Rumors aren't my thing

You know what's most upsetting about last nights game?

The Ducks are completely unable to play a consistent 60 minutes of hockey. Wait, they are unable to play a consistent 60 minutes of GOOD hockey, they have no issues with playing 60 minutes of BAD hockey. No matter what, they have one period or 10 minutes worth of time where they COMPLETELY throw the game away.

The first period was a classic example last night of their inconsistency. Ugly hockey.

I'm thrilled they got at least one point...but we all know it's not enough.

But...HOW RANDOM WAS IT THAT BRENDAN MORRISON PLAYED LAST NIGHT?! I just thought it was weird!

"Hey dude, we don't want ya...you know we don't want ya...but oh wait...we need you to play this ONE LAST GAME...give it your all! THANKS!" - Anaheim Ducks

At this point it sounds like Morrison has been acquired by the Dallas Stars. So he'll be at the Honda Center on Friday ANYWAY! Don't get me wrong, I'm not exactly thrilled by losing Morrison in this manner. The Ducks are getting nothing for him. Putting him on waivers will clear up cap space, great, but nothing more. I'm disappointed in Morrison. Likewise, it was disappointing with Bertuzzi and Weight. The Ducks/fans expected alot from these players and got very little. Was it fair to expect so much? I think so. I think it's fair to assume that the Ducks were looking for a 2nd line man who could produce, and Morrison was unable to produce at the level needed. The 2.7 million hit to the cap was a bit expensive for Morrison to stay on board as a 4th line center, which is what he ultimately became. Good luck in Dallas...


Also, it seems as though Chris Pronger's name has been taken off the trade rumors table. GOOD! During trade deadline time, it seems as though ANYONE can start a rumor and see where it goes. For the most part I just ignore them. We'll see what's going to happen during the off season with Pronger, but for now, Ducks fans get at least 17 more games with him on the roster. The way I look at it is this; It offers the Ducks the opportunity to get a solid answer from Scott Niedermayer. His off season decision is probably going to be what decides if Pronger stays or goes this summer. Then again...WHO KNOWS!

For the time being, I don't really see the Ducks doing anything crazy here in the last few hours of the deadline. I think we got our move already and we're going to see what the Ducks can do with what they've got now.

I will say this, I AM enjoying Ryan Whitney and new guy Mike Brown. Hopefully they'll both provide a spark!

GO DUCKS!!!

SMILES...

No complaints here...

Brendan Morrison on waivers

Ducks in a Row: I'm not happy

I have NOTHING...NOTHING!

There wasn't anything positive to say about last night. NOTHING. Oh wait. Chris Kunitz played hard.

Minnesota looked good...well, they looked better than the Ducks.

Ryan Getzlaf shaved.

oh wait...I just found it...

Brendan Morrison was a healthy scratch again. That was the positive. I knew I'd find something. Too bad they couldn't pull out a win without him in the lineup though...that would have helped to ensure 3 straight healthy scratch games. DARN!

So tonight. I'm expecting much, preparing for little.

Ole, Junk, The Little Guy, and GQ (that's Montador, Carter, Ebbett, and Pronger)

Jiggy tonight? Who knows...Hiller wasn't outstanding last night, I wouldn't be surprised by the change up.

OH, I did have a great time live blogging during the game and would really like to have another opportunity to chat again with Ducks fans, and even fans of the opposing team. I'm hoping to do this again in the future, however tonight I won't be home in time for the start of the game. Let me know if anyone is interested though, and we can try to set something up.

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...STAY TUNED!!!!

There is so much going on right now...and I'd love to just cover EVERYTHING such as Monday's game (which by the way, was a huge victory), the trade rumors and the trade happenings, what I'm doing for lunch today, what I'm doing TONIGHT...so much stuff!!!

Anyway, with all of that being said. Here's what I can do right now.

Monday, HUGE. WONDERFUL to say the least. Jonas Hiller was fabulous, although I'd love to see him giving up less rebounds. Brendan Morrison on the healthy scratch list is exactly where I'd like to see that guy as often as possible. Bobby Ryan limping to the locker room is the exact OPPOSITE of what I'd like to see from him. Ryan Getzlaf making too many passes is something I'm becoming to accustomed too...and I don't like that either.

I'm going to miss Sammy Pahlsson while he's out with this crazy viral "stuff". Although, I must admit...maybe this will give him a boost. I don't feel like we've been seeing the same Sammy we all know and love. In addition, I wont complain with allowing Ryan Carter to step in there for a bit. I still don't think the Ducks are using Carter properly.

Okay...so with that mini Monday night review...lets move on.

Lunch. We're having a little plastic baby Jack Christopher pot luck. It's a joke, that's not really funny actually. Only 2 people will get it.

Moving right along...
Trade stuff. I have no opinion on this new Sheldon Brokeback or whatever his name is. He's been a healthy scratch for over a month. He's with the team now, hopefully we'll see what he's made of, cause I'd really rather give him a new nickname. In addition, I think if the Ducks keep up this winning business...other trade rumors might just dissipate. I'm crossing my fingers for that, because my heart doesn't want to part with either Scott Niedermayer OR Chris Pronger, who's names I see regularly in rumor-ville.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...now it's NEWS time!

There are BIG...no HUGE things that are going to be happening in the near future. I can't say too much at this time because it's just not ready, but trust me, it's big. With that being said...I won't let you forget and when it happens, you'll all know it! Let's just say, I'm excited!

IN ADDITION...tonight I'll be LIVE BLOGGING on a site called COVERITLIVE.COM. Here is the link for tonight's game coverage. VERY EXCITING!



Now it's time for some...
DUCKS IN A ROW!!!

Lets go BIG tonight...

Goals by Getzlaf, Ryan, Selanne, Carter AND Scotty Niedermayer. BIG.

Hiller tonight...again fine by me. He's going to give up two...but those Ducks are going to be on fire! I can feel it!!!!

Can you feel the excitement in the air people? I sure as hell can!!!

GO DUCKS!!!

CRASH!...Again!

My pretend hopes were up. As in...I pretended to have high hopes for last night, yet my realistic hopes were lingering in the background.

