Ducks vs Flames: 3 keys to the first round series

There are three keys to the Ducks vs Flames series.

The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are upon us now. And for the Anaheim Ducks, their series against the Calgary Flames starts Thursday at the Honda Center in Anaheim. By virtue of winning their division, Anaheim will enjoy home ice advantage against the Flames.

Here are the three keys to this series if the Ducks want to advance in the playoffs.

Keeping Home Ice Advantage

As noted, the Ducks will have home ice advantage by virtue of winning the Pacific Division for the 5th straight year.  Home ice hasn’t mattered in the past.

Playing at the Honda Center in the playoffs has gotten so bad for the Ducks they only won 1 home playoff game last year.

However, this year they may actually have an advantage, the Flames haven’t won at the Honda Center since 2006 a 25 game losing streak.  If the Ducks are going to get past the Flames they must maintain their home ice advantage.

Gotta Stay Healthy

Just a few weeks before the end of the season the Ducks lost defenseman Cam Fowler to a knee injury. It was in a game against the Flames.

Crazily, Fowler is predicted to miss 2-6 weeks.

The Ducks are unfortunate to lose their top defenseman, and frankly can’t afford anymore injuries. Consequently, Calgary is young and skilled on offense that will put pressure on their depleted D-men.

If any more bodies go down the Ducks will have difficulty staying ahead of the Flames.

Goaltending

Finally, no position during the Stanley Cup playoffs is more important than the goalie.  Don’t let anyone tell you any different. Also, a hot goaltender can stand on his head for two months and take a team all the way to the Stanley Cup.

The Ducks are going into the series with an unproven playoff goalie.  John Gibson has been mostly a backup during his Ducks career.

Additionally, Gibson started Game 7 of the 2014 Western Conference Semi-finals against the Los Angeles Kings. Eventually, Gibson quickly fell apart in that game giving up 4 goals in a 6-2 loss.

This year Gibson comes as a starter. It’s been that way during the regular and there’s no more safety net. The Ducks will succeed or fail with him in net.  For Ducks fans to avoid those Game 7 jitters, Gibson will need to step up to the stage and propel the team forward.

Conclusion

Finally, the Ducks match up well against the Flames. They have home ice against a team that can’t beat them at their home. They just have to avoid more injuries, and hope their unproven playoff goalie takes them far.

Prediction: Ducks in 6