Round #1 - Game #4

Anaheim Ducks @ Calgary Flames

Wednesday, April 19th, 7 PM PST

Scotiabank Saddledome

TV: USA, CBC, PRIME

Radio: ESPN 710, anaheimducks.com

Your enemy: Matchsticks & Gasoline

The Ducks have packed their brooms.

After overcoming a 3-goal deficit for the largest comeback in franchise postseason history, Anaheim will look to finish off the sweep.

However, the Ducks were incredibly lucky on Monday. The resilience of the team made the luck happen, yes, but at some point, whether it’s tonight or in a week, that luck is going to run out.

Buckling down and becoming more disciplined is at the top of the list. The Flames and Ducks were relatively even for the most part on 5 on 5 over the last couple of games. Then the Flames scored 3 power play goals and the hole had to be overcome.

This game may be one of the toughest the Ducks will play all year as there is very little doubt that the Flames will come out with a furious disposition in both attitude and pace. After losing the last two games that many can logically make an argument that they should have won, Calgary will undoubtedly not go down without a fight.

Randy Carlyle, in his typically coy fashion, would not reveal who his starting goaltender would be after pulling John Gibson for Jonathan Bernier in the 2nd period of game 3. Given the team’s recent history and the fact that Gibson played far from poorly, don’t be surprised to see Gibson back in net.

On the Calgary side of the ice, it remains to be seen if Elliot will give way to Chad Johnson in net. Despite a poor game in the 3rd period, Elliot has been one of the Flames best players over the series.

No update as to the status of Sami Vatanen who is currently day-to-day with an upper body injury. The defenseman has been skating with the team and the ailment is not considered to be serious, but given the elevated play of Shea Theodore and Brandon Montour combined with the 3 games to none lead, there is likely no rush to get Vatanen back into the lineup.

Meanwhile, Fowler began skating on his own on Monday in Calgary. The Ducks top defenseman looks like he’s poised to come back very soon, but like Vatanen, there doesn’t seem to be a serious rush to get him back into the lineup.

Can the Ducks make quick work of the Flames and get rested for a second round with either Edmonton or San Jose? Or will the Flames begin clawing back and force a game 5 in Anaheim on Friday?

Let’s find out.