Special teams crucial in Calgary Flames-Anaheim Ducks playoff series
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Special teams matter in the post-season, and it’s a lesson the Anaheim Ducks hammered into the young Calgary Flames two years ago.
The Flames allowed six power-play goals, two apiece in the series opener and Games 4 and 5 as they were quickly bounced out of the second round.
The education continued through the 2016-17 regular season, with the power play making a big difference as Anaheim took four of five from Calgary, but Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan hopes the message has finally come through before the Western Conference quarter-finals start on Thursday.
“Special teams becomes really important in the playoffs, the margins are so tight,” Gulutzan said. “A penalty here or there, a bounce. Chances are hard to come by so you can’t take unnecessary penalties.”