Rip It Up And Start Again - Flames @ Ducks Round 2 Game 2 Preview

Calgary Flames @ Anaheim Ducks - Round 2 Game 2 - 8PM MT (10e, 7p)

Sportsnet, NBCSN (TV)

You know when you go to say something, and know what you want to say, but you can't find the words to say it? That's me, right now. So I suggest this.

Whatever the plan was for Game 1 (recap/stats) was, it didn't work. You could say the Ducks played to their strengths well and kept the Flames quiet, but that means Bob Hartley has to show the tactical nous that has got him in contention for the Jack Adams to figure them out. Tough task, yes, but not impossible. Four wins from the next six games is doable - after all, it's 0-1, not 6-1.

Improved performances will be required all over the ice, but especially in goal. It was neither Karri Ramo nor Jonas Hiller's greatest nights as NHL goaltenders, although they certainly weren't helped by an incredibly passive defence. Add that to an offensive performance of making life easy for Frederik Andersen, and you can see why the Flames fell. It needs sorting, sharpish, if the Flames are to make any impression on the series.

Playoff Leaders

Potential Starting Lineups (Subject To Change)

The Ducks are still missing John Gibson, who has the flu, but he is expected to travel to Calgary for games three and four. Chris Wagner is fit and ready to play, but whether he will is a different story

Meanwhile, Karri Ramo starts in goal for the Flames. Derek Will's projected lines have an unchanged side, however Raphael Diaz could be a game-time decision after taking a full practice on Saturday. Whatever was wrong with Jiri Hudler and Micheal Ferland doesn't seem to be stopping them play in game two.

Join us in the gamethread, where we'll be sticking pins in a voodoo doll of Corey Perry.