3 Key Players For The Calgary Flames Against The Ducks

Apr 25, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Jiri Hudler (24) controls the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period in game six of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Jiri Hudler is one of if not the most important veteran for this young Calgary Flames team. Hudler is 31 years old with plenty of experience as a former Detroit Red Wing. During his time with Detroit, Hudler played in 66 playoff games recording 12 goals and 33 points. Hudler won the cup with Wings in 2007-2008 and lost the following year in the stanley cup finals. He is very experienced and will need to be a key contributor for Calgary to have any success.

Anaheim Ducks

Hudler is coming off a superb regular season as he set personal best’s in goals, assists and point (31 Goals 45 Assists 76 Points). Hudler was a big factor in Calgary’s push to make the playoffs as the talented veteran forward on this young Flames team.

Setting The Tone

Hudler is a talented veteran who plays on Calgary’s top line alongside 21 year old rookie of the year candidate Johnny Gaudreau and 20 year old Sean Monahan. With such young talent it is evident that Hudler must step up and lead the way as the veteran. Gaudreau and Monahan will make their impact on this series some how but Hudler has the ability to do it himself and score when it matters most.

The History Versus The Ducks

In the Flames 5 regular season meetings with the Ducks, Hudler scored three goals and had no assists. As a former Detroit Red Wing, Hudler has faced the Ducks a number of times including one playoff matchup. Hudler did not play in Detorit’s 2013 first round matchup against the Ducks. He did however play a big role during Detroit’s 2009 second round victory over the Ducks. Hudler had 4 points in that series including the game winning goal in game 5 as Detroit won in seven. Hudler has proven from his days with the Wings that he could certainly be a Duck hunter.

If Hudler Is The Best Calgary Forward During Round 2…

If Hudler leads the Flames in goals and points during round two then it is likely the Flames will make this a long series with a great chance to end the Ducks season. If Hudler can continue his success that came late in the opening round, then the Ducks could really have a hard time containing the Flames top line in this series. Plain and simple, if Calgary wants to win it must be Hudler who is leading the charge showing the young Calgary forwards how it is done.

If Hudler Disappears And Does Not Produce During Round 2…

If Hudler has a bad series and can not generate some offense then Calgary will be on the golf course sooner rather than later. Hudler can not afford another slow start to a series especially against a team like Anaheim. If Hudler is reliant upon the other two young forwards on Calgary’s top line then this could be another quick series win for the Ducks as they will only be forced to shut down the smaller Gaudreau and Monahan. If Hudler is not producing, the Flames will not win this series.

Next: 2- Calgary Flames: Dennis Wideman