The Calgary Flames have advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in over a decade thanks to a 7-4 win in Game 6 against the Vancouver Canucks.
Canucks vs. Flames Game 6 results: 3 things we learned from Calgary’s series win
The Flames’ resilience paid off yet again.
Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Things didn't look so rosy for Calgary in the first period, as the Canucks roared out to a 3-0 lead early. Brandon McMillan, Jannik Hansen and Radim Vrbata all found the back of the net as Vancouver created its best (and most important) lead of the series to date.
The advantage was gone as soon as it arrived. Within nine minutes, the Flames had completely erased the deficit. Hard-hitting Michael Ferland struck first, followed by tallies by young stars Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau to knot the game at 3-3.
Vancouver regained the lead midway through the second frame when Luca Sbisa fired a shot that beat backup goalie Karri Ramo, but Calgary soon opened the scoring floodgates again. Jiri Hudler and Matt Stajan combined for three goals in the third that gave Calgary a two-goal lead that stunned the Canucks. Ferland's empty net goal would finish off a huge 7-4 win for the Flames.
3 Things We Learned
1. Vancouver didn’t do themselves any favors
The Canucks can’t spin it any other way: they blew it. Taking a three goal lead in the first period was the perfect way to get a jump on extending the series to seven games. Instead, they allowed the Flames to chip away again and again until their season was ended. This one will sting until September.
2. We’re in for a comeback-ridden series in Anaheim
The Flames will advance to play the Anaheim Ducks, which creates an interesting dynamic between two teams that have excelled late in games. There is a crucial difference, however. While the Flames thrive on third period comebacks, the ability to mount them is just a complimentary part of Anaheim's identity. Calgary will need to gain and hold leads more than they have so far.
3. Hockey makes no sense this year
LA missed the playoffs and Calgary is a 2nd round playoff team. This is a weird sport.
— Winging It In Motown (@wingingitmotown) April 26, 2015 See More:
