Just a quick blog today as I’d like to comment a little further on the « home vs away » discussion that is going on right now with respect to the upcoming Calgary Flames and Anaheim Ducks series.
I’d like to preface by saying that what the records are over the past century shouldn’t matter when considering the two teams at hand. While the Ducks may very well be the same core group of players as they offered over the past 2-3 years, the Flames are not.
To put that into perspective, there are 12 players who have logged more than a few games this year, and are still for the most part considered full time players, who were not last season. That in and of itself is a significant change to the overall team chemistry.
Outside of these facts and considering that I feel this year’s record between the two were pretty darn close (5 total games, two home wins each, one road victory going to the Ducks), I will break down the last three years anyways just to add a little more to the discussion, because – playoffs. Total games played: 12 Total home wins by the Ducks: 5 Total home wins by the Flames: 4 Total road wins by the Ducks: 3 Total road wins by the Flames: 0
I suppose what these numbers offer right off the bat are that the two teams have rather similar home records, while it is clear that the Flames struggle on the road against the Ducks. The numbers however are a little swayed because the Flames have only played 5 times at the Honda Center, while the Ducks have played 7 times at the Saddledome.
Anyways, 5 straight losses at the Honda Center over three years isn’t great – doesn’t take a PHD candidate to validate this sentiment. However, what I would much prefer to discuss is any record that may affect the current Flames group and that is this year’s record.
The Flames have visited the Ducks twice this year and lost both games. Conversely, the Ducks visited the Flames 3 times this year, and won only one game. So who really has a greater advantage when considering the now, and not the past?
Last thing I’d like to offer for comparative reasons, are the score differentials between the two teams, both this year and over the past three years.
3 years (12 games total) - 41 goals by Anaheim - 38 goals by Calgary - 4 Anaheim wins by more than 3 goals (4-0, 5-2, 6-3, 6-3) - 2 Calgary wins by more than 3 goals (7-2, 6-3)
This year (5 games total) - 18 goals scored by Calgary - 21 goals scored by Anaheim - 2 Anaheim wins by more than 3 goals (6-3, 6-3) - 1 Calgary win by more than 3 goals (6-3)
Just some added information for discussion for you folks. I’m personally tired of hearing all the media BS with respect to the “cursed… Flames at the Honda Center.
As has been a common theme throughout most of my blogs this year, I’ve mentioned how these Flames continue to impress and prove the masses wrong, so let’s see how the first two games go, shall we?
Thanks for reading!