Not bad, just not good enough

I'm not upset.

I'm disappointed in the outcome, but I can't complain about the game.

I think with all that was dealt to the Ducks, what with a back to back and having to play admittedly the best team in the NHL on the second night, they showed up. They were tired and sluggish from time to time, but for the most part they held their own.

The Sharks did their homework and completely shut down Ryan Getzlaf. He, most of all, looked very tired out there. I wouldn't say that guy is quick on a good night, and last night it showed in him even more. However, that being said...the first line had it's opportunities to get the puck in the net. The bounces were just all wrong. Frustration was evident for everyone as Chris Pronger got smashed, somewhat questionably if you ask me, and a huge brawl ensued. Not long after, Corey Perry was assaulted in front of the net by Rob Blake, only to have multiple players, Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer included, dog pile, shove and push. For me, when I see the relatively calm and mild mannered Scotty get involved you know there must be a reason for it. I would love to see Scotty fight.

I'm sure you know I was happy to see the change to the 2nd line during the 2nd and 3rd periods. It seemed as though the energy and speed changed immediately once Bobby Ryan and Ryan Carter were put with Selanne. Their chances seemed more evident. I hope it stays that way. Of course the likelihood of that happening would have been better sealed if they were able to put some points on the board. But I'll take what I can get for the time being.

Jonas Hiller played well. Not great, but well. I think the two goals he let slip by were saves he should have made. Especially the first one. He did have some great stops though and did more than enough to give the team a "chance to win". One thing I don't like about Hiller is that he so easily shows his colors. I'm glad that the guy is upset when he lets the puck get by, but I wish he would hide that frustration a bit more. Don't let the other guys see you sweat, ya know? On the other end of the ice Evgeni Nabokov played really well and got very lucky TOO many times. UGH!

Overall, the effort was there, the puck didn't bounce in the Ducks' direction (it did bounce everywhere else though) and the Sharks may just be too hot for their own damn good right now.

I don't want to say the Ducks should have won, but they COULD have and I think that's a positive thing right now.

Time to move forward.

FYI:
MISSING: Corey Perry...1 point in the last 6 games.
REWARD IF FOUND: A potential win. Of the Ducks' 14 losses (3 in OT) Perry has been held scoreless for 9 of those games. Essentially, the Ducks have a 65% chance of losing if he doesn't score. On the other hand, 12 of the Ducks' 16 wins come when Perry DOES tally a point. 75% of the time the Ducks win when he does score. The numbers are in the Ducks favor when Perry gets at least 1 point.

On a similar note, 8 of the Ducks losses came when Ryan Getzlaf didn't score a point. (Strong consideration should be put forth to the first 5 games of the season however. Also, Getzlaf has scored at least 1 point in EVERY Ducks win! Therefore, Getzy doesn't get a point= Ducks don't win.)

GO DUCKS!!!

OH...and I'm looking for a guy with qualities like the boyfriend described here...only, in the form of a Ducks fan and someone with two seats!