First of all...let's start with something fun. OBD was my "date" last night(yes, OBD is a nickname, I LOVE nicknames). She's a co-worker of mine, and I'd like to point out that I use the word "date" to describe ANYONE who attends a game with me. Besides, I prefer my dates to be male and in their late 20's early 30's...not that it matters, sometimes a girls night out is needed. Also joining us last night wereRamon's sisters Adriana and Maribel. They are crack ups in their own right! By the way, the sisters and I have been to quiet a few games together...the Ducks have lost every one of them (the only exception to this rule was a Ducks @ Phoenix game we attended last spring...however, we sat nowhere near one another).

Anyway, it was OBD's first ever Hockey game (in 5 years she'll be just as big a fan as I am...that's how long it took me to get into hockey). She's not very sports inclined, whereas I have always been a sports fan all my life. Her lack of sports knowledge went something like this...

"I think the last sporting event I went to was a Laker show."
"Do the blockers (that was her term for the goalie) wear skates too?"
"I'm impressed that the puck slides on the ice just like on that table hockey game."
"Fighting is VALID? Why aren't the refs stopping it?!"
"I would be so frustrated with that little puck!"

She had some excellent points as well. For instance...there is NEVER "Too many men!" and being one man short (or on the PK) is unacceptable, however the man advantage is just fine. Funny how she TOTALLY got that concept immediately! She also asked that if teams are allowed to pull the goalie...can't they just have 2 on the ice at the same time? I like her thinking!

Anyway, she was alot of fun, and I hope she enjoyed herself. Hey...in just 5 short years she'll be mega fan, and it will all be thanks to me! :) Oh and OBD, those are MY type of Canadians!!!

So some numbers for tonight.

Bobby Freaking Ryan (I can't help but to give the guy a name like that...usually it's not "freaking", but it does start with an f) has 11 goals in the month of January, and one more opportunity to add another. 11! That's insane. Not to mention, it ties the rookie 1 month record held by Ovechkin.

The Ducks are now 0-11 when trailing after the first. I knew that wasn't going to be a good sign when it happened. I was really hoping the Ducks were going to turn that one around last night.

A shorty by Travis Moen is fine by me...I believe that's 2 for him on the season (the first coming in Montreal)...someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Ryan Getzlaf had no points last night, which as I've mentioned before, means the Ducks don't win. Remember, he has at least 1 point in every Ducks victory.

Bounces...tonight...they weren't there. Man...if they could have had just ONE of those goals from that Phoenix game...just one (maybe two)!

I was VERY surprised to see JS Giguere on the bench. But not upset to see Jonas Hiller out there.

Yes Ramon, Andrew Ebbett being a healthy scratch makes it very difficult for him to score goals as indicated in my predictions.

It was a pleasure seeing Teemu Selanne last night (and a relief as I sported my Selanne jersey last night for the first time in a long time...). He seemed sharp (ouch) and looked pretty good. He was smothered naturally, but for the most part, he seems to be fine. I'm sure the highlight of the night for him was the 3rd period when he didn't have to deal with that Brendan Morrison. UGH...that guy.

High hopes for Saturday? Sure...but I'm keeping my realistic ones in check as well.

GO DUCKS!

Shake up and Wake up!

After an overwhelmingly disappointing loss to a Crosby-less Pittsburgh on Friday night, the Ducks were in desperate need of a win in Minnesota. So desperate that there was a major change to the offensive line-up. I was unable to watch the game live so I checked in often on my phone. I could tell from the way the minuets were dispersed between players that there had to be a shake up in the lines...I couldn't have been more correct. I watched when I got home...
Here's a look:

Kunitz - Getzlaf - Morrison. These guys played well together, but I think it was obvious on the final goal of the night just what Ryan Getzlaf & Corey Perry can do on a line together. Those final seconds of the game may have been the only quality time those two spent together and look what happened. Getzlaf sends a beautiful pass to a wide open Perry in front of a wide open net. However, I don't want to take away from the opportunities that the K-G-M line had. They looked solid, and I think by removing Perry from Getzlaf it allowed Chris Kunitz to become more puck minded than he has been so far this season. Kunitz playing along side Getzlaf and Perry means he's required to make space and allow the other two to make plays, while having Brendan Morrison on the line, Kunitz becomes a shooter again. I like Kunitz in that role...I'm sure it wont be a surprise to say that I don't care for Morrison in the play makers role, but hey...the power that is Getzlaf somewhat counteracts that. Anyway, I'm assuming this was the #1 line of the night.

Miller - Pahlsson - Perry. I think the goal here was to get the scoring spanned out amongst many lines. I can't say that I think this line brought much action or offensive power. For the most part, they went unnoticed.

Moen - Carter - Niedermayer. I think this was my favorite line of the night. Ironically, this line was something Ducks fans saw at the beginning of last season when Ryan Carter filled in for Sammy Pahlsson because he was recovering from surgery. They were very physical and had alot of scoring opportunities. Not only that, but I'll never argue Carter getting more minutes.

Bodie - Ebbett - Ryan. Yea...this line to me was basically Andrew Ebbett and Bobby Ryan. I still haven't seen much from Troy Bodie (I had to look up his first name!). But much like Getzlaf cancels out the Morrison effect, I think the same can be said about the Ryan - Bodie effect.

One thing I noticed about this line-up was that everyone seemed to be playing very similar minutes. In terms of forwards, Bodie was the low end of the scale with 11:40, while Pahlsson maxed out at 17:51 (with some added PK time). Spreading the offense seemed to work well. Much of this "spread" comes from having a key player or scorer on every line.

So the overall positive of this game? The Ducks played one of the better games fans have seen in weeks. They were sharp, quick (in fact, I'm just remembering RIGHT NOW that they just played game 2 of a back-to-back) and they played a skilled game of hockey. They made crisp passes and they played physical. They moved their feet and controlled the puck for much of the game. Aside from a few penalties, they were disciplined and focused. I was impressed for the first time in a while.

Jonas Hiller was fabulous...again! At this point, I'm going to expect that he plays on Tuesday against the Rangers and Jiggy is in net against the Islanders. I know normally things would be the other way around...but the smart move here is to put the man who is playing well in net against the Rangers and right now, that guy is Hiller. No question.

So, my predictions. After making a whooping 4 predictions I've learned something...go with the gut instinct. For example, the other day I was going to make a prediction that we were going to hear good news about Selanne...that day we find out he's skating again. No biggie right? Tonight, my original prediction was 2 goals by Ryan a goal from Perry and a shutout by Hiller. I tried to spread it around a bit for kicks and well...from now on...I go with the instinct! But...Hiller did let one by tonight, it just didn't count!

