Western Conference Playoffs - Round 2: Flames vs Ducks (Ducks win 4-1)

[dino7c]

Ducks and Flames ROW was almost the same...I don't think its as dire as most seem to

are the Flames a favorite? no but this is playoffs and stranger things have happened

[Caged Great]

The Ducks are a bit overrated for being a #1 team, the Flames actually had better special teams, and offense than the Ducks and only two fewer regulation/ot wins. The other 8 points that they had over us came from a myriad of shootout wins.

[Roof-Daddy]

Flames had a much better goal differential as well, for those that put weight into that stat.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by sa226

...The only thing that legitimately worries me is the fatigue of the defense. They looked tired, and Anaheim is going to be tougher than Vancouver. I kind of hope that Hartley strategically is able to get Wotherspoon more icetime. In his tiny sample size, I think he has been pretty good...

I sure didn't think the defense looked tired in Game 6. The only game in which this accurately describes them is Game 2.

[hockey.modern]

This playoff reminds be back in 04. We defeat the nucks and now we face the ducks. (The Detroit of 04)

[debil]

Keep calm and listen to Roxette.

[sadora]

Originally Posted by debil

Keep calm and listen to Roxette.

LOL...been listening to Rhett on the fan also? my favorite part of the morning drive.

[UKflames]

What worries me the most is that we a really only rolling with 2 D pairings for the vast majority of games, the 3rd pairing of Schlemko and Wotherspoon are seeing really low minutes. That is going to really wear down our top two pairings as this round goes on, especially against the heavy hitting Ducks. Bob needs to start having a little more confidence in that third pairing or we are going to see more mistakes due to fatigue from our top two D lines.

[1qqaaz]

Originally Posted by UKflames

What worries me the most is that we a really only rolling with 2 D pairings for the vast majority of games, the 3rd pairing of Schlemko and Wotherspoon are seeing really low minutes. That is going to really wear down our top two pairings as this round goes on, especially against the heavy hitting Ducks. Bob needs to start having a little more confidence in that third pairing or we are going to see more mistakes due to fatigue from our top two D lines.

Yeah, I agree, this is somewhat worrying. I wonder how large of an impact the new strength and conditioning coach has had on the flames' performance. He's clearly good at what he does, and so far, the top 4 don't seem to be slowing down.
But good skating throughout all 3 periods is probably one of the keys to beating the Ducks. It's also important to avoid mistakes (such as sloppy penalties) as you said. On the bright side, the Flames have had quite a few days of rest now.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I sure didn't think the defense looked tired in Game 6. The only game in which this accurately describes them is Game 2.

I'm sure there was a bit of fatigue going on, but in that respect, the round two schedule could not possibly have worked better for us. Four days off between rounds one and two, then two full days between games 1 and 2. Then two days before game 3 or before game 4. There is a lot of recovery time built into the first half of this series, and I think that helps us more than them.

[Chingas]

I am pretty sure that hosting a New kids on the block concert in the middle of the playoffs will bring a curse of its own to the Honda center. This time against the ducks. The whole thing seems unnatural to me.

[Property Manager DB]

Not the worst schedule... I know it's only a half hour but I prefer the 7:30 starts over the 8 for home games.

[bucksmasher]

Just looking on nhl.com and the flames and ducks were the only 2 teams to lead all categories in a series. Goals, assists, pm's etc.

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

The Ducks are a bit overrated for being a #1 team, the Flames actually had better special teams, and offense than the Ducks and only two fewer regulation/ot wins. The other 8 points that they had over us came from a myriad of shootout wins.

From what I saw in the first round the Ducks have elevated their play quite a bit since the regular season. If it weren't for the fact that they can't beat the Kings I think we would have seen them make another cup run in the last few years, and now that they don't have to worry about LA they're probably chomping at the bit

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Property Manager DB

Not the worst schedule... I know it's only a half hour but I prefer the 7:30 starts over the 8 for home games.

Yup. I will gladly trade being on Sportsnet instead of CBC if it means no 8pm weeknight starts.

[heep223]

The Ducks are a very good team. They have better top end talent than the Flames and better forward depth. More physical, bigger, stronger. Better depth on D and good mix of puck moving and physical d-men....

.....on paper. Flames in 7.

[868904]

Originally Posted by Chingas

I am pretty sure that hosting a New kids on the block concert in the middle of the playoffs will bring a curse of its own to the Honda center. This time against the ducks. The whole thing seems unnatural to me.

The Flames ARE the New Kids on the Block!

Hopefully it means they will own the Honda Centre?

[jschick88]

No Rick Ball for round 2. He just said on the Fan960 that he won't be calling anymore games this year after tonight.

[Property Manager DB]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Yup. I will gladly trade being on Sportsnet instead of CBC if it means no 8pm weeknight starts.

Also a great point

[MacDaddy77]

has it been announced who the broadcast team will be yet?