Anaheim Ducks vs. Calgary Flames Preview
Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
The Anaheim Ducks begin a critical three game road trip through western Canada tonight against the Calgary Flames. The Ducks were embarrassed by the Flames in the last meeting between these two teams. The Ducks are looking to redeem themselves on the road in Calgary.
Game starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Season Series: 2-1-0
Last Match Up: 7-2 (Mar. 12, 2014)
The last time these two teams met was on Mar. 12 at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flames scored four straight in the first period to build a 4-0 lead. The Flames scored on three of their first five shots. The Ducks did fight back and score a pair of goals, but it was too late for a comeback. The Flames would go on to win easily 7-2.
Keys to the Game:
1. Early Lead: The Ducks must get an early lead against the Flames and take away any momentum in the first period.
2. Top Line: The Ducks top line of Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and Teemu Selanne needs to continue to produce. The trio combined for eight points in the Ducks’ last win.
1. First Period: The Flames need to have a solid first period. They should expect the Ducks to come out strong after what happened in the last meeting.
2. Power Play: The Flames rank toward the bottom of the league in converted power plays. They need to get some goals on special teams to keep up with the Ducks offense.
Players to Watch:
1. Getzlaf scored his 30th goal in his last game and also dished out two assists.
2. Selanne has scored a goal in each of the last two games. He seems to be rejuvenated since his promotion to the top line alongside Perry and Getzlaf.
1. Mike Cammalleri has scored four goals in as many games. He leads the Flames with 23 goals.
2. Mark Giordano leads all Flames defensemen with 12 goals and is tied for the team lead in power play goals.
Starting Goalies:
Jonas Hiller: 27-11-6 2.40 GAA .914 SV%
Karri Ramo: 13-10-4 2.54 GAA .912 SV%
Team Stats:
46-18-7, 99 points (Last 10: 4-4-2)
30-35-7, 67 Points (Last 10: 6-4-0)
To say this game is important to the Ducks is an understatement.
The Ducks can still win the Pacific Division having three games in hand over the San Jose Sharks. The Ducks also want to erase the last meeting with the Flames, where the Flames blew the Ducks out of Calgary. It’s the first game of a three game road trip so the Ducks need to start it off right.
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