Round #1 - Game #3

Anaheim Ducks @ Calgary Flames

Monday, April 17th, 7 PM PST

Scotiabank Saddledome

TV: NBCSN, CBC, PRIME

Radio: anaheimducks.com

Your enemy: Matchsticks & Gasoline

After a more than fortunate bounce the Ducks come to the “wild barn” as Jakob Silfverberg calls it. With the home crowd behind their boys as well as a more than frustrated Calgary team, you can bet they’ll be out for blood. The Flames feel like they’re doing the right things and yet they sit down 2 games to none.

The Ducks know this, and they know it will take more than a lucky bounce to win as well. Discipline is key. I’m sure all you readers have heard this again and again but seriously, take a look at these games. The Flames have been shooting themselves in the foot with childish penalties. Dougie Hamilton totally screwed over any real chance of a comeback when he crosschecked Kesler so late in the last game.

The other catch is actually the defense. Yes, it’s been a real treat to see the youth step up in the playoffs with no Fowler and then no Vatman. However, there were some noticeable turnovers as well as aggressive pinches when on the attack. That shorthanded goal in which Backlund was sent to the races was because Theodore got caught in no mans land. Or how about those neural zone turnovers? The speed of Monahan and Johnny Hockey is not to be taken lightly. They can kill you with speed.

John Gibson can do a lot, even steal a game, but not forever. The law of averages would suggest that an entire period of being outplayed like that last game will equal a loss. They need to slow down those with wheels in the neutral zone and try not to turnover pucks in there as well. Sounds simple, and it is, but Anaheim needs to play its own style and that doesn't include a sprint off. Grind them out.

Ryan Getzlaf has been the man the first two games, but it would be nice to see Perry’s hard work come away with some points. As for the Fames, Elliot was stellar after those two early goals in game two, he seems to struggle early. The Ducks should come out looking to pipe down the energy in the arena and get Elliot off on another slow start.

Whoever stays out of the box the most wins. Let’s Go Ducks.