GO DUCKS! I like the shake up...it was a fantastic wake up!

Impressive...

Glad the Ducks finally played a game they deserved to win.

Okay, so we see another 4-3 score on the big board, but for the most part, I'd say that is a very big misrepresentation of what actually happened.

The Ducks definitely controlled much of the game. Some sloppy play in the third, which they are known to do, but for the most part, things seemed to be clicking.

Bobby Ryan is clearly not a fluke, as he seems to just get better and better with each game. Literally FLYING to the net for the Ducks' first goal of the game (from what I will admit was a nice feed from Brendan Morrison), was a momentum changer. A CRAZY goal was scored off the helmet of Bobby Holik (that being his second goal of the year by the way)to get the Devils on the board early, but I'd definitely say it was all Ducks from that point on.

The highlight of the evening was what turned out to be the GWG by Chris Kunitz. The top line had a great 1-2-3 play that really showed what was missing from having Corey Perry out the past 4 games.

Now I have to give myself a little pat on the back...
My Earl Sleek BoC inspired prediction went VERY well if you ask me.

Corey Perry had himself a big night with 2 assists...okay, so I said goal and assist, but I'll take it!

Bobby Ryan had a goal...not on the PP like predicted, but a goal none the less...I'll take it!

Ryan Getzlaf didn't get into a stupid uneccesary fight! I'll take it!

George Parros ALMOST fought there in the 3rd...but since I don't like fights anyway...I'll take it!

My "why the heck not" prediction was most impressive...Travis Moen gets an assist on a Sammy Pahlsson goal...how beautiful was that?! I'll take it!

Finally, Jiggy lets 2+1 by. He really only let 2 get by...one kind of questionable, the other...kinda by Travis Moen.

Ducks win...I'LL TAKE IT! :)

I'll have another one for Wednesday cause...why not, it's fun!

GO DUCKS!!!!!

Oh...Oh...Oh.......no...

How quickly 2 points turn into 1 huh?

Okay, so not only is it hard to write after a loss, it's even harder to write when you find yourself preparing to mention the same things over and over again.

Things like...what happen to the other 55 minuets of the game? You didn't want to play those too or what? Just thought you'd pace yourselves what with the back to back and all?

Or...hey Ryan Getzlaf...need some rest? Why not visit the penalty box 3 times tonight...get you a little breather! Still can't breathe? Maybe it's cause you don't stop running your mouth! (6 Ducks penalties on the night and 2 of Dallas' 4 goals came as a result of Getzlaf penalties...RIDICULOUS)

Oh what about...let's try stationary hockey AGAIN tonight. Doesn't seem to be working out too well for the team in previous games...but let's give it another go! Moving your feet? Nah...that's for teams who want to play defense or those looking to score goals! That's not the Ducks' style this season (note, I am going to exclude the 4th line from this comment...they seem to be the only ones actually providing some effort...and perhaps Bobby Ryan too).

And don't forget...Corey Perry has gone MISSING AGAIN and yet somehow the Ducks have taken in frustration and a lack of self discipline in his place.

What about passes? Nah, the Ducks save those for the wide open net opportunities. Passing isn't a priority anywhere else on the ice!

So yea...I didn't want to have to mention any of that stuff again...and yet...it's warranted.

I will however give more credit where it's due. I would love to see Brendan Morrison continue to have 2 goal nights. Too bad some other guys on the team can't do that as well. Actually, it's too bad that this currently strong effort by Morrison can't coincide with strong efforts by the rest of the team. And of course, Ryan for some more great passing plays to get Mr. Morrison moving in the right direction! Thanks for that!

So no more complaining for tonight...(crossing all body parts that I don't have to do more of it in less than 24 hours)!

GO DUCKS...GO GET YOUR ACTS TOGETHER AND START PLAYING LIKE THE TEAM YOU COULD/SHOULD BE!

Ouch...it's beyond painful

So I know you have all seen the Voting results as of late.

I'm too tired right now to get into my real thoughts.

If for whatever reason, you haven't seen...


Just compare that to the shot below and you'll get the idea.
(Also, Teemu Selanne's votes were affected by this as well. At some point today, he had over 90,000 and now is only reported to have aproximately 40,000.)

I'll rant on this tomorrow, and maybe a bit on the game from tonight.
Maybe I'll do it now instead, turns out I'm not as tired as I thought.

I'm just kind of torn. Should we as Ducks fans be hurt that we were fooled by the votes? Should we be happy/mad that the NHL took note and corrected it? Should we be upset with the person/persons responsible for inflating the votes? Should we feel bad for needing the votes to be inflated in the first place? Will it be possible to get past this and recover those missing votes and pull our guys into the starting line up? Do fans even care that much?

As for the answers to all of those questions, I don't have many (like I said, I'm torn). For sure, I was VERY excited to see the guys pull away like they did (obviously). I am hurt. I'm hurt that my hopes were up so high only to be torn down this way. I definitely have an overwhelming conscious, and if I had known that the votes had been added the way they were, I would have wanted them removed. Call me naive, I really thought that Ducks fans were showing their support (haha, in fact Adam Brady and I shared an email just this morning about how great it was that the votes were in the Ducks favor...nothing else has been going their way this season...). So now, am I upset at the person/persons responsible? Yea. I think it makes the fans look bad. I know when the Montreal fans did it at the beginning of the voting run I thought it was...pathetic. I hate to think that way about the Ducks' fan base. I'd rather just be disappointed in their lack of turnout in voting in the first place.

What happens next? I really hope that this is a motivator and not a deterrent for Ducks fans. I hope that instead of feeling discouraged, fans feel enraged and feel the motivation to get the guys voted into the line up.

Okay, so they're all probably going to get invited anyway...but I want the NHL to know that Ducks fans are plentiful and passionate about their team and I think they SHOULD be in the starting line-up. Yea, okay, so we can talk numbers and we can talk performance over the course of the season...are there better players in the league right now? Sure. But these are OUR players...these are the guys representing OUR team. We all know that Jiggy is a fantastic goal tender, Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger are easily two of the BEST DEFENSEMEN in the league. Ryan Getzlaf...do we even need to explain the all star that this guy is? He is by and far one of the top 10 forwards in the league...only getting better with time and experience. So is there a reason they shouldn't be in the starting line up? Don't bother asking a true Ducks fan, cause they'll tell you every time what their line-up looks like. I'll tell you what mine looks like...it's got those 4 guys on it...and everyone else is just a filler.

