheim didn’t.

Here’s an updated Stanley Cup playoffs bracket.

Anaheim will face the winner of the first round series between the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks. As of the end of Wednesday’s action, the two teams are tied at two games apiece in their best of seven series.

The Ducks have answered a lot of the questions they had before the postseason. They survived without Fowler thanks to Shea Theodore. The young blue liner had five points in four postseason games. Moving forward, they should be fine with or without Fowler. However, it should be interesting to see what their lineup looks like if he returns. Could Kevin Bieksa or Korbinian Holzer be kicked out of the lineup for Fowler?

Also, Rickard Rackell is the real deal. He had three assists against the Flames and was the consistent dynamic force Anaheim has hoped he would be. Moving forward, he’s a very important part of their lineup. They rely very heavily on Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler, but Rakell might be an even more important cog to their lineup because of what he brings to the table on offense.

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John Gibson was outstanding in goal for Anaheim, save Game 3. Randy Carlyle’s team looks like it could make a deep playoff run.