Opinion
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Can the Anaheim Ducks Ignite Victory Flames in Calgary?

The Anaheim Ducks are gearing up for a pivotal showdown against the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Ducks have had a rollercoaster of performances lately, and fans are eager to see which team will show up on April 3rd.


Dec 21, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA;  An official game puck on the ice during the NHL game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Calgary Flames at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

In their last encounter with the Chicago Blackhawks on March 22nd, the Ducks displayed an impressive defensive game, shutting out their opponents with a solid 4-0 victory. Their goaltender was impenetrable, saving all 29 shots and contributing to the team's overall save percentage of 100 percent. The offense wasn't shy either; they capitalized on their opportunities by scoring four goals from just 25 shots, boasting a shooting percentage of 16 percent.


However, consistency has been an issue for ANA this season. Just two days prior to their triumph over Chicago, they faced off against the Minnesota Wild and suffered a disheartening shutout loss themselves. The Wild managed to score four goals while ANA struggled throughout the game to find any rhythm offensively or defensively.


Dec 21, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA;  Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) celebrates a victory with defenseman Nick DeSimone (57) after beating the Anaheim Ducks 3-0 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Looking at these recent games paints a picture of unpredictability for ANA as they head into Calgary. One aspect that could be crucial in tipping scales in favor of ANA is special teams play. In their win against Chicago, they were able to convert one out of five powerplay opportunities while also keeping Blackhawks scoreless during penalties.


The upcoming game poses several challenges for ANA; not only do they need to maintain strong goaltending but also find ways to penetrate CGY's defense consistently if they want any chance at victory. It will be essential for them to capitalize on powerplays and improve faceoff win percentages which stood at only 33 percent during their loss against St Louis Blues on March 17th.


Dec 21, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA;  Calgary Flames center Jonathan Huberdeau (10) controls the puck against Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson (91) during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

As we look towards April 3rd's clash between these two teams, it is clear that if ANA can harness some consistency from both ends of the ice and exploit CGY’s weaknesses during special teams play – there might just be hope yet for them igniting victory flames in Calgary.


Ducks fans can catch all the action live from Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday night at 7:00 PM MDT through various broadcast networks including ESPN+ online or BSSC/BSSD on TV.

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