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

[Street Pharmacist]

Interesting note:

6 teams have advanced to the second round. In terms of corsi for % rank: 2, 16, 17, 20, 23, 28

To be fair 3, 4, 5 and 13 are still playing

[Textcritic]

The Flames went winless at the Honda Center, and they were edged in the season series by Anaheim. Nevertheless, I almost feel as though they match up better against the Ducks than they did the Canucks. The Flames did a good job of playing the Sedins' cycle, that line still looked consistently dangerous. Anaheim presents a different challenge, but I get this sense that the Flames will not struggle to find a good matchup on the road like they did in Vancouver.

Mostly hunches, but this series does not feel like a walk for the home team.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

Interesting note:

6 teams have advanced to the second round. In terms of corsi for % rank: 2, 16, 17, 20, 23, 28

To be fair 3, 4, 5 and 13 are still playing

Even if two of the top three remaining teams advance, seeing 5/8 of the total number of teams in round two who are bottom-half corsi teams remains a pretty noteworthy observation.

[Gaudreau]

Offensively, defensively, and even goaltending-wise I feel like we can take on the Ducks and have a good series.

The single biggest detractor of our success seems to be the fact that the Ducks are built big and physical for playoff hockey, and that they have more depth in case of injuries.

I feel like this is going to be 7 games even harder than the LA game at the end of the season, which means that sure we could win games with our speed and scoring, but every game you're going to be worried about who is playing injured.

That one LA game you could say was the reason Hudler and Monahan looked like they had injuries.

All I'm saying is if we can find an answer to the physicality somehow there's a chance we can win as long as no player gets badly injured, but I highly doubt that unfortunately.

[heep223]

All I know is that if the Flames are going down, they're going down swinging. This will not be a walk in the park for the Ducks.

Flames in 7.

[CaptainCrunch]

So happy about the season continuing except for one thing. At the start of the Vancouver I'm just happy for the playoffs phase but I don't think we'll win thing I decided to grow a playoff beard and not touch my face with a razer until they were eliminated. Now I look like a Santa hobo and I'm truly feeling my age as the beard is shot through with Grey, and I'm guaranteed at least two more weeks of itchiness.

But I guess if I end up looking like a crazed Mel Gibson it means the Flames have won the big silver trophy.

[bubbsy]

Have more or less avoided this topic since the win, just to let the joy of the victory fully soak in and be enjoyed deep into my soul....

I'm going to like be slaughtered for what i'm going to say, but here goes.... What an amazing season. To be in the playoff hunt in march/april, despite everyone (myself included) picking the flames to finish bottom 3. Then to beat out a team like the kings to get into the playoffs, just unreal. I should have just been content then, but we were facing the despised canucks, a cap/vet team that by all accounts should have been favoured and should have won as their window of opportunity shrinks, so i was praying for them to get the victory and the flames did just that!

i've said it every stage, but now it's for real. this is truly just gravy. I will be able to watch the remaining games stress free regardless of the outcome. i don't think the flames match up well against them, and that's not a slight, the ducks are a formidable team, with the only question mark is their inexperienced goaltending.

Regardless of what happens from here on out, so frigin proud of this team and have thoroughly enjoyed being a fan and watching the group grow together starting from the second half of last season and carrying on the progression all year this season.

Go Flames Go!

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Even if two of the top three remaining teams advance, seeing 5/8 of the total number of teams in round two who are bottom-half corsi teams remains a pretty noteworthy observation.

quod erat demonstrandum

[troutman]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

So happy about the season continuing except for one thing. At the start of the Vancouver I'm just happy for the playoffs phase but I don't think we'll win thing I decided to grow a playoff beard and not touch my face with a razer until they were eliminated. Now I look like a Santa hobo and I'm truly feeling my age as the beard is shot through with Grey, and I'm guaranteed at least two more weeks of itchiness.

But I guess if I end up looking like a crazed Mel Gibson it means the Flames have won the big silver trophy.

I shaved my beard yesterday - too shaggy. Can try something different for round two.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

Regardless of what happens from here on out, so frigin proud of this team and have thoroughly enjoyed being a fan and watching the group grow together starting from the second half of last season and carrying on the progression all year this season.

Go Flames Go!

I really wanted to make the playoffs and upset the Canucks, because I know it will be hard to qualify again next year. LA, COL, DAL and SJ will all be gunning to get back in. It will be hard for CGY to repeat the third period success again.

The true apex of this team is still 3-4 years away?

[Gaudfather]

The key to beating Anaheim is to be able to counterpunch with them. We have to answer their speed with our speed. Our Boys n the Hud line and the BBC line need to provide the speed.

We have to answer their hits with our hits. We will need guys like Ferland, Jones, Bollig, Engelland, Wideman to be physical. Even Colborne is going to need another gear in terms of physicality.

Hiller should start in net and if he can steal a game the Flames can get Anaheim on their heels where they are more uncomfortable.

This ain't going to be easy and maybe not even likely, but it is doable!

There was a pic I saw from the last week of the regular season when the Flames players were wearing t-shirts with the word impossible on the front - but an x through the im part. That says it all.

[heep223]

I am 12-2-1 at the Dome this year including playoffs.

I'm going to games 3 and 4.

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by heep223

I am 12-2-1 at the Dome this year including playoffs.

I'm going to games 3 and 4.

How do you feel about going to California?

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by troutman

I really wanted to make the playoffs and upset the Canucks, because I know it will be hard to qualify again next year. LA, COL, DAL and SJ will all be gunning to get back in. It will be hard for CGY to repeat the third period success again.

The true apex of this team is still 3-4 years away?

Very true but I am still Very interested to see what management pulls off this summer. We have space, and assets where other teams are up against it.

If there is ever a summer to use space as an asset it is this one. Flames have to be careful though as 3 big extensions need to made after next year. The positive is the Hiller and Jones deals expire next summer which gives them continued flexibility.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

How do you feel about going to California?

I wish. I've already dropped too much cash on this playoff run and need to save some for rounds 3 and 4

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Man, if people thought it was easy to build up hatred for the Canucks, just wait... this might be the biggest team of ######baggery assembled this decade. Sharks and Kings fans can't wait to say "See? Told you so."

[CroFlames]

I'm going back to Cali today after spending games 4, 5 & 6 in Calgary.

Woohoo

I got tix for game 1 already.


PS: Anyone traveling there, make sure you check flights to John Wayne instead of LAX. John Wayne is 100x closer to Honda than LAX.

[OutOfTheCube]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

i've said it every stage, but now it's for real. this is truly just gravy. I will be able to watch the remaining games stress free regardless of the outcome.

Lots of people are saying this, and if they lose the first couple on the road, sure, fine. But even if Calgary can come back with a split you'll have a feeling they can do it and then you'll start to stress out again.

[Gaudfather]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

I'm going back to Cali today after spending games 4, 5 & 6 in Calgary.

Woohoo

I got tix for game 1 already.


PS: Anyone traveling there, make sure you check flights to John Wayne instead of LAX. John Wayne is 100x closer to Honda than LAX.

I just checked and WestJet has return flights to OC (departing Thurs back Sun) for C$300. You could probably go to Anaheim take in two playoff games and with food, hotel and drink come in around $1,200 for a great four day weekend. Wish I could!

[troutman]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

Man, if people thought it was easy to build up hatred for the Canucks, just wait... this might be the biggest team of ######baggery assembled this decade. Sharks and Kings fans can't wait to say "See? Told you so."

Now with extra Kesler!