Calgary Flames: What Went Wrong in the Series Opener

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Apr 13, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Calgary Flames left wing Micheal Ferland (79) shoots against Anaheim Ducks defenseman Brandon Montour (71) during the first 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 /

Not using their tools

In the last three minutes of the game, the Calgary Flames had a 5-on-3 powerplay that would last over a minute long. Perfect opportunity, right? Unfortunately, no. The Flames wasted a good 30-40 seconds while they still had a two-man advantage by having poor entry into the Ducks zone which would result in the Ducks being able to clear the puck easily.

Via Calgaryflames.com:

"“We didn’t have enough zone time on that one,” grumbled skipper Mark Giordano of the comeback-killing two-man advantage. “They were holding their line (on the 5-on-3). Listen, I had a look you dream of in the slot there I’d like to get that one up there and score but he made a good save.” “On the 5-on-3 we didn’t set up the way we wanted to. We’ve got to find ways to be big in those moments if we’re going to beat a team like that. “You give them that many (powerplay) chances they’re going to make you play.” Said Kris Versteeg."

Not only that, but the Flames coaching staff failed to utilize an important tool: Michael Ferland. Ferland was absolutely on fire the entire game. However, he had way less ice-time than fans would have liked to have seen because he wasn’t used on the powerplay for some reason unknown to me. He wasn’t put on the 5-on-3 powerplay and he wasn’t put on the ice when the Flames took out Brian Elliott for the extra attacker.

It was definitely something that made Flames fans scratch their heads. And something fans have been talking about for most of the season: Put Ferland on the powerplay.

He was truly one of the better players on the ice in game 1 and maybe if he was put on the powerplay, the game would have resulted differently. I also thought that maybe the Flames could have taken out Elliott while they had the 5-on-3 to make it 6-on-3, but I’m not super adamant on that.

Next: Flames vs Ducks Playoff Preview

Well, there you have it. The three key factors in why the Flames couldn’t walk away with a win after game 1. Let’s hope they learn heading forward into game 2 and they could come back to Calgary with a tied up series.

Like Stone said, take away all the penalties and we’ve got ourselves a good hockey game.

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