Flames Set to Face Ducks with Moms in the Stands in SoCal
As the Calgary Flames take on the Anaheim Ducks in their first of back-to-back games in Southern California, there's more to the matchup than just the on-ice action. The team's biggest supporters, the players' moms, are in the stands, adding an emotional boost to the game. This is no ordinary road trip for the Flames – it's the highly anticipated Moms Trip of 2025, where 23 mothers of the players are joining the team on their Southern California journey. The trip not only celebrates the role these women have played in their sons’ journeys but also provides them with a firsthand look at the grind of an NHL road trip.
Head Coach Ryan Huska shared his thoughts on the importance of the trip, highlighting how moms often play a crucial but often overlooked role in the development of their children’s careers. He emphasized that while dads receive much of the credit, it's often the moms who offer the emotional support, advice, and encouragement needed to help these young players reach their potential. The players are visibly grateful to have their mothers with them on this special trip, and it seems that the team is drawing motivation from their presence.
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This heartfelt journey began with a dinner at the Cannery Restaurant in Newport Beach, followed by a practice session in Anaheim. For the Flames, it's a much-needed escape after suffering back-to-back losses at home. As they embark on this road stretch, the team hopes to regain their form, especially with six of the next seven games away from home. With the playoff race heating up, every point counts, and the Flames are determined to make their road games count.
On the ice, the Ducks come into this game with momentum after winning four of their last five, including a dominant 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Ducks' Frank Vatrano, who scored two goals and added an assist in that win, has been a key contributor lately, and his performance will be something the Flames need to watch. Notably, Vatrano has signed a new three-year contract extension with the Ducks, which has made waves due to the structure of the deal, including deferred salary. Despite a slower start this season with 11 goals and 23 points, Vatrano’s recent performances indicate he could be a serious threat.
In terms of special teams, the Flames have the edge on paper, ranking 19th in power play efficiency at 20.2% compared to the Ducks' 12.9%, which ranks 30th. However, both teams have struggled on the penalty kill, with the Flames sitting at 30th at 70.4%, and the Ducks at 26th with 73.9%. This could mean that special teams will play a pivotal role in the outcome of the game, especially given both teams’ struggles in these areas.
As for players to watch, Flames forward Connor Zary has been making a noticeable impact lately, particularly in terms of high-danger scoring chances. With a couple of goals in his last three games, Zary is finding his stride and could be a key factor in tonight’s game. On the Ducks’ side, Leo Carlsson, the young Swedish winger, is beginning to show flashes of his potential. Although his season has had its ups and downs, Carlsson is currently riding a three-game point streak and remains a player the Flames cannot afford to ignore.
With the moms in the stands and both teams playing with plenty to prove, this game is shaping up to be an emotional and high-stakes showdown. The Flames will look to carry the energy from their special guests into the game as they aim to bounce back on the road and keep pace in the playoff race.
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