Ducks on the Rise, Flames Fighting to Stay in the Game

As the NHL season approaches its halfway point, the Anaheim Ducks are turning heads. They’re clawing their way back into playoff conversations and are just one win away from a .500 record. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames are struggling to find their groove, dropping three of their last four games. Tuesday’s matchup is shaping up to be a classic showdown between a team on the rise and one trying to stay afloat.

Ducks Are Flying High

It’s been a rough few seasons for Anaheim, but this year feels different. They’ve won four of their last five games, including an impressive 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday.

Key Players Stepping Up:
- Goalie John Gibson was a brick wall against Tampa, notching his 200th career win. He’s been a steady leader for this young team.
- Frank Vatrano is riding high after signing a three-year, $18 million deal. Hours later, he went off with two goals and an assist in the Tampa game.
- Veterans like Troy Terry and Ryan Strome are delivering the consistency this team needs to compete.

The Ducks are starting to click as a team, and Gibson couldn’t be happier about it:

“There’s confidence in the group, and everyone’s on the same page. It’s showing out there.”

Flames Are Feeling the Heat

The Flames are in a tough spot right now. They’re still in the playoff mix, sitting five points ahead of the Ducks, but their recent performances haven’t inspired much confidence.

Special Teams Problems:
- The power play has been ice cold, scoring just four goals in the last 10 games.
- The penalty kill? Not much better—it’s near the bottom of the league at 70.4%.

Even when Calgary plays well, like their dominant first period against Nashville on Saturday, they can’t seem to finish. That game ended in a 4-1 loss, and frustration is clearly building. Captain Mikael Backlund didn’t sugarcoat it:

“Every mistake seems to end up in our net. If we want to make the playoffs, we’ve got to fix it—no excuses.”

A Special Trip for the Flames

The Flames are adding a personal twist to their two-game California road trip: they’re bringing their moms or another close female mentor along for the ride. It’s a chance to bond, reflect, and maybe even find some inspiration.

Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar is excited to share this experience with his mom:

“She’s been there through it all, so this trip is for her to see what we go through and just have a blast. I really hope we can give her something to cheer about.”

It’s a feel-good story, but let’s be real—the Flames need wins. A sentimental trip won’t mean much if they can’t turn things around on the ice.

What to Watch For

Ducks’ Edge:

Anaheim is playing with confidence and chemistry. They’ve got momentum, a home-ice advantage, and a balanced mix of veterans and rising stars.

Flames’ Challenge:

Calgary has talent, but they’re not finishing plays, and their special teams are costing them big-time. They need to clean things up fast if they want to stay in the playoff hunt.

The Wild Card:

The Flames’ “moms’ trip” could be the emotional boost they need—or it could add pressure to a team already feeling the heat.

Bottom Line

This game is a classic tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. The Ducks are surging, and the Flames are searching for answers. Anaheim has the upper hand, but don’t count Calgary out just yet. With family watching from the stands and playoffs still in sight, the Flames might dig deep and deliver a stronger performance.

So, will the Ducks keep climbing, or can the Flames flip the script and give their moms a game to remember? Buckle up—it’s going to be a good one.

Anaheim Ducks vs Calgary Flames Picks and Predictions January 7th 2025