Stories from the other side

[CaptainCrunch]

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=765307

Boudreau didn't think Calgary was as big and physical as Winnipeg but said they skate and compete just as well, if not better. He called Calgary's defense one of the most active in the League and said it will present a challenge for Anaheim's forwards.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports...offs/26513853/

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/12...-anaheim-ducks

http://lasportshub.com/2015/04/27/3-...-second-round/

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/2015...es-once-before

http://pucksofafeather.com/2015/04/2...for-round-two/

https://pucksofafeather.com/2015/04/...algary-flames/

http://www.canada.com/sports/Ducks+s...572/story.html

[Lord Carnage]

Lots of good reading - thanks for putting those together!

[Loyal and True]

Thanks! I always like reading articles from the other city's newspapers and blogs etc.

This year I got a kick out of The Province and all the whining from Vancouver.

[Freddy]

The lasportshub link was so rewarding when after reading a good synopsis of the optimistic version of the Flames, there is a poll in which more voters felt Calgary was the 'real deal' above Anahiem just being their favorite team in the series. Either the article has been read by more Flames fans or the locals suffer from fear based mass media and the Flames are the big bad boogeyman. Crazy.

[OzSome]

On the interview with Bruce Boudreau in the regular season, I remembered him saying you cannot count the Calgary Flames out because they are very active, fast and he was very impressed with the Flames defensemen.

[Bingo]

My big fear is that the Ducks won't just stick handle behind the net flummoxed at the Flames coverage in the slot. They'll just bull their way into the blue paint with added size.

That will take a toll on a team relying on 3 defensemen heavily.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by Bingo

My big fear is that the Ducks won't just stick handle behind the net flummoxed at the Flames coverage in the slot. They'll just bull their way into the blue paint with added size.

That will take a toll on a team relying on 3 defensemen heavily.

Spot on my fears as well.

I fear if Engelland, Ferland, Bollig, and company start to become a difference by hurting or intimidating any of the Ducks, our smaller guys like Johnny, Hudler, and potentially Russell may get targeted and be effective.

If I was Hartley, I think I'd switch gears completely and go back to ultra disciplined hockey, grinding the score close through 40, and then pulling the pin on double shifting Boyz N the Hud for clutch goals.

It'd be awesome if the Flames could go toe to toe physically and offensively, but that team is 3 years away and to win we need to play old school shutdown hockey at an elite conditioned 20yr old pace. If someone is slowed by a nagging injury, plug one of the fresh AHL guys in and don't compromise team speed.

David and Goliath series in my mind, we have to stick to our strengths I think.

My 2 cents...

[TheyCallMeBruce]

I have a weird feeling we're going to win this series. I'm not sure why, but last time I had this feeling we went all the way to the finals.

[Northendzone]

Obviously the ducks are a bigger group and present a seemingly more difficult challenge.

I was surprised to learn that the flames won 3/5 this season over the ducks, this gives some reason for optimism; however, it will not be an easy task.

I really don't know what to think other than it runs six games

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

Obviously the ducks are a bigger group and present a seemingly more difficult challenge.

I was surprised to learn that the flames won 3/5 this season over the ducks, this gives some reason for optimism; however, it will not be an easy task.

I really don't know what to think other than it runs six games

Flames didn't, just won 2 of 5 over the Ducks this season.

[Trailer Fire]

Originally Posted by Bingo

My big fear is that the Ducks won't just stick handle behind the net flummoxed at the Flames coverage in the slot. They'll just bull their way into the blue paint with added size.

That will take a toll on a team relying on 3 defensemen heavily.

100% agree, but thanked for the excellent use of 'flummoxed'.

I'm hoping Engelland can continue to step up. I'd also like to see Wideman play a little tighter in his own end. He can play fast and loose, which is his game, but it opens up the zone for the other teams wingers to sneak in.

[blender]

Originally Posted by TheyCallMeBruce

I have a weird feeling we're going to win this series. I'm not sure why, but last time I had this feeling we went all the way to the finals.

Well, the last two times we were past the first round we DID go to the finals!

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by TheyCallMeBruce

I have a weird feeling we're going to win this series. I'm not sure why, but last time I had this feeling we went all the way to the finals.

Yup its very similar to 2004. Remember back then there was no cap and hockey was considered unfair. Hadnt been to the playoffs in 7 years. Beating the Bertuzzi-less Canucks was one thing but Detroit? 3 cups in 6 years? Its been cute so far but there no way in hell we could beat them.

But theres a feeling. Even the announcer saying "Detroit awaits the Flames" sent a shiver down your spine.

[HOWITZER]

I really hands down believe the only way we beat Anaheim is by outrunning them. For Anaheim, you can't hit what you can't can't catch. If they can catch Anaheim running around to make the hit it will open up lots of space for speedy players.

[BloodFetish]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Yup its very similar to 2004. Remember back then there was no cap and hockey was considered unfair. Hadnt been to the playoffs in 7 years. Beating the Bertuzzi-less Canucks was one thing but Detroit? 3 cups in 6 years? Its been cute so far but there no way in hell we could beat them.

But theres a feeling. Even the announcer saying "Detroit awaits the Flames" sent a shiver down your spine.

This year we can counter with propaganda from the home side...

Goodbye Canucks
Bring on the Ducks

[Loyal and True]

Originally Posted by Bingo

My big fear is that the Ducks won't just stick handle behind the net flummoxed at the Flames coverage in the slot. They'll just bull their way into the blue paint with added size.

That will take a toll on a team relying on 3 defensemen heavily.

You would be right, but I don't expect Hartley's plan is to use his Sedin strategy on the Ducks.

Sedins were unique in their strengths (cycling/stickhandling/passing) and their weaknesses (power).

[HOWITZER]

Originally Posted by Loyal and True

You would be right, but I don't expect Hartley's plan is to use his Sedin strategy on the Ducks.

Sedins were unique in their strengths (cycling/stickhandling/passing) and their weaknesses (power).

And I think Hartley's strategy to inhibiting their strength was to let them stick handle without committing to them defensively and instead cover all the passing lanes to the shooter.

Against Anaheim they'd arguably be better to commit and try and grind out the pucks.

[Flames89]

Well the top line will give us fits, but how do we match up on the bottom?

Beleskey - Kesler - Silfverberg
Cogliano - Rakell - Palmieri
Etem - Fleischmann - Jackman

[Vinny01]

Hartley easily out coached Willie in the last series. Let's see if he can do it again next series.

I do think we see Ramo take over in this series however

[Property Manager DB]

Thanks for compiling CC.. good reads!