Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Pacific Division Playoffs: 1) Anaheim Ducks VS. 4) Calgary Flames

It's playoff time in 2017, as the NHL's quest for the Stanley Cup begins. This series features the Pacific Division champion Anaheim Ducks against the Calgary Flames.

Game 1: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Brian Elliott for the Flames and John Gibson for the Ducks. Anaheim started in the first period with a Ryan Getzlaf power play goal, powered by Jakob Silfverberg and Shea Theodore. Calgary tied it on a Sean Monahan power play goal, helped along by Kris Versteeg and T.J. Brodie. The Flames took the lead in the second period with a Sam Bennett goal, via Versteeg and Dougie Hamilton. The Ducks retied it on a Rickard Rakell goal, made possible by Getzlaf and Kevin Bieksa. Anaheim retook the lead with a Silfverberg power play goal, guided in by Patrick Eaves and Theodore. The final held at 3-2, with the three stars going to Getzlaf, Silfverberg, and Theodore, while Versteeg gets an honorable mention. The Ducks lead the series 1-0.

Game 2: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Brian Elliott for the Flames and John Gibson for the Ducks. Anaheim opened in the first period with a Jakob Silfverberg goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Brandon Montour and Shea Theodore. The Ducks added on with a Rickard Rakell goal, his second of the playoffs, coming off of Ryan Getzlaf and Kevin Bieksa. Calgary got on the board with a shorthanded Mikael Backlund goal, set up by Michael Frolik. The Flames tied it in the second period with a Sean Monahan power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Johnny Gaudreau and T.J. Brodie. Anaheim regained the lead in the third period with a Getzlaf power play goal, his second of the playoffs, with assists provided by Ryan Kesler and Patrick Eaves. This made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars being Getzlaf, Rakell, and Silfverberg. The Ducks leave home with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta. In goal: John Gibson for the Ducks and Brian Elliott for the Flames. Calgary led off in the first period with a Sean Monahan power play goal, his third of the postseason, powered by Troy Brouwer and Johnny Gaudreau. The Flames added on with a Kris Versteeg power play goal, with assists provided by Monahan and T.J. Brodie. Anaheim got on the board with a Nick Ritchie goal, made possible by Antoine Vermette and Hampus Lindholm. Calgary replied in the second period with a Michael Stone goal, guided in by Brodie and Mikael Backlund. The Flames extended the lead as Sam Bennett scored a power play goal, his second of the playoffs, with the help of Mark Giordano and Backlund. The Ducks got one back with a Shea Theodore goal, helped along by Rickard Rakell and Kevin Bieksa. Anaheim pulled closer with a Nate Thompson goal in the third period, fueled by Lindholm and Corey Perry. The Ducks tied it on a Theodore goal, his second of the game, coming off of Bieksa and Thompson. Anaheim completed the comeback with a Perry goal in overtime, with helpers from Rakell and Thompson for the 5-4 win. The three stars were handed to Perry, Theodore, and Thompson, while Rakell, Lindholm, Bieksa, Monahan, Backlund, and Brodie receive the honorable mentions. The Ducks are ahead 3-0 in the series, giving them up to four chances to advance.

Game 4: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta. In goal: John Gibson for the Ducks and Brian Elliott for the Flames. Anaheim began in the first period with an unassisted Patrick Eaves goal. Chad Johnson replaced Elliott in goal. The Ducks added on with a Nate Thompson goal, his second of the postseason, via Rickard Rakell and Corey Perry. Calgary got on the board in the second period with a Sean Monahan power play goal, his fourth of the playoffs, powered by Kris Versteeg and Troy Brouwer. Anaheim iced it at 3-1 with a Ryan Getzlaf empty net goal, his third of the postseason, going in unassisted in the third period. The three stars were Gibson (36 for 37 in saves), Thompson, and Eaves. The Ducks swept the series 4-0, and they are the first team to advance to the Division Finals.

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