Just like everyone (read: no one) expected, the Anaheim Ducks were the first team to advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs thanks to a sweep of the Calgary Flames.
Anaheim, one of the hottest teams in the league coming down the regular season, was far from dominant. Calgary pushed the pace at even strength, forcing Randy Carlyle’s squad into some severely uncomfortable situations.
Yet the Ducks’ pounced on their opponents’ mistakes at every turn. The Flames, in that respect, failed miserably. Their power play, though reasonably productive, felt like a letdown given the bevy of opportunities it was afforded.