The first-ever postseason meeting between the Ducks and Blackhawks was supposed to be a superpower slugfest between two star-studded lineups. But it was the performances from the rank and filethat helped Anaheimset an earlytone Dawson Mercer Jersey Sunday as the highly-anticipated Western Conference finals got underway. Ducks goalie Frederik Anderson was the best player on the ice for Game 1, stopping 32of 33shots,and the likes of Nate ThompsonandKyle Palmieri provided the offense astheDucks delivered on a 4-1 win over theBlackhawks. MORE: | | For all the big names in this series, don't be surprised if Anderson isthe one who emerges asAnaheim's most important a set. Aconsistent stopgap whose play allows for the imposing Ducks forwards to play their overpowering style in the opposite end, he's been arguably themost important player thus far for Anaheim in the Stanley Cup playoffs. And when the Ducksfound themselvesin penalty trouble in the third period, it was Anderson who bailed them out with several key saves to keep it a one-goal game. WhileChicago outshot Anaheim 33-27, the Ducks were physically superior, piling up 44 hits to the Blackhawks' 34. They also blocked 22 shots compared to nine for Chicago. Ducks defenseman HampusLindholm opened the game's scoring 8:48 into the first period,and Palmieri made it 2-0 with 4:17 gone in the second. It seemed like Brad Richards shifted the game's momentum heading into the third period, scoring39.6 seconds before intermi sion. But the Ducks dominated po se sion in the third period and goals by Thompson and Jakob Silfverberg put it out of reach. Thompson, Silfverberg andLindholmeach hada goal and an a sist. The Ducks' win is impre sive if only becauseCorey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf who most frequent the score sheet were both held without a point in the same game for just the secondtime in the postseason. Blackhawksstars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews were also held scorele s. Game 2 is scheduled for 9p.m. ET Tuesdayin Anaheim. (TV: NBC Sports Network in the U.S., CBC and TVA in Canada). Isaac Poulter Jersey