5 Bold Predictions For Anaheim Ducks vs. Calgary Flames In 2015 NHL Playoffs

By PowerPlayCJ

5 Bold Predictions For Anaheim Ducks vs. Calgary Flames In 2015 NHL Playoffs

Calgary Flames vs. Anaheim Ducks — After beating the Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks, respectively, the Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames are preparing to face each other in the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs. While the Ducks have been the favorite all year, the Flames are an upstart squad that won’t be an easy out. Here are five bold predictions for their matchup.

5. Johnny Gaudreau's Hot Streak Will Carry Over

Johnny Gaudreau

5. Johnny Gaudreau's Hot Streak Will Carry Over

Johnny Gaudreau — Not since Theo Feury have the Flames had such a dominant undersized forward and Gaudreau has been worth the wait. After breaking out in Game 6 against Vancouver, look for “Johnny Hockey” to keep it up as his line with Sean Monahan and Jiri Hudler will be tough to contain, even for a great Ducks team.

4. Ryan Kesler Will Continue To Come Up Big

Ryan Kesler Celebrating

4. Ryan Kesler Will Continue To Come Up Big

Ryan Kesler Celebrating — The Ducks added the veteran center to complement Ryan Getzlaf and deliver when it matters most in the playoffs. If one player can get the high-flying Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler line off their game it’s the former U.S. Olympian, who seems to be revitalized by his change of scenery.

3. T.J. Brodie Will Be the Best Defenseman In the Series

Detroit Red Wings v Calgary Flames

3. T.J. Brodie Will Be the Best Defenseman In the Series

Detroit Red Wings v Calgary Flames — The first round against Vancouver was a “coming out party” of sorts as the smooth skating defenseman excelled in all facets of the game in the team’s upset of the Canucks. He’ll have a tougher task against an all-world group of forwards, but I fully expect him to keep up his elite level of play as the 24-year-old is right on the cusp of superstardom.

2. Frederick Andersen Will Not Get Pulled

Frederik Andersen

2. Frederik Andersen Will Not Get Pulled

Frederik Andersen — Even if John Gibson is cleared, it’s still Freddie Andersen’s crease, and unlike last year’s playoffs, I don’t see him getting the hook from Bruce Boudreau. The towering goalie was instrumental in the team’s sweep of the Winnipeg Jets and will need to be at his best to beat this upstart team from Alberta.

1. Despite a Push from the Flames, the Ducks Will Prevail

Calgary Flames v Anaheim Ducks

1. Despite a Push from the Flames, the Ducks Will Prevail

Calgary Flames v Anaheim Ducks — The Flames have been a great story and have a truly bright future. Having said that, this is Anaheim’s year as the Ducks are looking more and more like Stanley Cup favorites. Calgary won’t go quietly into the night as the young Flames will win at least two games, with Game 3 at home sure to be one for the ages, before bowing out to the superior team.

Teams in this article »

Anaheim Ducks

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Calgary Flames

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