The Calgary Flames (49-33-4-3) were completely overmatched in Game 1 of their series against the Anaheim Ducks (55-24-2-5). If they want to get back in this series, they’re going to have to put on a much better show than they did on Thursday night.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Ducks are already up to a -205 favorite to win Game 2 of this series, a stunningly high number, but one which is completely justified considering the fact that they haven't lost a game yet in the playoffs. Anaheim closed Game 1 at -188, and at this point, we are fairly confident that it will be favored in every game played in this series regardless as to where the game is being played.
GOALIE REPORT
So much for a warm welcome home. Jonas Hiller, who was a Duck for years and years, was treated rudely in his return to the Honda Center, as he was pulled after allowing three goals on 14 shots. Karri Ramo though, fared no better, as he stopped 18-of-21 shots.
Essentially, there won't be much of a choice but to leave Hiller in net as a result, though his leash is clearly going to be very short.
Frederik Andersen meanwhile, didn't have a ton to do, and he only just missed out on a shutout. In the end, he stopped 23-of-24 shots.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I felt like our preparation was great, and it paid off. We came out skating well and definitely executed our game plan. But we know they're a great hockey team, and they're going to rebound and play great the next game, so we've got to keep doing what we're doing." – Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf after the Game 1 romp
SITUATIONAL BETTING
Give the Ducks credit for putting their foot on the gas pedal throughout the whole game against Calgary in Game 1. Anaheim opened up a 2-0 first period lead and promptly scored two minutes into the second period to run Hiller out of the game, and after going up 4-0 at the end of the second, it scored twice more in the first 2:32 of the third period as well.
Bettors who believed that the Flames were going to cover spreads of +2.5, +3.5 and +4.5 in live betting ended up getting burned, and that might end up being the situation again in Game 2.
PROP TALK
There's just no reason to bet against the big time players for the Ducks right now. Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf have 11 and eight points respectively in the postseason, and it's worth remembering that Anaheim has only played in five games to date. Virtually any price you have to pay to get these two men on your side in points will prove to be worthwhile in all likelihood.
ANALYSIS & PREDICTION
The Flames are in a lot of trouble right now, as we are convinced that the Ducks aren't slowing down at any point in this series. Calgary looked overmatched and outmanned in Game 1, and there wasn't a point when it was anywhere near even a level team on the ice, let alone the better team.
Maybe back in Calgary that will all change, but for the time being, there's no way to bet on the Flames.
Anaheim 4, Calgary 2
The NHL lines for this Sunday game were available first at BookMaker Sportsbook. Anaheim opened at -205, while the total debuted at 5.5. Minute-by-minute puck-lines, totals, moneylines and props are available for this game using the live betting platform at BookMaker.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker's new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here, and start wagering today! Game 2 of this series between the Calgary Flames and the Anaheim Ducks will commence on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 10:00 p.m. ET at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. The contest will be broadcast nationally on CNBC.
