Ducks in a Row: I love the smell of 7 goals in the morning!

How wonderful was last night?

Who doesn't miss seeing the Ducks play like that night in night out?

Fabulous.

There were stretches of time during the game...LONG STRETCHES where the Ducks were completely dominate. There were stretches of the game last night, where the Ducks looked like the Ducks we as fans have been waiting to see for months.

How long is this high intensity of play going to last?

How long is this desire to not get traded going to help to pull the Ducks through the western conference?

The next few months are going to be difficult for the Ducks...but with nights like last night...all is not lost!

Two things I noticed about last nights game. One, not something they can always control, was the bounces. I'd really say that last night was the first time in a long time that the bounces were going in the Ducks' favor. How many nights have we seen them pushing at shoving at the net, only for the puck to get cleared? Last night the Ducks were able to get alot of those junk goals. One off of Corey Perry's body, another off of the shaft of Rob Niedermayer's stick and 1 of Chris Kunitz's 2 goals didn't appear to actually be chipped in by his own stick. Sometimes those things are going in your favor and last night was one of them. On the same note, they were playing very aggressively and getting the puck to the net in the first place.

Which brings me to point two. Aggressive defensemen. I don't know if the fears of being traded are kicking in, but last night Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger, Steve Montador, Brett Festerling...those guys were all playing an aggressive OFFENSIVE game. Taking shots down low and being forceful around the net. It made a difference. The Perry body goal was a shot taken from Niedermayer, and Robbies stick goal was a bullet from Pronger. I like to see those things, and I like that the Ducks are taking strong chances offensively. Hey...Scotty's down low goals got the Ducks through the 2007 playoffs remember?

Keep it up gents!

Tonight's Ducks in a Row:

Goals from Getzlaf, Ryan, Montador, Ebbett and Pronger (yes Ramon, I'm still waiting for my Ebbett goal).

And tonight, we welcome back the Jiggy we ALL KNOW AND LOVE!

GO DUCKS!

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!

MISSING: It's obvious...right?

Updated @7:45am

I don't think I understand how things are so out of control for the Ducks right now.

Let's start positive tonight for a change:
Scott Niedermayer as the all star of the game was an understatement. He was in tip-top Scotty form. Handling the puck effortlessly and taking it in deep to provide plays. His open net goal in the third was beautiful and was a result of his hard work. He got the puck to the net on the original play. Unfortunately for Scotty, he wasn't able to get back quick enough to cancel a Brett Festerling turn over that caused the Ducks to give up another golden opportunity for Daniel Sedin, who was rewarded with an unassisted goal (the Ducks have been giving those out like candy lately).

I think another huge positive for the Ducks tonight was the hard work from Andrew Ebbett. Even after a crazy travel experience, it was clear he came to play and he worked hard. He's happy to be playing with the Ducks and simply happy for the opportunity. The OC Register reported that he arrived at about 8pm Sunday evening:

“Oh yeah, I was smiling yesterday, too,” he said. “You couldn’t get mad about it. There was nothing you could do about it. It’s winter, Christmas travels, and I got to come up here, so I’m not complaining.”Andrew Ebbett, OC Register

I'm happy to see him get the opportunity, just wish it was under different circumstances.

So in addition to stellar Scotty, Bobby Ryan was compelling to watch. He really held his own out there against a very strong looking Vancouver. I think his most important factor was his efforts to get the puck to the net. It's nice to see the fresh faces working so hard to make a name for themselves. If Ryan keeps this up...the Ducks will undoubtedly benefit.

ADDED: I can't believe that I forgot to mention Sammy Pahlsson. How do you not love Sammy Pahlsson? I think he got robbed on that goal. I could barely tell what was going on in the crease to decide if it was intentional or not. But the best part about it...he ended up getting a great goal anyway. Finally. He was slightly overdue for something!! But I just wanted to make sure that he got his credit for playing hard last night.

