Ducks Eliminate Flames; Bruins Down 3-1 to Senators

The Calgary Flames became the first team eliminated in the Stanley Cup playoffs, losing 3-1 to the Anaheim Ducks in Calgary on April 19th. The Ducks swept the Flames in four games, and will face the winner of the San Jose Sharks—Edmonton Oilers series.

The Flames lost the first two games of the series in Anaheim, extending their losing streak there to 29 games, including playoffs. But they didn’t win at home either, and were simply outplayed by Pacific Division winner Anaheim, a team that is a level above the Flames. But Calgary did make the playoffs after missing out the previous year, and has a good core group of players to build around for next year.

In the East, the Ottawa Senators shut out the Boston Bruins 1-0 in Boston to take a 3-1 series lead. They can eliminate the Bruins at home in Game 5 on April 21st. Boston won Game 1 of the series, and Ottawa won the next two in overtime prior to the April 19th shutout. While the Senators would love to win this round at home, if they do have to return to Boston for Game 6, they should do so with confidence; Ottawa is 4-0 in Boston this season.

Elsewhere, the Minnesota Wild shut own the St. Louis Blues 2-0 to keep their hopes alive. The Blues still lead the series 3-1. Washington edged Toronto 5-4 to tie that series at two apiece. This series is shaping up as a nail biter. All four games have been one goal victories, and the first three went into overtime, including double overtime for Game 2. The Capitals, who had the best record in the NHL this season, have had their hands full with the scrappy Leafs.