Every Ending is the Start of Something New

Flames versus the Ducks tonight in a potential first round preview - to a certain extent anyways. One has to think that both teams will be resting some of their major contributors with the post-season fast approaching. Expect to see both back-ups in net as well as characters like Neidermayer out of the line-up. On the Flame's side, I wouldn't be shocked if some of the walking wounded, like Warrener and McCarty, were to draw a press-box seat this evening. Also, Sutter may decide to give younger guys like Lombo, Lundmark and Ritchie some added ice-time and responsibility tonight as well. fueling a depth player's development is probably more important than the "W" at this point.

As for the ensuing madness that is the hunt for the Stanley Cup, Calgary will either be playing Anaheim or Colorado in the first bracket. The Flame's gathered 10 of a possible 16 points from Colorado this year, which is a positive, but also suffered two of their worst defeats at the hands of the Avs....

As for the Ducks, the series is currently weighted 2-1 in the Flames favor (prior to tonight). Anaheim is suddenly mired in a 3 game losing streak after being one of the hottest teams in the NHL since the Olympic break. To be fair, two of their 3 recent losses were against other extremely hot teams as well (San Jose, Calgary).

So who should we, as Calgary fans, hope to play in the first round? I am personally leaning towards Anaheim. While they have been playing some impressive hockey lately on the backs of Selanne, Mcdonald and Niedermayer, I think they're lack of depth on the blueline and lack of experience overall will probably hinder their chances.

Consider that, after Niedermayer, the Ducks have Francois Beauchemin, Sean O' Donnell, Vitaly Vishnevski, Ruslan Salei and Joe DiPenta. Hardly a formidable group.

Up front, the Ducks are young. Very young (aside from Selanne, of course). Guys like Lupul, Getzlaf, Kunitz and Perry will be seeing their first play-off series. Will these rookies be able to match Calgary's forechecking and intensity in the post-season? Possibly, but doubtful.

Of course, a preference between foes may all come down to goaltending. Anaheim's JS Giguere has posted some decent numbers this year (29 wins, 2.65 GAA) while Colorado's Jose Theodore has had a season to forget (18 wins, 3.42 GAA). Unfortunately, there are threats either way for Flames fans...

Im sure no one forgets Giguere's miraculous run to the finals with the Ducks a couple of years ago...should he somehow manage to regain that form, the Flames may find themselves facing another Kiprusoff. In contrast, Theodore has (in the past) stolen play-off rounds by himself and is a former Hart trophy recipient. In fact, Colorado acquired Jose with the hope that the change of scenary would help him become the tender he once was.

So, either way, Calgary could come across some hot goaltending. Of course, there is the equal-to-greater possibility that neither Giguere nor Theodore will become the world beaters they once were (and what Kipper now is).

Overall, Im still inclined to prefer Anaheim by a hair. If we can avoid seeing Sakic in the post-season, it's probably a good thing. I must confess, however, that neither team overly concerns me. The Flames have proven that they can beat both. Plus, with our savior Kiprusoff in net, what could there be to worry about?