Anaheim Ducks Eliminate Calgary Flames to Advance

The Calgary Flames were able to push the Anaheim Ducks into double overtime in game 5 of the second round of the NHL Playoffs, but it wasn’t enough to force a game 6. Calgary was eliminated from postseason play last night as Anaheim came from behind yet again to advance to the conference championship round against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Flames were leading the Ducks for much of the game, holding onto a 2-1 lead deep into the second period when Flames rookie Johnny Gaudreau was called for hooking. The Ducks were able to score on the ensuing power play, tying the game 2-2, which eventually led to Anaheim’s Corey Perry’s game winning goal in double overtime to clinch the series for the Ducks.

Despite playing behind for much of the night, the now +200 favored to win the cup Anaheim team clearly outplayed Calgary, out-shooting the Flames 47-19 and controlling puck possession. The Ducks spent most of the game circling Flames goalie Karri Ramo and just needed the Flames to make enough mistakes to get the opportunities on goal to complete the comeback win.

While the Flames’ season is over, it was an incredible year for the up-and-coming youngsters that overcame major underdog status, not only by making the playoffs, but in beating the higher seeded Vancouver Canucks in the first round. It was their first playoff series win since the 2003-04 playoffs. With a core of talented young players such as Gaudreau, Sam Bennett and Sean Monahan, Calgary has to be excited about having something to build on heading into next season.

With Calgary no longer in contention for the Stanley Cup, that leaves just one Canadian team remaining in play. The Montreal Canadians are currently down in their second round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2. They’re currently listed as +225 favorites to complete the comeback and advance to the conference championship and +800 favorites to win the Stanley Cup outright.