There’s some fight in these Flames after all. Down 2-0 in the series, Calgary chipped away at Anaheim’s lead with a nail-biting 4-3 overtime win in Game 3. With momentum on their side, the Flames have a chance to even the series out before returning on the road for Game 5. Can Anaheim cool down the Flames? Read on for everything you need to know heading into this matchup.
Unlike the Flames, the Minnesota Wild are in danger of elimination on home ice. For more information on that game, head over to the complete preview for the Blackhawks vs. Wild Game 4.
[sc:NHLArticles ]Anaheim Ducks vs. Calgary Flames Game 4 Preview
Series Scores & Schedule
Game 1 — April 30, Calgary Flames 1 at Anaheim Ducks 6
Game 2 — May 3, Calgary Flames 0 at Anaheim Ducks 3
Game 3 — May 5, Anaheim Ducks 3 at Calgary Flames 4 (OT)
Game 4 — May 8, 9:30 PM ET, Anaheim Ducks at Calgary Flames – view all NHL lines
Game 5 — May 10, Time TBA, Calgary Flames at Anaheim Ducks
Game 6* — May 12, Time TBA, Anaheim Ducks at Calgary Flames
Game 7* — May 14, Time TBA, Calgary Flames at Anaheim Ducks
*If necessary
Betting on the Anaheim Ducks
Frederik Andersen allowed just one goal while posting an incredible .981 save percentage in the first two games of the Western Conference Semifinals. But he finally showed chinks in his armor after allowing four goals in a Game 3 loss. Calgary’s third goal (on the man advantage) sent the game into overtime, while the fourth came on a delayed penalty against the Ducks.
[sc:NHL240 ]Despite the loss, Anaheim’s penalty kill was excellent in denying the Flames on 5-of-6 power play opportunities in Game 3. The Ducks could still use some more discipline. They have won 14 of their last 17 when committing four or less penalties in a game.
Spending less time killing off penalties should also allow Anaheim more time for its vaunted offense to flourish. The Ducks are averaging a very impressive four goals per game through the second round of the playoffs.
Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf are at the heart of the Ducks offense. Perry ranks first in points (14) and second in assists (eight) in the playoffs thus far. Getzlaf ranks first with 10 assists and second with 12 points. The duo was in action in Game 3 with Getzlaf assisting in a pair of goals, one on Perry’s first period tally. Expect them to continue hounding Calgary’s defense in Game 4.
But the two are just one part of the Anaheim equation. Patrick Maroon, Ryan Kesler and Matt Beleskey are all scoring threats with three goals each in the postseason. Beleskey has scored in each of the three games against the Flames. Maroon has scored in Games 1 and 3.
The total has gone over in four of the last five meetings.
Betting on the Calgary Flames
Several players crowded in front of the Anaheim net, but Mikael Backlund’s low shot managed to find the back of the net to give the Flames an unlikely overtime victory. It was Backlund’s first career playoff goal.
But Backlund wouldn’t be in position for the game-winner if not for the late heroics of Johnny Gaudreau. The rookie of the year finalist scored Calgary’s first power play goal of the series just 19 seconds before the end of regulation. The Flames had gone 0-for-11 on the man advantage in the series prior to Gaudreau’s tally.
Brandon Bollig and Joe Colborne also scored in Game 3. With Bollig scoring his second goal of the playoffs, the Flames now have eight players with two or more goals in the postseason.
Having several players capable of scoring should do Calgary some good, especially with Jiri Hudler still point-less in this series. Hudler led the Flames in points (76), goals (31) and assists (45) in the regular season. He sealed off their first round series against Vancouver with four points on home ice.
The Flames should ease some of the pressure off goalie Karri Ramo if they can score enough goals. While Ramo has a save percentage of just .893 in the series, he did show some promise in stopping 31 of 33 shots in a Game 2 loss.
But expect Ramo to continue struggling while Calgary’s top defenseman Mark Giordano continues to miss the playoffs recovering from torn biceps. The Flames have the worst GAA (2.89) among the remaining eight playoff teams.
The Flames have won their last six on home ice.
Writer’s Prediction
Anaheim takes a big 4-2 win. Think these Mighty Ducks can flex their muscle? Create a betting account now and get in on heated playoff hockey.
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