The Anaheim Ducks are headed to the Western Conference Finals after a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over the Calgary Flames.
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The Ducks achieved yet another comeback victory as they trailed 1-0 at the end of the first period.
After left wing Jiri Hudler scored for the Flames, Ducks center Ryan Kesler responded with his team’s first score of the game in the second half.
However, Flames left wing and young star Johnny Gaudreau continued to be an obstacle for the Ducks as he gave the Flames a 2-1 lead.
The Ducks’ chances of sealing the game became even more difficult as they faced the ultimate obstacle when right wing Corey Perry left the ice with a leg injury.
Ducks left wing Matt Beleskey put his team back in the game a minute into the third period with a power play goal, but the Flames were able to hold the Ducks off and force the game into overtime.
Perry got back on the ice in the third period, and he saved his best moment of the playoffs for overtime as he scored the game-winning goal in a triumphant return.
This marked his seventh goal of the playoffs and his first career playoff overtime goal, and the Ducks effectively eliminated the Flames from the playoffs.
Ducks goaltender Frederik Andersen performed solidly once again and made 17 saves on 19 shots taken against him to improve his playoff record to 8-1.
Flames goalie Karri Ramo was tormented the entire game as his defense was unable to help him, as demonstrated by him being forced to make 44 saves on 47 shot attempts.
The Ducks will face the Chicago Blackhawks, who swept the Minnesota Wild, in the Western Conference Finals.
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