Flying in Hot: Ducks vs. Flames Round 2 Preview

Apr 20, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (4) celebrates his goal with teammate against the Winnipeg Jets during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

 Defense Win Championships

Though not always the case it rings true more often than not. Tight games are more the norm in the playoffs and very few especially as the rounds move along are blow-outs. And with plenty of fire power on both sides this series could come down to how the defense cores of each team play. The Ducks top 6 have four members under the age of 24 and they are the key member of the group. Yes François Beauchemin and Clayton Stoner bring a veteran presence to the group but the young four of Fowler, Despres, Lindholm, and Vatanen will be what carries the Ducks. They all made great strides in the opening series each picking up at least two points and all with positive +/- ratings. They didn’t look rattled or seem to crack under the pressure and limited the mistakes. That will need to be the same recipe for this series for the Ducks to emerge victorious. The Jets were big and physical and the Flames are fast. The defense will need to move the puck out of the zone quickly and push the speedy Flames to the perimeter. Also use their size to neutralize them.

Mark Giordano is still a question mark for this series. Should he return the Flames will get their captain and leader of their defense core back. Should they not the Ducks will have plenty to contend with. The Flames had their big four of Wideman, Kris Russell, TJ Brodie, and David Schlemko all register points for them and they can all create offense in the same way the Ducks d-men do. Wideman especially has tenacity about him and a booming shot to go with it. He has taken on the role of leader in Giordano’s absence and he is someone who has absolutely been there before. He knows what it takes and can lead when given the chance. Just as the Ducks limited Dustin Byfuglien in the previous series they will have to do to Wideman in this series.

Next: Home Ice Advantage