Hey, if this "bad" publicity is the best we can do, so be it...maybe the Ducks will finally stop being referred to as the Mighty Ducks (hell, winning the Stanley Cup couldn't do it).

I'm just so damn bummed right now...but I am also equally PUMPED to get our guys in there! DON'T GIVE UP!

Am I the only one who cares?
I sure hope not.

For some more information, check out Adam Brady's blog over at the Anaheim Ducks official page.

GO DUCKS...GO FANS!!!!! These guys represent YOUR team...and right now, that's what this is all about!

I don't have anything to say about the game for a few reasons. The most important being that I can't remember it. Sad right? It's also because I was slightly distracted by the 5 million Wild Wingers Kids Club gifts that I was wrapping for RAMON's niece's and nephews (okay, it was actually only 10, but it felt like 5 million).

I will say this. I enjoy eating some Brendan Morrison words...good for him and getting two goals tonight. Keep em coming buddy...I'll enjoy every minute that I get to be wrong about you! But I will give some of the credit to Bobby Ryan though. haha!

I'm going to need to see more identification please

The friends asked if I was going to cut Brendan Morrison some slack after scoring the game winner. Ha! Hardly. It's going to take way more than one GWG for me to overlook the first 28 games buddy. I'm still begging for that guy to make me eat my words! PLEASE! 7 points in 29 games is not enough. Over at Anaheim Ducks, it appears that Morrison only needs 19 more points until reaching 500 career points. After doing the math, he's averaging just 1 point every 4 games. Meaning, he's only going to get approximately 13 points on the rest of the season (with only 53 regular seasons games left). I'd be surprised to see him get that many. It doesn't appear we'll be celebrating that milestone anytime soon.

So that Ryan Carter sure seems to be laying a path of destruction huh? I wonder if he's going to just go around the league taking out players. He's been back for two games and has caused both Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and Manny Legace to leave the game because they felt "woozy" (a term not used often enough if you ask me). Interesting game plan there buddy. He's been doing some good for the Ducks. Really helping out on the 4th (All American) line with goals, throwing some punches (although, here it looks like he's ready to do some slapping) and continuing to bring this mad energy. I personally love seeing him out there (that's a mild understatement actually).

So again, UJ still doing some hockey learning...taking names making notes. I think it's safe to say he's a big Ryan Getzlaf fan. He can see that guy is a superstar and recognizes Corey Perry as well. Last night he learned the magic that is Chris Kunitz!!! I tried to point out some of the things that I think Kunitz brings to the team and UJ seemed to notice. Kunitz is his OWN energy line. He plays every game like he's been threatened to be the next healthy scratch. He is a play maker. He works hard down low, in the corners, the neutral zone, on the attack, around the net. He plays great with...EVERYONE. The silent killer that will get you the puck in open spaces. 2 goals, creating turnovers...playing spitfire Kuni hockey. AWESOME... Mini loved it too... He's her fave! Kunitz is way more valuable than the 19 points he's posted thus far and not enough people seem to notice. Shame.

Getzlaf is unreal. It was VERY scary during the first when he took a puck off the foot and hobbled to the bench. It was one of those moments where I couldn't help but pay more attention to the bench for a few minuets wondering if he was going to return (perhaps it was the bad luck of getting the teeth fixed. John Ahlers called them his new chiclets last night. I had to laugh because that was the nickname that my friends and I had given to Mathieu Schneider when he was a Duck). It was a good thing when he did return. His pass under the arms of Carlo Colaiacovo to a waiting Kunitz was perfect. I don't know how you can't love Ryan Getzlaf...he's amazing. I don't have a favorite...but......

I'm not going to say it.

George Parros. There is a guy who is making me the fool! Just keep it coming! In previous seasons I couldn't stand that guy. I never understood why he was such a fan favorite...must be my lack of interest in the fighting. This season however, the guy has shown up and is actually playing like a hockey player! I love it! His goal made me laugh a little. Down on one knee and everything. Like he's been showboating that move for years or something. I honestly didn't expect this from him this season, and I'm welcoming it...gladly. I might even have to go get me a Parros shirt or something. (I guess not all is lost for Morrison...HA!)

Inexplicably absent from the game was Chris Pronger. Other than the questionable interference call in the 3rd (one that mostly read..."I'm calling this penalty because you are Chris Pronger and your 38 PIM isn't enough for the NHL, they asked me to put you in the box tonight."), he seemed to be missing from action. Sloppy passes, unable to clear the puck and his lazy skating was however, VERY noticeable.

I kinda don't know what to say about this though...Baby Backs. Heels on ice? Really? OOOkay.

GO DUCKS!!!!!!

Energy Lost

The Ducks disappointed me last night (yea, like I'm the only one). I don't know what happened to them in the final period there, but it was ugly. Perhaps the road trip was beginning to show it's ugly head. No matter what, it was a loss that they shouldn't have had.
It's been a long day today and I don't really have the energy to get into it honestly, but I'll try.

Again Jonas Hiller was a savior for the Ducks. Giving up too many SOG, they have really relied on his presence in net. He has been outstanding and with how shaky JS Giguere has been lately, I wouldn't be surprised to see him in the game more often from here on out. Hiller did have this to say...

"We played pretty well for a game on the road, we had the lead until about five minutes from the end, what else do you want?" -Jonas Hiller, LA TIMES

He seriously doesn't know the answer to that question? SERIOUSLY?!

As much as the defense has been lacking, it's time to look at the offense. Again, the Ducks are dealing with a 2nd line that is lacking in production. I wont continue to bash Mr. Morrison here (my friends think that I should jinx him by making him my new favorite player, but I just can't bring myself to do it...not even on opposite day). Anyway, I'm now putting forth my vote to bring back Ryan Carter (who has been out of the line up for SEVERAL games lately) his last game played was the not televised Ducks @ Stars game 11/22. That's it...bring back Carter (no comments from you Mini). I've actually been biting my tongue on that one for awhile now.

So, well that's where my energy ends on last night's game.

