Ed Stein: The Short, Long Break Blog

Would prefer SJ over the oil - either way tough out - with Cam and Sami coming back I have to think that the back end will def have some dec to be made concerning the mix and match - I would like to see - 47/71 -
42 /53 & 2/4 - with Sami subbed in as needed with Cam till they are both up to speed - or some combo there of -

Great update to everything in the Ducks universe. Calgary was a formidable opponent, and it’s good this team got them out of the way when they did. With how things are shaping up as the first round winds down, this team should be happy with how the playoff picture looks.

This team fought through some serious injuries to sweep the Flames. The hope is the rest will bode well. My guess is the Giordano knee to Fowler caused a significant bruise to that area, but fortunately it sounds like there was no tissue damage. If that’d been the case there’d be sharp pains and that’d be that. The reports are he’s skating more and more. It’s been three weeks, so one would hope he’ll be good to go for the second round.

While Theodore, Montour and Holzer all played fantastic during the opening round; one would think Fowler and Vatanen will draw back into the lineup for round two. Which young guy Carlyle goes with remains to be seen. I think both have proved their ability to make an impact for the better. We’ll see what happens.

In other news, I read Ed’s piece on the expansion draft. Obviously Las Vegas was looking out for their best interest when negotiating how many players other teams will be able to protect. A billion dollars is a lot of money, and a serious bargaining chip. I have thoughts about what Anaheim should do, but now is not the time for that. What’s important is this group stays focused on what’s next, and that’s either the Oilers or the Sharks.

The Flames and Duck series should be still going on right now. The 4-0 sweep doesn't dictate how Calgary played and you throw in a couple calls going not in their favour and a stupid line change. Anyways congrats on the first series win, but I don't see the Ducks advancing past the second round. By the way stay classy ED.

The Flames and Duck series should be still going on right now. The 4-0 sweep doesn't dictate how Calgary played and you throw in a couple calls going not in their favour and a stupid line change. Anyways congrats on the first series win, but I don't see the Ducks advancing past the second round. By the way stay classy ED.

Too bad the Flames didn't get a few more Power Plays.

I really wish Montour and Theodore could stick in the lineup.

Theodore was a huge part of the victory in game 3, but I haven't been impressed by his game in front of his own net or in the corners of the Dzone.

Montour has been very solid in both zones and definitely has fit in to Anaheim's lineup smoothly. Hard to make a case against him staying in the lineup.

Glad I'm not the guy who has to make the decision of who to scratch when Fowler and Vats are healthy.

Fowler, Lindholm, Vatanen, Manson, Bieksa and Montour.

Those were the top 6 that got the Ducks to the top of the Pacific. I don't see the controversy. Holzer and Theodore are available in case of injury, or to give someone a rest. A great dilemma to have imo.

note: then there's Stoner who would be available to knock people over.

yeah bench 5 points in 4 games.... Or just keep 7 dmen, I don't know why you are not considering that. Benching Theodore with his current production would be a huge mistake!

The Flames and Duck series should be still going on right now. The 4-0 sweep doesn't dictate how Calgary played and you throw in a couple calls going not in their favour and a stupid line change. Anyways congrats on the first series win, but I don't see the Ducks advancing past the second round. By the way stay classy ED.
- FlamesFan1230

Nice!

You may be correct that this series should still be going on. Brian Elliot was the Achilles heal for Calgary. It should be a learning experience for the young Flames. It won't happen next year.

BTW, I'm not anti-Flame, I cover the Ducks and my focus is there.

You're right. If you're team hadn't blown a 4-1 lead they still might be playing. Not to mention your coaches brilliant decision to start Elliott in game 4. The Flames had plenty of chances to win a couple of games and couldn't come through. Don't forget the saintly Giordano took out our best defense man for the series. The second round will be much tougher but if everyone is healthy I like our chances.

