One loss does not signify anything for a team as deep as the Ducks. Two losses, on the other hand . . . .
Before you all open fire on me for the use of the word “panic” in the title of this post, allow me to clarify a few things:
1. I would gladly bet money on the Anaheim Ducks winning this series; and
2. You wouldn’t like any word I put in this title – worry, fret, agonize – so I’ll live with the word choice.
There is no doubt that the Ducks are the better team in this series (sorry, Calgary fans, but it’s true), and that no one ever expected them to go 16-0 during these Stanley Cup Playoffs. One loss, then, as disappointing as it is, is no cause for panic.
Look: the Ducks did some things well last night. Once again, the line of Ryan Getzlaf–Corey Perry–Patrick Maroon was too much for the Flames to handle. The Ducks’ forecheck often kept the Flames pinned in their defensive zone, so much so that Calgary only had nine shots on goal through two periods. Anaheim dominated Calgary in the faceoff circle (winning 40 out of a possible 59 faceoffs), and blocked 18 shot attempt by Calgary players.
Pucks and Pitchforks
Unfortunately, the Ducks took too many penalties (seven, including the two late in regulation that allowed the Flames to enjoy a 5-on-3), and often appeared to play down to the Flames, almost as if they knew they could just turn it on when they needed to put another puck in the back of the net.
The last time I checked, every team still playing in the postseason has lost at least one game, so it’s silly to ignore Anaheim’s first six games and dwell on this one. Instead, we should focus on the next one . . . with the caveat that if Anaheim loses THAT one, there actually will be cause for concern.
Forget the Calgary Flames for a moment – a dangerous move that the Ducks cannot afford to make, but one that we fans can because, hey, we’re fans! – and consider the team that Anaheim will almost certainly face in the Western Conference Finals once they take care of business: the Chicago Blackhawks.
Chicago is steam-rolling its way through the Western Conference Seminfinals, as it currently enjoys a 3-0 lead on the suddenly punch-less Minnesota Wild. The Blackhawks are a formidable foe, as Anaheim already knows, as the ‘Hawks won the season series against the Ducks, 2-1, limiting the Ducks to only three goals while they put up eight. Chicago has the skill and experience to give the Ducks a run for their money and then some.
Can the Anaheim Ducks beat the Blackhawks in a seven-game series? Yes, but it will require them to be playing their best hockey of the season. For forty minutes in Game 2, and for stretches last night, the Ducks have not been as sharp as they would like. With two days off until Game 4, I expect Anaheim to practice hard and come out with a laser-like focus Friday night.
We won’t even think about what will happen if they don’t, ‘kay?
Next: Ryan Getzlaf Nominated for Mark Messier Leadership Award