The Hockey File

There’s no other word than to describe the Calgary Flames’ 3-0 loss to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in Game 7, because this really was a series the Flames should have had. About the only thing I’m willing to give the Ducks an edge in over Calgary is their puck possession, because Anaheim were deadly passers and the Flames had hands of steel. Turns out that turned out to be the difference here. Game 7 essentially evolved into a game of keep-away with the Ducks using their passing skills to keep the puck away from the prying Flames, who, for their part, applied no pressure on the puck or the Ducks. Sure, Ilya Bryzgalov has been great since coming in for Jean-Sebastien Giguere in Game 5, but he didn’t have a lot of work in Game 7, so he’s still somewhat unproven, although I think he’s shown a lot more than Ray Emery has.

What positives can I take out of it? Well, at least it’s Anaheim and at least- in Game 7 anyway- they played well and deserved the win. It’ll set up an interesting series with the Colorado Avalanche who are just as feisty and position-wise as the Ducks are, setting up two Western Conference series that should be fun to watch. Can’t wait for them to begin.

-DG