Anaheim Ducks Start Road Trip in Calgary
By Sean
Mar 10, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames head coach Bob Hartley on his bench against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Los Angeles Kings won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
The Anaheim Ducks are looking to end a three-game losing streak tonight when they begin a western road trip against the Calgary Flames. The Flames are playing .500 hockey this month with their most recent game coming in a loss to the Los Angeles Kings.
Last Matchup: 5-2  (November 29, 2013)
The Ducks continued their success against the Flames in their last match up. Now, former Duck, recently, again, Dustin Penner helped lead the way in this game with two goals. Frederik Andersen stopped 19 of 21 shots in goal.
Keys to the Game:
- : Somehow they forgot how to score goals. If they could fix that, that would be greeeeaaaaat.
- : This is a great opportunity to let out some frustrations on a team that is not exactly one of the better teams in the league.
- : It’s all about rebuilding right now in Calgary and a loss is not exactly a bad thing.
- : Sean Monahan is young and good, don’t let him get bullied around.
Players to Watch:
-  – C – Ryan Getzlaf: Just about the only guy who is hot right now.
-  – RW – Corey Perry: Just about the only other guy who is hot right now.
-  – LW – Mike Cammalleri: He’s a very versatile scorer who probably could’ve gotten the Flames a nice return at the trade deadline, but the decision was made to not trade him.
-  – D – Mark Giordano: Another guy who could’ve brought in a nice return, but Giordano is an underrated leader and all-around defenseman.
Starting Goalies:
-  – Jonas Hiller: 26-9-6  2.28 GAA  .917 SV%  5 SO (Not Confirmed)
-  – Joni Ortio: 2-3-0  2.24 GAA  .907 SV%
I think the Flames are heading in the right direction. Getting rid of Jay Feaster is arguably the best decision the Flames could’ve made to get the rebuilding started. The prospect pool has some nice pieces, but the lack of any forwards with elite scoring abilities hurts. But right now they have their best prospect with them and have him at the NHL level all season long. 19-year-old Monahan is on pace for about 40 points, not bad for a rookie on a team at the bottom of the standings. Another piece that the Flames could’ve traded at the deadline is Jiri Hudler who has been very good for the Flames but is currently out with a lower-body injury. The Flames are also missing David Jones, Curtis Glencross, Dennis Wideman and Karri Ramo. Of course, Flames veteran Matt Stajan is not with the team and I’d like to wish the best to him and his family after the loss of their newborn son. So with many of these veterans out, the Flames are playing a decent number of rookies every night.
Team Stats:
This is a game the Ducks should win without a doubt. If there’s a game for the Ducks to get out some recent frustration and possibly blow the doors open, it’s tonight.
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