Number One: Anaheim Ducks
We all knew this would be #1. I don’t want to talk about it and you don’t want to hear me talk about it. The Anaheim Ducks have been the worst thing to happen to the Calgary Flames.
Last season, these two teams saw each other five times, not including playoffs. I mean, we don’t have to talk about playoffs… we’ve all already forgotten about it.. right? Right.
Last season, the Ducks won four of the meetings. While the Flames just won one but boy that was a fun game (the Flames scored five goals in six minutes).
Last season the Flames were behind the Ducks by only one win at the end of the regular season. However, the Ducks had 11 points on them and the Flames and Ducks met each other in the first round. Again, we don’t have to talk about playoffs. It’s fine.
This season, the Flames and Ducks will meet just three times. But twice in Anaheim (oh no). I’m not here to talk about the teams or how the Ducks have the Flames beat or what players to watch out for. I’m here to talk about the stupid Honda Center Curse.
Related Story: The Decade Long Curse of the Honda Center
The Flames have 25 consecutive regular season losses at the Honda Center dating back to 2004. This is an NHL record. By two losses. They broke the record last year. I don’t know what this dumb curse is but it needs to leave the Flames alone. And ok FINE we’ll talk about the playoffs. But the Flames were also swept by the Ducks in the playoffs.
There, HAPPY? I said it, let’s move on.
However luckily, there may be another reason the Flames picked up Mike Smith.
In his last four starts in the Honda Center, Mike Smith is 2-1-1 with a 1.69 GAA and .950 SV%.
— Darren Haynes (@DarrenWHaynes) June 18, 2017
Now that's what I call a deal clincher.
Please Mike Smith. Help them beat this curse.
Next: Throwback Thursday - Winning 13-1 Against the Sharks
The series between all three of these teams will matter. In total, the Flames have 11 games against these teams. Even just around the halfway mark of wins, six wins in those 11 could be what separate the Calgary Flames from hitting 100 points or barely making a wildcard spot.
If the Flames want to succeed this season, these three teams will be the biggest challenges.