[PGT] Ducks eliminate the Flames in OT. A magical season ends...

[mrkajz44]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Fun fact:

Getzlaf, Perry and Kesler were born in 85, 85 and 84 respectively.

Monahan, Gaudreau and Bennett will be the same average age as those 3 are now in the 2024/25 playoffs.

Gah! You've made me feel old!

Still a great point though, three of our best forwards are some of our youngest ones. I hope this means we have many good years to look forward to.

[Street Pharmacist]

Have we heard any news on injuries yet?

[Skaloper]

Originally Posted by tkflames

Flames left it all out on the ice in my opinion. They had a lead in each of the last three games of the series. Hang on to those leads and its 3-2 Flames instead of 4-1 Anaheim. The point being that the culture of this team was strong enough for the upset. I believe more than anything they were just missing a couple of pieces (one in the top 6 and Giordano) and they probably could have pulled it off.

There is a lot to be positive about with this team and what they gained this year. In terms of culture, this team reminds me a lot of LA a couple of years before they won the cup (I remember specifically the series they lost to Vancouver a few years ago and the announcers making that very comment that they were close). In terms of the build of the team, I believe we are following the Chicago model. Whether or not we have the horses for that blueprint remains to be seen.

It is hard to hold onto a lead when the refs are calling a one sided game. The Ducks have a very good powerplay which will make you pay. In game 4 had the refs been calling a fair game we would have had a few more chances to extend our one goal lead. Last night when it was 2-2 in the third they should have called the penalty for tripping Backlund. Not one person can tell me that Backlunds weak slashing penalty was worse than the trip he received. I also got a laugh last night on the first two penalties they called last night. It was Perry not Maroon who should have gone to the box.

Great season for the Flames its just sad that the NHL can't call a fair game. The rules should not change in the Playoffs or throughout the game.

[rotten42]

I'm not going to blame any of the loses on the refs. That's bush league. Calls go both ways. There are always other moments in the game that decided the outcome.

[saillias]

I gotta say, losing in the 2nd round doesn't feel that bad. If you go out in round 1 you want more... if you lose in the SCF it's a lot more gut-wrenching.

[Red John]

Unfortunately that's probably the biggest problem in the NHL right now - that rules change based on who is winning and what period the game is in.

Officials don't want to decide the outcome and yet by not calling the rules they actually do.

Just like NHL 15's ice tilt that allows for lots of goals scored in the last minute of the 3rd or favours the losing team until they catch up, the NHL will always favour the team who is losing in the game.

Tons of borderline calls against the Flames, as soon as the Ducks tied the game 2-2 you knew the whistles would go away and sure enough they did.

This human nature instinct of wanting a close game, and wanting penalty calls to be even for both teams unfortunately is a black mark on the league.

There was really a concerted effort around the league in 2005-06 to crack down on this and they did a great job but since that year it's crept back in.

It's too bad that teams get punished for having the lead while losing teams get away with anything, but the league wants close, "exciting" games so here we are.

[Hatter]

What a run. No shame in losing to a better, more experienced team. Hopefully the taste leaves the boys wanting more and they come back next year hungry.

Credit to the Ducks. Incredible team. Hopefully the Blackhawks sweep them

[tkflames]

Originally Posted by Skaloper

It is hard to hold onto a lead when the refs are calling a one sided game. The Ducks have a very good powerplay which will make you pay. In game 4 had the refs been calling a fair game we would have had a few more chances to extend our one goal lead. Last night when it was 2-2 in the third they should have called the penalty for tripping Backlund. Not one person can tell me that Backlunds weak slashing penalty was worse than the trip he received. I also got a laugh last night on the first two penalties they called last night. It was Perry not Maroon who should have gone to the box.

Great season for the Flames its just sad that the NHL can't call a fair game. The rules should not change in the Playoffs or throughout the game.

The reffing was inconsistent in this series. No question about that. I believe that we are making the same point in that while Anaheim had the ability to dominate periods, it really could have swung the other way with a few key plays.

[Camronius]

For me it comes down to burying the opponent when given the chance. Our last 2 losses came after a 2-1 lead. In all likely hood if we score that 3rd goal, we've sealed the game. We had plenty of opportunities to do so, in both games we even had PP opportunities. We had the chance and didn't capitalize, the best teams capitalize. We'll learn, we'll add a few more bodies with skill that can turn the tide. Great run, great year, looking forward to the future. GFG

[Roof-Daddy]

Ducks could be a problem for the Flames (or anyone in our division, for that matter) for quite some time. They are a really big, good hockey team, and they're still quite a young team as well.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Ducks could be a problem for the Flames (or anyone in our division, for that matter) for quite some time. They are a really big, good hockey team, and they're still quite a young team as well.

Yeah, I don't think is the last time we'll see a Flames-Ducks playoff series. In a few years, we'll hate them more than the Canucks and Oilers combined.

[Caged Great]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Ducks could be a problem for the Flames (or anyone in our division, for that matter) for quite some time. They are a really big, good hockey team, and they're still quite a young team as well.

Well, it is just like the Oilers in the 80's, we'll have to modify our team in order to get the proper personnel to beat them. They and the Kings are the two teams that the Flames have to get through to win the Cup and they are very similar.

[Rollin22x]

I think the biggest positive from this is that the rookies have a taste for play off hockey.
I think it will drive them next season. Sam Bennett's confidence seemed to improve with every game. The move he made in the 2nd period to get past the forward and almost past the defencemen made me smile. He will be so much fun to watch next year.
Previous years, I would hope the Flames made big off season moves to improve the team and be competitive. This off season will be about building instead of fixing.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Ducks could be a problem for the Flames (or anyone in our division, for that matter) for quite some time. They are a really big, good hockey team, and they're still quite a young team as well.

EXACTLY what was said about the Kings last year

[Igster]

Originally Posted by Rollin22x

I think the biggest positive from this is that the rookies have a taste for play off hockey.
I think it will drive them next season. Sam Bennett's confidence seemed to improve with every game. The move he made in the 2nd period to get past the forward and almost past the defencemen made me smile. He will be so much fun to watch next year.
Previous years, I would hope the Flames made big off season moves to improve the team and be competitive. This off season will be about building instead of fixing.

Agreed. Bennett really started to look more and more confident. Really can't wait for a whole season of him and hopefully the playoffs again. Next season might be even more fun to watch with Sam, Johnny after a whole year and playoffs, Monahan even more seasoned and Gio back.

[Enoch Root]

Also, their 3 best players are 30, 30 and turning 30 this week.

[socalwingfan]

Originally Posted by getbak

Yeah, I don't think is the last time we'll see a Flames-Ducks playoff series. In a few years, we'll hate them more than the Canucks and Oilers combined.

Unless I walked in on Kesler and my wife, there is no way I could ever hate them more the Oilers and that arrogant fan base. And I despise Kesler

[CroFlames]

Besides Anaheim's big top line, we cant forget the Belesky & Kesler line.

Ducks have a great top 2 lines, and a solid blueline.

It's exciting to watch the Flames build into a team like that. I can't wait for next year.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Also, their 3 best players are 30, 30 and turning 30 this week.

Now look at their blue line. 35, 30, 24, 23, 23, 21. And with Shea Theodore waiting in the wings.

That's a good team that has a chance to be good for a while.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

Now look at their blue line. 35, 30, 24, 23, 23, 21. And with Shea Theodore waiting in the wings.

That's a good team that has a chance to be good for a while.

Every team has young players. But things can change quickly. And when your best players are older, they usually do.