3 Key Players For The Calgary Flames Against The Ducks
Apr 21, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; (editors note: caption correction) Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman (6) celebrates a goal by center Jiri Hudler (not pictured) against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Giordano was well on his way to winning the Norris trophy for best defensemen in the NHL. A brutal season ending injury to Giordano left a huge question mark sitting on Calagry’s blue line. Dennis Wideman, Kris Russell and T.J Brodie have all escalated their play in the captain Giordano’s absence. They are all important to Calgary’s success but Dennis Wideman will be the key blue liner for Calgary in round 2.
Wideman is another Flame coming off of a phenomenal regular season. Like Hudler, Wideman set personal bests in goals, assists and points (15 Goals 41 Assists 56 Points). Wideman has the ability to make up for some of the offensive output that Giordano would have brought to the table, and that will be critical during this series.
Experience and History Against The Ducks
As a former member of the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals, Wideman has reached the playoffs 4 times prior to this year. He provides a big veteran presence in a young locker room. Wideman is an offensive minded defensemen with a great shot that the Ducks have seen first hand. Wideman scored two goals to go with five assists in the five meetings with the Ducks during the regular season. Those two goals came back to back during a big third period Calgary comeback in mid November. Wideman is not afraid to let it fly as he has already shown the Ducks how lethal his shot is.
If Dennis Wideman Is The Best Defensemen In Round 2…
If Dennis Wideman is the most dominant defensemen for either team in this series then Calgary could certainly earn a trip to the western conference finals. Wideman has astounding offensive talent and possesses the ability to give the other teams top lines a rough ride. If Wideman can generate some points and more importantly shut down the Ducks top goal scorers then Calgary will give the Ducks all they can handle.
The Flames goalie situation is up in the air and it will be up to Wideman and his defensive partner Kris Russell to stop the Ducks offense. If the Flames goaltending situation does not pan out, Dennis Wideman will have to do everything in his power to dominate at both ends. Wideman can change this series with one shot and if the Ducks don’t account for him in the offensive zone, it could be the dagger in the Ducks heart.
If Dennis Wideman Plays Poorly In Round 2…
If Wideman is not on his game then the Flames could be next in line to get swept by the Ducks. If Wideman is exerting all of his energy on the defensive end in his efforts to shut down Perry and Getzlaf, then Calgary’s offense may suffer. With such a young team, the Flames will need Wideman to generate offense at some point.
If Wideman can not stop the Ducks top goal scorers than whoever is in net for Calgary will be in for a rough series. If Widemen is not dominant at both ends proving to be the best defensemen on the ice, then Calgary could go down in Flames.
Next: 3- Calgary Flames: Sean Monahan