Ducks come out firing, escape with shutout win in Game 2 vs. Flames

The Anaheim Ducks began Sunday's Game 2 against the Calgary Flames much like Game 1, with Matt Beleskey opening the scoring amidst a barrage of Ducks shots as they looked to take a 2-0 series lead.

The Flames took over in the second half of the contest, evening the lopsided shot count after the Ducks fired 20 in the opening period, but Hampus Lindholm added an insurance goal and Nate Thompson scored an empty-netter to seal Anaheim's 3-0 victory in the third period.

Star Performer: Frederik Andersen earned his first career playoff shutout with 30 saves and was especially sharp in the final 40 minutes when Calgary outshot the Ducks 21-14. 

Turning Point: Calgary appeared to be on the cusp of tying the game in the third period before Lindholm gave the Ducks some breathing room with his first career playoff goal, snapping a hard shot through traffic and past Karri Ramo.

(Courtesy: NHL.com)

Goalie Comparison: Ramo fared well after allowing three goals in a relief appearance in Game 1. He made 19 saves in the first period alone, but that doesn't hold a candle to Andersen's flawless performance.

Top Highlight: Andersen faced a variety of shots throughout the contest, but he was at his best when called upon to bail his teammates out following a turnover. He shut the door on Mason Raymond, who had a glorious chance in the slot after a Ducks player was dispossessed early in the second period.

(Courtesy: NHL.com)

Stat of the Night: Calgary has not won a game at the Honda Center since the Ducks were known as the Mighty Ducks. Sunday's setback marks the Flames' 21st consecutive loss at Anaheim's arena since they were victorious in Game 3 of a first-round playoff series in 2006.

Series at a glance

Game 1: Ducks 6, Flames 1
Game 2: Ducks 3, Flames 0
Game 3: Tuesday, May 5, 9:30 pm ET
Game 4: Friday, May 8, 9:30 pm ET
Game 5*: Sunday, May 10, TBD
Game 6*: Tuesday, May 12, TBD
Game 7*: Thursday, May 14, TBD

*If necessary