A quick note on the Avery thing...you know that guy is making headlines when people in your office, who you don't talk to, ask you what's going on with it (they only asked because it's very obvious that I'm a Ducks fan and that I would probably know the answer).

I was unable to post this yesterday, but here it is for you now. I did a Q&A with Sam from The Committed Indian. It's like an independent program that was sold at the Blackhawks/Ducks game last night. Here was my part in the program under the heading "Know Thy Enemy". It was really fun for me and really great exposure for Girl with a Puck. Hey! Famous in Chicago! For the rest of the edition, head over to Second City Hockey and send some support for hockey in general.

Tonight, Sara from Girl with a Puck answers our queries about the Ducks.

1. We've been touting the Ducks as Getzlaf, Perry, and everyone else. Tell us why we're wrong about that.

Interesting. Maybe I’m not removed enough to feel that way about the team. True, those guys are amazing and I don't think the Ducks would be as successful without them on the roster (a combined 57 points doesn't hurt), however, they play just a small role. For one, you can't forget Teemu Selanne, who has proved to be a PP goal scoring GOD this season leading the league with 12 (as of 11/30/08 ). What about the Chris Pronger/ Scott Niedermayer defense? Those guys may not score many goals, but they are a huge reason that other teams DON'T score. An even bigger defense mechanism is the Jiggy/Hiller threat. The Ducks clearly have a top 5 goaltender in JS Giguere and Hiller has proven himself to be a powerful presence who only seems to get better with time. Chris Kunitz is a gritty player who does so much for the top two lines with his effectiveness and aggressive play, as are Samuel Pahlsson, Travis Moen and Rob Niedermayer's shutdown abilities. So yea, they might be the scoring leaders of the team, but it doesn't come without some additional offensive presence and defensive power behind them.

2. What do Ducks' fans feel about now-Toronto GM Brian Burke's departure?

I think the overall consensus is...bittersweet. I don't think anyone can argue that what he did for Anaheim was huge. Essentially, he put them on the map by bringing a Stanley Cup to Anaheim. Without him, I don't know that we get Pronger or Niedermayer. In the same sense, I don't think other management would have had the patience to allow Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan to develop the in the minors, something that other teams didn't have the luxury to do. On the other hand, the timing is rough. I don't think anyone is surprised after a summer worth of rumors though. It happens. This could be a make or break for Anaheim with so many UFA 's in the upcoming season. Bittersweet...glad that we had him, sad to see him go, some happy to see him leave, MANY kindly wishing him little success in the future. It's all a toss-up. Look at it this way, he's like the Pronger of GM's...everyone loves to hate him, unless he's on YOUR team.

3. How good can Bobby Ryan be one day?

He has the ability and the skills to be...GREAT. There is a reason he came in 2005 just behind Crosby . He has the size, the power the physical attributes to be just as great or better than Ryan Getzlaf. In fact, I think he's going to hear a lot of the same thing that Brian Burke said about Getzlaf in that he can "be as good as he wants to be". It's up to Bobby Ryan to take the skills and the things he already possess and put them to good use. He can either learn from his veteran teammates and really excel or continue thinking that he already knows everything. He's young and sometimes the lesson that there is more to learn comes too late. I'm hoping for Ryan's sake that's not the case. He worked VERY hard over the summer to get into better shape and so far the fans are happy to see him play (we've been waiting a long time for it). It's make or break time for him right now, I'm thinking...MAKE.

4. Is this the Ducks final run? They don't seem to be getting any younger...

Haha, man...with this group, I think unfortunately yes. The Ducks have A LOT of UFA's after this season and it will be hard to maintain this roster next year (something a lot of Burke hater's wont be missing about him). I think that if the Ducks are able to re-sign a few key players, Sammy Pahlsson for one, there is a good chance that a rebuilding phase could be short. I still think the Ducks will be considered Cup Contenders for many seasons to come because this particular franchise is a desirable place to play (much more so than say LA) and players are still looking to Anaheim as a popular destination (it's like a damn resort city or something huh?). The Ducks might be finding themselves in a rebuilding phase for the next few years.

5. What area will the Ducks be looking to upgrade during the season?

PERSONALLY, I'd like to see a STRONGER 2nd line Center. I think Selanne is being wasted on someone who currently doesn't match up to his style of play. What with a phenomenal 1st line Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry and 2/3 of a good line in Kunitz and Selanne, a second line center is what's missing from have 2 dynamic scoring lines. However the Ducks have always looked to their defensive core as a powerful weapon and no doubt will be looking to improve there now that Beauchemin is out for the season. The nice thing about the Ducks defense is the mix of veteran players and young presence. Huskins is getting the best training possible from Pronger and Niedermayer and Morrison has been a fantastic addition to the team this past off-season. The goaltending duo is stacked. Second line Center, Veteran defenseman as potential upgrades.

6. We've made no secret of how miserable we think attending games in Anaheim are. Here's your chance to defend your fellow Ducks fans and the Honda Center

Bummer. I clearly can't agree here. From what I have noticed, the fan base is growing steadily stronger. Hate the Honda Center? How is that possible? It's small, it gets loud (ahhh, maybe that's why other teams hate the place), and there isn't a bad seat in the building! The fans are growing in number (true, it's slow, but we've got a lot of sports to compete with in So Cal.). One thing I can say is that while Anaheim may not be considered a hockey market, it's definitely not struggling. The place is constantly packed and if it got 1⁄2 as much attention as other sports in the area, it might blossom more than people expect. The Ducks don't get the recognition they deserve, if they did...other teams might be surprised at how great hockey is doing in So Cal!

There was a game this weekend right?

I hate that they didn't show the Ducks/Stars game this weekend on TV. The idea of buying the NHL package or Center Ice...or whatever...is completely pointless when they show 89% of the games on TV and I clearly don't care about watching anyone else. It's not until they don't show a game that I actually consider investing in the stupid thing. So...I obviously didn't see the game, and I was unable to listen...I had to rely on my phone for updates, which was confusing. I don't know if anyone else had this same issue, but I use Sportacular to get my updates and I noticed that we were up 2-1 at one point. I was very excited. Then I noticed it was 1-1...however the Corey Perry goal was still listed. HUH?! It seemed like everywhere I looked the score was 1-1, but the goal was still listed. It wasn't until I saw that the game was going into OT that I knew for sure it was disallowed. So naturally when I got home I looked into it and discovered that some Turco magic was put into play and that the puck had not crossed the line before the net was knocked off.

