Ducks vs. Flames: Three keys to Anaheim’s 6-1 victory in Game 1
Ducks right wing
Three keys to the Anaheim Ducks’ 6-1 victory over the Calgary Flames in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal playoff series on Thursday night at the Honda Center:
1) Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf got to the rink on time
The two longtime linemates and left wing Patrick Maroon were dominant all night. Perry (two goals, two assists) and Getzlaf (one goal, three assists) each tied a club record for points in a playoff game.
2) The Ducks didn’t let the Flames claw back into the game
Calgary’s comeback ability has been formidable, but the Ducks never let up or allowed the Flames to use that resilience.
3) The Flames are hurting after more injuries
Losing forwards Michael Ferland and Jiri Hudler to undisclosed injuries was bad enough. In addition, Coach Bob Hartley didn’t play rookie Johnny Gaudreau at all in the third period.
Hartley said that was because the Ducks were “taking too many liberties” with Gaudreau. The Ducks were able to roll four lines.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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