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Calgary Flames Lose Game 1 – Honda Center Strikes Again

By Ramina Shlah

Apr 13, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Officials separate Calgary Flames right wing Troy Brouwer (36) from Anaheim Ducks center Nate Thompson (44) during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Officials separate Calgary Flames right wing Troy Brouwer (36) from Anaheim Ducks center Nate Thompson (44) during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Honda Center curse strikes again. The Calgary Flames lose game 1 in the first round series against the feisty Anaheim Ducks.

The Calgary Flames have been an underrated team heading into this first round matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. And now, they’ve lost game 1 and continue to be the underdogs. The Anaheim Ducks took this one 3-2 in a penalty-filled game. Well, on the Flames.

The Flames had 7 penalties in this game which was unfortunately two too many. The Ducks went 2/7 on the PP. The first period started off exactly how everybody thought the series would: a hard-hitting period. Both teams had a combined total of 25 hits in the first period and 63 all game.

The Ducks managed to open up the scoring with an early powerplay goal by Ryan Getzlaf (boo).

Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames /

Calgary Flames

The Flames managed to answer back though with a powerplay goal by Sean Monahan later in the period. The apples on that goal were done by Kris Versteeg and T.J. Brodie. Brodie miraculously kept the puck onside which led to the goal and Versteeg was truly one of the best Flames on the ice tonight. His playoff veteran experience definitely shined.

Then second period came and the Flames made it 2-1 with a goal by Sam Bennett and an assist by, none other, Kris Versteeg. What did I tell you about Steeger? But then a horrible line change by the Calgary Flames which led to a 3-on-0 for the Ducks and they made it 2-2.

I wish I didn’t have to use the word horrible, but there’s really no other way to describe it. Then not even four minutes later, yet again on a powerplay, Jakob Silfverberg makes it 3-2 and it would remain that way.

However at the end of third period, the Flames had some incredible chances. On a 5-on-3 powerplay too. But of course, it’s the Flames, and they couldn’t take advantage. They did however come extremely close to sending this game to overtime.

Somebody else who was incredible tonight was first-liner Micheal Ferland. I love calling him a first-liner. He was all over the puck and had great chances. However, something that confused the fans tonight was why he wasn’t on the powerplay or on the ice when the Flames took out Brian Elliott for the extra attacker.

Actually, speaking of Brian Elliott, he was also dialed in tonight. He stopped 38 of 41 shots and the goals were definitely not his fault.

Next: Flames vs Ducks Playoff Preview

Well, oh well. This game’s done and unfortunately, the Flames couldn’t come through for Canada tonight and now Canadian teams are 0-5 in game 1. But Saturday’s a new day and a new game. Let’s hope the Flames get right back in it and break this Honda Center curse.

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