You're right. If you're team hadn't blown a 4-1 lead they still might be playing. Not to mention your coaches brilliant decision to start Elliott in game 4. The Flames had plenty of chances to win a couple of games and couldn't come through. Don't forget the saintly Giordano took out our best defense man for the series. The second round will be much tougher but if everyone is healthy I like our chances.
- duxcup07

I'll give an example of how bad a coach Glen Gulutzan is: Game 2, tie game going into the third period. With 14 seconds left in the second, Bennett masterfully gets a coincidental penalty with Kesler. And to make things even sweeter for the Flames, Bieksa and Ferland fought at the same time, meaning Kesler wouldn't get out of the box until the next stoppage after the 1:46 mark of the third. This would mean Gulutzan could get Gaudreau out to start the period, rest him for 30 seconds or so, then get him back out there, all without Kesler in his or Monahan's face.

So what does the genius do? I'm not sure, But I was at the game with my jaw hitting the floor when the third period started with Calgary's top line on the bench. Guadreau only got one shift in before Kesler returned to the ice.

I had a pretty good feeling the Ducks would prevail easily in the series after that. The Ducks won't be so fortunate to have a bad coach on the opposing bench in the next round. But believe this: Carlyle easily outcoached Gulutzan in the first round.

"OHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOO"!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...

"OHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOO"!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...

- verwustung

You must be some 12 year old loser holed up in his parents basement. Get some help.

So the Oilers are up next. They're playing good hockey. McDavid's breakout speed and high-speed dekes were a difference maker. The guy knows how to be elusive, so that's something to plan for.

I think if this team can get their footing by winning the neutral zone that'll be a good start. Hopefully we'll hear some good news in regards to Fowler and Vatanen in the next day or two.

The Wild, Blackhawks and Sharks are sayonara, and the western conference is as ripe as ever, but the Oilers are in the way ... sort of, as McDavid has been rumored to be Patches O'Houlihan reborn. The guy knows how to dodge, yet he's somehow in the way. WTH is up with that?

You must be some 12 year old loser holed up in his parents basement. Get some help.
- quackup

I'm not 12!

I'm not 12!
- verwustung

not trying to rub it in... we beat the flames 6 times this month ? thats insane

not trying to rub it in... we beat the flames 6 times this month ? thats insane
- rubberduckies

It was like the worst case scenario for them. I was happy wayching perry play. He's found new ways of being productive. Like passing and working the boards. As long as he keeps contributing something we are going to be a dangerous team. In past years he soent all his energy tring to score goals. And he was being predictable. But with a more rounded game he's being able to contribute more than he has in past seasons playoffs. Maybe all his scoring troubles this year has helped him. Anyways here comes the oilers. You can't just focus on mcdavid. Even if he scores on us he still draw so much attention that the other players around him almost become a after thought. Corraling his line mates has proved to be just as important. I doubt the oilers wana be as physical as the flames. That would mean exposing there skilled players to alot of abuse. So if maroon, kassian, or lucic get crazy expect retribution. Welp its time to finish off alberta. Sharks couldn't do it. But they were old, injured and tired. #letsgoducks

The Flames and Duck series should be still going on right now. The 4-0 sweep doesn't dictate how Calgary played and you throw in a couple calls going not in their favour and a stupid line change. Anyways congrats on the first series win, but I don't see the Ducks advancing past the second round. By the way stay classy ED.
- FlamesFan1230

The Flames scored 2 goals at even strength in 4 games.

I'm sure Ed will post a new blog right after I leave this comment but here are some prop bets for the series:

1. At what point in the series will Lucic blatantly try to injure a Duck (and not be penalized for it)?
2. Which Duck will it be?
3. What type of cheap shot will it be? (cross-check, tomahawk slash, etc.)
4. How many games will he be suspended? (jk zero duh)
5. How many goals does Rakell score? (I'll set the over/under at 5)
6. How many goals does McDavid score?
7. How much will both the American and Canadian broadcasts feel like Edmonton home broadcasts?
8. Will we hate Patty Maroon after this?
9. How many more penalties will be taken by Anaheim than by Edmonton? And how many times will we have to hear about the refs somehow being on our side?
10. If the Ducks win this thing handily how many times will we be told Edmonton is playing great and they are just totally unfortunate and getting jobbed?