“They’re going to claim he’s sliding to make the save, when everybody knows he’s sliding into the post to knock it off,” Pronger said. “Yeah, he’s trying to make a save, but if he happens to knock it off, that’s part of goaltending. A goalie can do it constantly. Some goalies used to do that, were notorious for it.” -Chris Pronger OC Register

Anyway, I suppose it doesn't matter, the Ducks won anyway. The only other thing I saw was the great shootout goal from Ryan Getzlaf. I know it was a good thing for Jonas Hiller to get a win and forget the rough start he had against the Caps Wednesday night. I would have figured the Ducks would have switched up the guys in net during the back-to-back putting Hiller in against the Blues and Jiggy against the Stars, but whatever. 3 out of 4 points is acceptable I suppose.

Oh, and we'll see what happens in the future...but I was pleased to see the Brendan Morrison scratch. I am feeling guilty because I don't enjoy having this "dislike" of a Ducks player so much, but I can't help it...that guy frustrates me. I don't know how it all played out with this scenario...such as, how did the 2nd line do (other than not getting any goals)...did they play better without the guy? Anyway...it would be nice to actually SEE the team without him for an evening. Who knows...maybe he's feeling the fire after being a scratch.

One last thing, I tested my theory and I was right. My co-workers who are Kings "fans" can't name one current player. Pathetic (but I still love you guys anyway)!!

GO DUCKS!

Superstitious Promises

So, I've made a promise to the friends that I would NOT post a game day blog tomorrow. So I wont...I'll do it tonight instead.

Tonight was...a let down. I think the Ducks had alot of chances to get things done, but they weren't getting the bounces. They started the game off in typical Ducks fashion. TOO MANY PENALTIES!! They were lucky to get out of the first period only down 1 goal.

I was VERY happy to see Chris Kunitz get that kinda of "jerk reaction" goal. Reading his expressions tonight there was no doubt that he's getting frustrated and I hope that was a bit of relief for him. He's still playing hard as ever. I appreciate that.

Tonight the door closed completely on Brendan Morrison. I think he's a waste. He's in someone else's spot between Teemu Selanne and Kunitz. He's not fast enough and he's not sharp enough to do what those guys need from him. Okay, so he is recovering from this surgery. Sorry...I'm over it. That line is not working. Selanne has 10 goals, 9 are on the Power Play. Guess who's typically on the ice for those 9 goals. It's not Morrison that's for sure...it's and Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Now I'm not saying that I think Selanne should be playing with Getz and Perry...I think that would be a waste as well, BUT...I think that both of those lines have other options for a third player and I clearly don't think it's Morrison. I think Kunitz fits well with Selanne, and a strong center would be wonderful for them. In terms of the first line, keep Bobby Ryan up there and let him get used to playing with Batman and Robin, Thing 1 Thing 2, Siegfried and Roy...whatever you want to call them (you assign the roles the way you see fit).

Oh Mr. Niedermayer, how you manage to put smiles on the faces of Ducks fans so often. You never fail to put the puck in the net at the right time. You know, like with less than a minuet to play...such as...the Western Conference Finals to send it into overtime (only to result in a WIN). Or even after your brother puts up a huge hit to send the puck your way so you can fling it past a complaining Luongo. I heart you Scott Niedermayer and your ability to do exactly what is needed of you in less than a minuet. Just...don't trip on anymore pucks please...Thanks!

Okay, quickly. UJ is starting to get into this Hockey thing (I love turning people into Hockey fans!). Anyway, so he's got alot of questions about various aspects of the game. Tonight he asked about standing in front of the goalie. My response was basic in that there is the screen/defense effect, but ultimately, if the goalie can see the puck and it doesn't get deflected in some way...he's likely to stop it. Oh and then OT makes me look the fool...what's going on Jiggy? Seriously...?!?

This whole up down thing the Ducks are working is ridiculous. Individually, they aren't doing their own jobs very well and it's making for ugly hockey. As a group...well, that's just the problem...they don't seem to be a group right now.

Will they get their act together for tomorrow?

That's it. Will they get it right?

Oh and if it matters...I'm 4-6-1 with game day blogs. (The 1 is in regards to the blog posted at 12:30am on November 2nd. My friends claim that since I posted before going to bed, it doesn't count...therefore, I'm just going to consider it a push).

GO DUCKS!!

Yes, it’s time for another road trip, don’t ya think?

Interesting…
Before the game (TV broadcast) they talked about how Teemu Selanne feels that the team used to focus on not giving up so many goals…and that they were straying from that too much. The Caps get 6 tonight.

Interesting…
Before the game (at the Honda Center) the quote on the board was from Bobby Ryan discussing how he can really do some damage. He gets 2 goals and 3 points for the night.

Poor Jonas Hiller. He got worked by poor defense and too many turnovers. I don’t know that you can really blame him for the goals he let by. However it was good timing to bring in J.S. Giguere. I always get the impression that when Jiggy feels threatened he tends to play better. It’s too bad he doesn’t ALWAYS play that way, but I’ll take it anytime!! Anyway, there were too many turnovers, too many lazy plays and SO many effort LESS passes. UGLY! Getting back that first 8 minuets of the game might have meant the difference for the Ducks tonight though.

A big momentum swinger was the Bobby Ryan goal, the Corey Perry fight and the Chris Pronger hit (we’ll get into that later) all in the first period. You could see the Ducks turn it on a bit after those few events. Again, had they been playing this way the entire game, things might have been different.

That Ryan Getzlaf goal was beautiful. It was the kind where you were already standing because you KNEW it was going in. Getz took his time and made a beautiful move. After that it was disappointing to know the period was close to an end. I really wanted to see the Ducks out there with this passion and fight that they haven’t been showing too often. Too bad it couldn’t translate into the 2nd. The Ducks clearly weren’t putting as much effort in during the middle there.

Bobby Ryan getting the first two of the season for him tonight was fantastic. He brought damage that was for sure. Glad he could back up the talk! The goals came at some good times giving the Ducks a bit of a boost. Plus gives that guy some confidence out there on the ice and it makes that top line even better. He didn’t shy from doing work either…he led the Ducks with 5 SOG for the evening.

