The OTHL finals are set as the Calgary Flames and Atlanta Thrashers prep for battle.
Through the playoffs, the Thrashers have been the underdogs, and have stepped up to the challenge every time. They handily beat the Sens in 5, in what seemed to be a very one sided series. Atlanta then went off to meet the powerful Flyers in what turned out to be an excellent series of two good teams that went the distance. Atlanta took the deciding game 7-4, showing off their offensive guns. In what looked to be their biggest challenge on paper, the Thrashers quietly went into Boston and did their business, quickly taking the series in 5 games.
Calgary started the playoffs with a loss to CBJ, then went on to win the next 4, scoring 24 goals in the 5 game series. Things looked like they were continuing to roll according to plan when the Flames took the first 3 games in their second round matchup against the Wings. However, the Wings showed a lot of fight, took the next 3 games, and forced a game 7 in Calgary that the Flames took 4-1. The Western finals saw the two top teams in the regular season go head to head in San Jose and Calgary. It went 6 games, which leads us to the OTHL finals.
HEAD TO HEAD
OFFENSE
Calgary - The Flames have averaged an outstanding 3,47 GF/G. Naslund is the team leader in goals (13) and points (21), but there are 15 players on this squad that have ammased at least 5 points. GRADE A+
Atlanta - Sitting in 6th spot for playoff teams, Atlanta has averaged 2,76 GF/G. Not quite as high as the Flames, but have also received contributions throughout the lineup with 14 players themselves with at least 5 points. Heatley and Zetterberg are leading the way with 15 points each. GRADE B
DEFENSE
Calgary - Calgary got a scare when Zubov got injured and there was concern he'd miss the entire playoffs, but he recovered quickly and gave a big boost to the Flames lineup to help win game 6 against San Jose. Calgary's 4th in the playoffs with 2,47 GA/G. The defensive group is known more for their offense but all guy's can still play their own end. GRADE B+
Atlanta - The Thrashers have gelled as a unit, and led by the Bulin wall have been the stingiest team in the playoffs, allowing only 1,71 GA/G. This has been the Thrashers strong point without a doubt. GRADE A+
POWER PLAY
Calgary - Shooting currently at 18,4%, you'd think the Flames can do even more with the offensive talent they have. It's still been one of the best in the playoffs, and will likely have a say in the series. GRADE A-
Atlanta - At 14,2%, it hasn't been terrible, but something they'll want to improve on for sure. GRADE B-
PENALTY KILL
Calgary - has not been the Flames strongpoint, killing only 81,3%. They're going to have to be better or the talented forwards for Atlanta will win it in special teams. Grade D
Atlanta - Far better than the Flames these playoffs, killing 89,4%. Bulin once again the big reason for this. It's his team right now, and he's showing it. GRADE B+
KEY'S TO THE SERIES
Bulin vs the Flames offense. Not only has Bulin stopped offense, he's chipped in an amazing 5 assists! Really, this is the key story line. If Bulin and the Thrashers defense can keep the Flames guns quiet, it's their series, but it won't be an easy task.
SHOTS - Calgary has averaged roughly 4 more shots a game more than their opponents while Atlanta has been pretty even.
FLAMES LINES FOR THE OPENER:
Smyth-Nieuwendyk-Zednik Kaberle-Aucoin
Stillman-Allison-Naslund Hamrlik-Zubov
Fedotenko-Spezza-Mellanby Rathje-Cairns
Morozov-Brind'Amour-Naslund Rathje-Zubov
Legace
"We wanted at least one somewhat defenive forward on each line, as not to get burned if matched up against the Thrashers top line. We also want to be able to take advantage of their bottom lines no matter what line is on. We're hoping it'll be our depth that's able to beat the Thrashers," Head Coach Sutter commented.