The NHL Playoffs Round 2 begin tonight when the Anaheim Ducks take on the Calgary Flames in an Western Conference matchup. The game is scheduled for a 10:30 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on NBC Sports Network. Currently the betting odds for the game have the Ducks listed as a solid favorite to get the job done.
Anaheim picked up a sweep in their first round matchup over the Winnipeg Jets, coming from behind in three of those games in the third period to pick up a victory. Tonight they open the series on the road after picking up a 4-2 series win over the Vancouver Canucks in the opening round, picking up a seven-goal effort in the sixth and deciding game.
Flames goalie Jonas Hiller, a one-time Duck, was yanked in that sixth game after a poor performance early. Karri Ramo came on in relief in that contest and stopped 17 of 19 shots to help secure the win for the Flames. Hiller will once again be back between the pipes for Calgary tonight and he probably will be looking for some revenge.
Calgary is going to need more than him, though. The Flames offensively are going to have to have a big series if they make it to the conference finals. Anaheim is a team that can come at opponents in waves with a ton of offensive power, led by Corey Perry. It won't be easy for the Flames, though. Calgary has lost 20 straight regular season games in Anaheim dating back to January 2004.
The only win the Flames have in the Honda Center is one from the 2006 playoffs.
Free Pick: Ducks
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