[GDT] Game 2, Flames @ Ducks, 8 pm, SN, CNBC, TVA

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Spoiler!

Ducks lead best of seven 1-0.


I have very little positive to say about that last game, and I always look for something positive. That's as thorough a domination of a playoff game I've seen in quite some time. The Flames were never in it. The Ducks controlled every facet of the game. The Flames were thoroughly embarrassed at the Honda Center...again.

So? What happens now? The Flames have been characterized as a resilient bunch all year long. A loss like that would severely damage the psyche of most teams, but likely not the Flames. If they were honest with themselves they would probably say they had a poor effort all over the ice, rather than the Ducks simply being that good. One team was prepared, the other was not, and the extra days off for the Ducks resulted in high energy, not rust as we all hoped.

The bad news is it was an ugly loss, and there wasn't much to build on for game 2. The good news is that it's only one game, and if the Flames managed a hard earned split on the road, they would have home ice advantage heading back to Calgary. It would also go a long way to help their belief in themselves, which is clearly important to the success of this team. As the series went along with Vancouver, the Flames looked more and more comfortable with the pace and sacrifice required to win in the playoffs. However, the Ducks are not the Canucks, and it will take a lot more to beat them, especially with how they're playing right now.

First step is fixing the defensive zone. The Flames really struggled with coverage in front of their own net, often leaving players wide open for opportunities the goalies had little chance of stopping. I don't blame either goaltender for the ugly goals against numbers last game. Neither one of them were playing well enough to steal a game, but neither played poorly either. The Flames have to get tougher in front of their goalie, and neutralize the Duck sticks in tight.

After that, there needs to be more shots on net in the offensive zone. Well...to be honest, they have to get in the attacking zone period. The Ducks stood them up well all night and turned pucks over, forcing the Flames to defend a lot, which obviously they were having trouble with. It played right into the Ducks gameplan, which means there will need to be better zone entries tonight to neutralize that plan. Mix it up a little. Dump it in with a big bodied line. Skate it in with a skilled line. But either way, get it in deep. The few times the Flames managed to establish a decent forecheck, the Ducks gave up some opportunities to score.

Lastly, the Flames need to stay healthy. A team already without Giordano, Bouma, Smid, Diaz, etc. cannot afford to lose any more effective players. Hudler and Ferland are not 100% right now, but will give it their best. Play physically, but protect yourself. There's been a few errant elbows that the referees have decided to ignore early on, so it's up to the players to be aware of that.

Roster Notes: Ferland rode the bike at practice yesterday, so he's questionable for tonight's game. Raphael Diaz had a full practice and will be a game time decision tonight, but he seems likely to play. Giordano also had a full practice, but is likely another week or two away from returning. However, that's extremely positive news for a team that could use a leader right now. Bennett subbed in at various spots on the first line, and is likely to play on that line should Hudler have to sit out, or flat out struggle through his obvious injury. Hudler will likely play, but maybe with reduced minutes. Wolf, Raymond, and Granlund all seem to be possibilities tonight, with Shore not likely to play. Ramo is the confirmed starter. Lines are a best guess, and should not be taken to heart.


Flames
Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler
Bennett-Backlund-Colborne
Ferland?/Bollig-Stajan-Jones
Wolf-Jooris-Raymond

Russell-Wideman
Schlemko-Brodie
Diaz-Engelland

Ramo


Ducks
Maroon-Getzlaf-Perry
Beleskey-Kesler-Silfverberg
Cogliano-Rakell-Palmieri
Etem-Thompson-Jackman

Lindholm-Beauchemin
Fowler-Despres
Stoner-Vatanen

Andersen







GO FLAMES GO!!!!!!!

[HOWITZER]

Just @#$%ing win. All is forgiven if Calgary wins this game.

[Regulator75]

Go Flames Go.

[Bingo]

Win this one and its an interesting series.
Lose this one but its close and maybe they can hold serve in Calgary
Get blown out and the series is going to feel pretty hopeless.

Very big game. The Flames are a given for a good story this season, but this is their biggest playoff game thus far if they want it to continue.

Huge character barometer

[Machiavelli]

Literally all I want for my birthday is a Flames win.

A split coming home would be so huge.

[sa226]

Even though they say there is no such thing as momentum in the playoffs, I think this game will be very telling.

Win or lose, if the Flames show up and make one hell of a game of it, we have a series.

If they get blown out again. Yikes.

Maybe they were a little too comfortable with themselves after beating Vancouver, hopefully game one was a wakeup call.

One thing I will say is that looking around at other series' this year and years previous, usually the first game of a series is a bit odd or loosey goosey as teams adjust to their new opponent. The Ducks looked like they were in Game 5.

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Literally all I want for my birthday is a Flames win.

A split coming home would be so huge.

How old are you turning?

[Caged Great]

I wonder if the Flames get blown out again if they go with Gillies or Ortio in Calgary.

[locsofblu]

Go Flames Go!

[FlatLandFlamesFan]

Going to the Avengers tonight for my sons 15th birthday , and will miss the first 2.
Better be a great frickin movie !
GFG ! NO QUIT!

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

How old are you turning?

This is important for determining the score

[killer_carlson]

If Diaz does play, do you break up the Brodie/Engellend pairing?

They have been so solid....

[Armchair Quarterback]

Go Flames Go!!

This one will be a close one. Flames will come out swinging in the first. 5-4 Flames.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

How old are you turning?

Haha going to Tuesday's game for my birthday. Can't end in a tie so I'm not sure how that plays out.

[zztim81]

I don't know what to do tonight... I was 3-0 in games I watched from home and not the bar for the first round, so I stayed home for game one... And we'll, I don't need to get into that, what do I do tonight?!

Any other Lethbridge CP'rs with thoughts on a good karma location to watch the game?

Go Flames Go!

[steveo]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

How old are you turning?

She may not say. But I'm guessing a 5-2 win. (for 25 &#128517

[UKflames]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Literally all I want for my birthday is a Flames win.

A split coming home would be so huge.

Gentlemen we have this one in the bag as today is also my birthday

It will be a 4-2 win for the good guys.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by HOWITZER

Just @#$%ing win. All is forgiven if Calgary wins this game.

I'm not sure who needs to be forgiven?

[Robo]

we blow the ducks out tonight ....

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by Moneyhands23

I'm not sure who needs to be forgiven?

The Hockey Gods, of course!