Battle of the Back-ups!

With Jonas Hiller representing the current Ducks and Ilya Bryzgalov representing the Ducks of yesteryear, it was a battle of Ducks backup goalies tonight...and glad to say current Ducks backup Hiller was FABULOUS!

Here are just a few highlights of the game:

Like I already said, Hiller really showed up tonight, registering his 3rd NHL career shutout (all coming this season). In addition, he was really put to the test on two occasions tonight. One when having to kill off a Coyotes 5 on 3 opportunity and again when the Ducks were summoned to kill a double minor high sticking penalty given by rookie defenseman Brendan Mikkelson. The Ducks had a hard time clearing the puck, not to mention were short-"sticked" because Brett Festerling had a broken stick during the PK, only to have Rob Niedermayer give his up to the defenseman. Hiller and the Ducks defense played wonderfully and obviously killed off both opportunities.

A great positive here is that the Ducks took only 3 penalties. Unfortunately they came at the Ducks a little rough. Chirs Pronger received a delay of game penalty with Steve Montador still in the box serving his hooking penalty, giving the 5 on 3 opportunity for about a minuet. And of course, Mikkelson's high sticking 4 minuets.

The Ducks were dominate. Controlling the puck for much of the game. It's just a shame the scoreboard didn't reflect that dominance a bit more. Damn that Bryz!

Of course seeing the Ducks score on two Power Play Opportunites was a plus. Prongers goal from the left circle was a bit rare for him as he usually doesn't play an offensive role that deep. I guess on the Power Play, anything goes. In addition Bobby Ryan had an awesome goal from the low right circle, Teemu Selanne style. When I watched the replay it seemed nearly impossible. Where the kid found enough room to feed the puck between Bryz and the post is beyond me. I guess it's a good thing he wears 54 and not me.

Overall, the Ducks played hard and physical. It wasn't just a game that they won, it was a game that they deserved to win.

Another positive...the Ducks take sole position of 2nd in the Pacific. Let's keep it up. We know who's looming on the horizon for the next 2 games...

GO DUCKS!