When the Calgary Flames and Anaheim Ducks were set as the Pacific Division’s second round series, the thought may have been that tuning in for just the third period was all that was needed. After all, the Ducks won an NHL-record 18 games when trailing at some point in the third period, while the Flames won 10 games when trailing after the second period during the regular season. The comeback kids continued their late-game heroics in the postseason, as Calgary defeated the Vancouver Canucks twice in the first round when trailing after 40 minutes and the Ducks stormed back in three third periods to defeat the Winnipeg Jets.
The second round series has shaped up quite differently than expected.
In Game 1, the Ducks were simply too much, as they pounded goaltenders Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo with four goals in the first 40 minutes. They even bested the comeback Flames by outscoring their counterparts 2-1 in the final period for a final score of 6-1.
Game 2, which saw Ramo receive his first start of the postseason, started in a different manner for both sides. The Ducks looked like a team on a mission, peppering the opposing goalie with 20 shots in the opening stanza. However, only Matt Beleskey was able to find the scoresheet as the Ducks led the game on home ice, 1-0.
The second period saw a bit more fight from the Flames, as they outshot the home team, 12-9. However, the goaltenders were perfect to open what looked to be a thrilling third period.
Despite past events, it was the team with the lead that laughed last.
The Ducks tallied two goals in the final 20 minutes, including Hampus Lindholm’s first career postseason goal, defeating the Flames 3-0. Frederik Andersen’s first career playoff shutout gave the Ducks a stranglehold on the series before it shifts to Calgary for Games 3 and 4.
The Flames will hope to return to their never-say-die attitude. However, to beat a Ducks team that is now 6-0 in the postseason, they will have to play 60 minutes with that mindset if the franchise is to advance to the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2004.
Here is the rest of your news from a busy weekend in the NHL:
More on the Ducks-Flames matchup in Game 2. [Puck Daddy]
Patrick Kane scored two goals to help the Blackhawks defeat the Wild to take a 2-0 series advantage. [Miami Herald]
Corey Crawford made a spectacular save on Zach Parise in the second period. [The Hockey News]
Wild coach Mike Yeo was not happy with his team’s effort in Game 2. [Pro Hockey Talk]
The Lightning trounced the Canadiens to take a 2-0 series lead. [TSN.ca]
Brandon Prust stated that the referees were calling him names after the Canadiens’ defeat. [The Score]
Expect to see Jonathan Drouin this round. [Today’s Slapshot]
The Blue Jackets and Penguins will meet this summer to discuss TV territory rights. [Blue Jackets Xtra]
The Red Wings have to resolve Mike Babcock situation quickly. Otherwise, they could lose their Plan B, too. [Fox Sports Detroit]
The Maple Leafs and Oilers should both consider Todd McLellan as their next head coach. [Globe & Mail]
Senators goalie Andrew Hammond is a Masterton Trophy finalist. [Ottawa Sun]
Predators forward Filip Forsberg scored a hat trick against Team Austria in the World Championships. [On The Forecheck]