I’m sure it was a bit of a relief for Selanne to get a goal tonight as well. Cause from the get go, the Caps had his number and they really shut him down. I noticed that he couldn’t get going at all from the very beginning of the game. You could kinda see it on his face all night too.

I wanted to post tonight because there was so much to say and really cause I wanted to make sure that I mentioned this. I’m expecting to see about 5 million posts tomorrow about PRONGER. Dirty hitting Pronger. His hit in the first on Mike Green was huge, and like I said before, I think it was a momentum changer. It was HUGE!!! I’m prepared to defend this one to the death because I have a feeling that Ducks haters are going to be out there calling for Prongers head on this one (gosh I hope I'm wrong). It was clean. Pronger got low (again, let’s discuss his height 6’6’’) and it was clear SHOULDER TO SHOULDER. You could tell Pronger took his time and calculated what needed to be done. It was a good hit, it’s why Pronger fans are Ducks fans, because he’s the guy that everyone loves to hate when he’s not in their uniform. Green didn't return to the game by the way. Anyway…I’d really love it if I saw nothing about it tomorrow, but I wont be holding my breath on that one.

It was an intense game for sure. I really REALLY didn’t want to see Alexander Ovechkin celebrate, and unfortunately that happened FAR too many times over the course of the evening. Oh well. I also did NOT like when he held Bobby Ryan defenseless so that John Erskine could get in a few shots there at the end of the 3rd.

The Ducks had plenty of opportunities to get it done in the 3rd and got off a great 16 SOG during that period alone (they only had 16 in the first two combined. Oh and BTW, the Ducks lost the SOG battle tonight, 32-33 AND lost the game…so the theory doesn’t hold up for tonight.) I don’t think I’ve seen a game where so many passes flew right through the crease just missing a stick or a defenders skate. SO CLOSE SO MANY TIMES! I can say one thing that I don’t like seeing…a wide open Brendan Morrison not able to get it done on a one on one opportunity. I’m just saying…that guys window of opportunity here is practically closed.

Anyway, that’s all for now. I’m sure there is a possibility that tomorrow there will be more flowing from my head and I’ll add another then.

But one thing is for sure…getting away from the Honda Center might just be what these guys need right now!

Go Ducks!

Best Wishes to you too!

So you know that part where you feel like...well...yea I can't explain it. I know I've already done the thing where I gush about my friends and I'm afraid I have to do it again. To say that they (Ramon and Mini) are amazing is an understatement. To say that I deserve what they have done for me is an overstatement. I don't. They have given me another birthday gift that they had to go to some lengths to get. What the gift is, well that isn't important... BUT IT IS AMAZING, I CAN SAY THAT MUCH! The thought is even more wonderful than the gift and it makes me feel like an awful friend. I don't know how to explain it other than I know I don't deserve the wonderful amazing gift I received. It was really that good! Seriously! Gosh they're great!!!!

Anyway... On to Ducks stuff.

My wonderful friend Ramon, faithful reader I might add, added some fuel to my fire about the whole "broadcasting who you hate". He told me about a license plate he saw the other day. DUCKS H8R. It was framed by a KINGS frame. I don't like the Kings as much as the next Ducks fan and therefore you would never catch me with any reference to them on my car! Not even with a peeing boy! I hate mentioning them here in fact. I just wanted to add to that! It's stupid!

But since we're already on the subject...I love it when the Ducks beat the Kings. The best part is when I go back to work and throw it in co-workers faces that the Ducks won. They are Kings fans...the word "fan" is used very lightly... As I don't think they can name one current player. (I'll have to verify that theory but I'm pretty sure I'm right).

It's always interesting to see them play each other. For one, the games are always battles, which is what you want to see from a rivalry. But they are always intense. Although, not nearly as intense as the playoffs...haha not that Kings fans could possibly remember what it's like to feel that kind of anxiety. (So not like me to be so publicly mean) anyway...good things. I really like that were getting the Bobby Ryan experience. I wish it didn't come at the cost of Beaucheboy (nickname), but it's too difficult to go back in time to change that. Cause hey, if they could...I'm sure the Ducks would change other things in order to get Ryan in a Ducks uniform. No matter the circumstance, he's here with the Ducks and in Bakersfield and here and maybe again in Bakersfield...I was pleasantly surprised to see that at least one of my wish list lines was granted. I think it showed alot of promise too! Again, I'd really like to see the Kunitz, Carter, Selanne line... For MANY reasons but mostly less of Morrison. I wouldn't mind if that guy made me eat my words though. Someone who isn't making me eat my words is Jonas Hiller or Joe-nas Miller as Bret Hedican called him after the game. Um, welcome to the team? Anyway... Hiller was fabulous on Sunday and I think it's great that the Ducks have two great goalies when needed. I loved how happy he was during his rink side interview and I really love how we all learned that he enjoys orange Gatorade. Likewise, Hedican seemed equally thrilled to get a goal. Good for him. It also means that my friends and I will stop referring to him as "new guy" (that's the nickname guys get until they do something worthy of their own nickname...some of which are doosies...Junk, Ole, GQ, Chiclets...maybe I'll save that blog for another day).

Well, I think that's all the useless information I have for today. OH!!!! But I do want to point out that just like previous games, the Ducks who did WIN on Sunday night were OUTSHOT 29-26.

I think it will be exciting to see how tomorrow goes for Ducks and the Caps. I like that the NHL is allowing us to see all the East coast teams one way or another.

Go Ducks!

Double Down...

It hurts to see that Francois Beauchemin is going to be out for 6 months. I'm personally a big Beauch fan, and this is really going to provide a huge hurdle for the Ducks who, in my opinion, aren't doing so well on defense right now. The bright side...if there is one...is that the Ducks did call up Bobby Ryan and Brett Festerling. Ryan might prove to be a good thing for the 2nd line...who knows.

It might not have hurt as much if the Ducks were able to pull out a win last night. Hey guys, you just had a 4 day break, shake off the rust and get moving. It's like the Ducks are playing in slow motion. Following the plays instead of making them. Another night of less than 60 minutes. You know what kills me about that? THEY ALL SEEM TO KNOW THEY AREN'T PLAYING HARD ENOUGH. They all keep talking about how they aren't showing up for full games and that they can be playing better and that they should be working harder...but it just doesn't happen. It seems like at this point, they either give 100% or they don't bother showing up at all. There is NO in between. If you realize the problem...what is it going to take to fix it? Perhaps an injury and a bit of a line shake up will help. We'll see about that. Maybe Mr. "I've only got 2 goals and I'm really not playing well enough to be on the same line with Teemu Selanne" Morrison could be a healthy scratch for a night? Why not? I'm clearly still not impressed.

Even more upsetting is the fact that the Ducks just aren't playing well at home. They aren't playing (at all really) in front of the biggest groups of supporters they have, the people who are coming out to see them win. Don't get me wrong, I love watching them win on the road, but it's even nicer when they do it at home. After losing only 9 games in regulation at home last year, they are more than half way there already going 4-5-2 this season at the Honda Center.

Well, here's hoping that things go better tomorrow night...

ALSO...I hope that everyone in the Orange County area is doing well. It doesn't seem as though this fire is going to be getting any better any time soon. BE SAFE!

Put your SOG here...

Looking for something good to write about…something positive…

Hm…let’s see. Discuss how hard the Ducks have been playing and just coming up short? No…they didn't show up until the 3rd period last night and even that effort was lacking. Definitely didn’t play 60 minuets.

Great Defense? Can’t do that…Scott Niedermayer has been inexplicably absent for the past 2 games. After tripping over the puck during the Dallas game his confidence has been lost.

Scoring streak? Wrong again…I did a fabulous job of jinxing that in my last blog. Chris Pronger, Ryan Getzlaf and Teemu Selanne all saw that one come to an end.

Brendan Morrison is finally showing up? Hardly…the best thing to happen to that second line was the decision to put both Ryan Carter and Todd Marchant with Selanne in the 3rd.

Oh OH! What about the physical play?! Well we haven’t really seen any of that since…Detroit...maybe Calgary?!

How about all the rest they are going to get between now and Friday?! That’s good news for the Ducks…not for fans though…

The Rinkside view might be going away?! Apparently not according to the OC Register.

How about 45 SOG? Nah…they still only managed to put one in net…in the first 2 minuets of the game no less and missed so MANY opportunities. The trend of getting tons of shots and no goals is continuing…

After looking into this…the trend has been going on for quite some time with the Ducks (so far this season). The following list shows that just because you get more SOG, doesn’t mean you win the game. In fact, only 3 of the Ducks 17 games so far this season have the SOG winner also won the game. (Winning team is in bold)

1.) Ducks = 29 @ San Jose = 41
2.) Phoenix = 24 @ Ducks 35
3.) Ducks = 26 @ Los Angeles = 23
4.) Edmonton = 28 @ Ducks = 35
5.) San Jose = 38 @ Ducks = 20
6.) Carolina = 24 @ Ducks = 33
7.) Ducks = 21 @ Toronto = 38
8.) Ducks = 32 @ Ottawa = 30
9.) Ducks = 25 @ Montreal = 51
10.) Ducks = 24 @ Columbus = 32
11.) Detroit = 38 @ Ducks = 34
12.) Vancouver = 29 @ Ducks = 37
13.) Calgary = 36 @ Ducks = 37
14.) Ducks = 27 @ Los Angeles = 35
15.) St. Louis = 32 @ Ducks = 27
16.) Dallas = 26 @ Ducks = 30
17.) Florida = 26 @ Ducks = 45

I don’t know if that’s as interesting or even relevant…but I thought it was.

Yea, I can’t come up with ANYTHING positive to say about last night. The Ducks look exhausted, they are being outplayed and it’s really ugly to watch!

Enjoy the 4 day break.

NOT AGAIN?!

It’s awfully hard to get writing after a loss. Probably because there’s so much more to criticize after loss than a win. I usually like to write as I watch or I go back over the game that I have tivo-ed…ugh, I really wasn’t looking forward to having to do that this time, but I did it anyway.

The Ducks looked like they were skating in mud. They were out of position and all too often unable to get set up in their offensive zone. They looked tired and almost like they got together before the beginning of the game and said…"hey, we’re going to lose eventually…let’s just go out and let them man handle us tonight." They did. My only request was to see hits and Ryan Getzlaf take more than 2 shots. Well, Getz took 3 shots (oh boy) and there were hits alright…just not ones by the Ducks (except for the smash that Chris Kunitz put on Sean Avery…even though he had it coming. Oh and the one from Todd Marchant and Ryan Carter that caused a need for the glass to be repaired...okay, so there were a few.)!

The Ducks' power play was absent, except for one goal. The Stars came into the game 1-16 in previous Power Play opportunities…and scored on their first and second opportunity. Those goals lead Mark Parrish to his first goals…excuse me...HAT TRICK of the season in his FIRST GAME of the season with the Stars. LOVELY!

I really think Marty Turco got a lot of lucky chances. That guy flails around as if he has NO control over his body (kinda like he’s taken goal tending lessons from Dominik Hasek). It was definitely a game where bounces weren’t in the Ducks favor and it seems like when that happens, frustration sets in and then so do the penalties. The penalty kill had to work so much harder seeing guys constantly head off to the box. The frustration hit everyone, Corey Perry for one, met the box twice in the 3rd period, Samuel Pahlsson paid a visit out of frustration after giving Mike Modano a pleasant push to the back of the head (he’s had 3 penalties in the last 2 games…rare for that guy) and Steve Ott even managed to frustrate Chris Pronger into taking 2 minuets. Although, now that I think about it…Prongs hasn’t been visiting the box too often this season having only served 20 PIM (last season he had 128 PIM…now that I’ve mentioned it of course...).

The highlights of the game?
Teemu Selanne broke the tie he once shared with Paul Kariya to now be the all time Ducks leader in assists (370). Fantastic. I love seeing Selanne at the top of any Ducks list. In addition, Getzlaf, Pronger and Selanne were all able to extend their point streaks (9, 6, 9). More importantly Brendan Morrison finally got his first goal as a Duck. Let’s just hope this was his dentist visit and things will only get better for him here on out.

So tonight…the Florida Panthers (4-8-1; last in the league with only 9 points). I don’t have much to say about this except…they lost to the Kings a few nights ago…the Ducks SHOULD be able to mop the floor with them right?

Go Ducks! Let’s see something better than what we witnessed on Friday okay?

OH!! Visit Battle of California and support the "Re-Sign Sammy Pahlsson" Campaign.