One last note because my praise of Chris Kunitz will hopefully be never ending. While looking around various stats I came across hits. Okay, so maybe not the most important stat, or the biggest headline getter, but for the Ducks it has always been a big/HUGE part of their game and I think it's currently lacking. Thanks Kunitz, you are leading the team with 79, followed by Travis Moen with 70 (the leading hit man in the league is Milan Lucic from Boston with 133). Let's pick it up a bit boys. It can't hurt right? Well, maybe it will hurt the opposition and that's what the Ducks are looking for right now. Kunitz is 22nd in the league in hits.

So the ugly news for the night:
TOO MANY things that are missing right now. Here are a few:

The power play is STILL MISSING. Okay, so the Ducks were 2 for 5 tonight. One was a 5-3 opportunity. I don't think it's enough. Not when they are taking nearly twice as many penalties (more on that later). A bright note however, Ryan showed that his efforts in studying Teemu Selanne worked to his advantage. His goal tonight was solid as was that first power play opportunity. In fact, the first 10 minuets of the game were outstanding. I was very ready to see a great game by the Ducks and then...

MISSING: Self Control. It has been lost by the Ducks lately. They have been playing frustrated and it shows. More so on Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry than anyone else (plus we all know that when one gets picked on, the other is likely to jump to his side). They are top tier players and the rest of the NHL knows this. They are getting shut down and frustrated and taking it out in the wrong way. For one thing, Getzlaf fighting is unnecessary. The LAST thing the Ducks need is their top scorer in the box. DUH! IT'S OBVIOUS RIGHT?! What about the fact that the guy averages 19:17 TOI (just behind Scotty (26:43) and Chris Pronger (26:31) of course) and only played 16:24. Okay, so not a huge difference, but that could mean 3 or 4 EXTRA shifts that he's on the ice instead of in the box! It could mean sending this particular game into overtime!

REWARD IF FOUND: LESS PENALTIES TAKEN!!!!! Gee, wouldn't it be fantastic if the Ducks weren't constantly playing SHORTHANDED?! You've got 2 SH goals this year so far...think that's going to be a positive way to win games? HA! The Ducks took 9, yes NINE, penalties tonight. The Canucks were only able to score on two of those...but hey, those two less goals mean the DUCKS WIN THE GAME! Come on now...IT'S OBVIOUS RIGHT?!

MISSING: SOLID PASSING. I don't really know why this has been a problem lately, but it seems to be getting clearer and more sloppy as the season progresses. The OBVIOUS examples of this would be the 4 unassisted goals the Ducks have given up in the last week or so.

REWARD IF FOUND: SCORING OPPORTUNITIES. How many times tonight did it seem that if the Ducks were just able to make a clean pass, they would have found an open net? Case in point, Getzlaf makes a clean pass to Ryan...GOAL. Scotty sends the puck to the net, clean pass from Perry, open net for Niedermayer...GOAL.

Something to note, the Ducks are currently on pace for only 94 points this season. Yes, ONLY 94 points. They are better than that.

The frustration is setting in people, at home too, and I won't be happy if I kick my TV in.

GO DUCKS! GO GET FOCUSED! FOCUS! (inspired by OBD, and she won't even know it!)


I don't know what the fans are doing...and I don't care. Just keep it up! At this point, all four Ducks are in the starting line upand gaining ground on those behind them. There is less than 2 weeks left for voting, and from what I understand at some point they are going to stop showing the results (probably so the NHL can justify picking who they'd like to see playing...right?). All this means is that Ducks fans will probably have to vote a little harder. Just keep it up...because it's damn impressive and I LOVE IT!

Getz no points...you Getz no win...

First and foremost, Girl with a Puck would like to extend condolences to JS Giguere and his family on the recent loss of his father, Claude. Undoubtedly, this can't be an easy time for Jiggy, and I'm sure many kind thoughts are with him at this time.

On to the game...

Normally, no matter how the Ducks played, I really look forward to getting thoughts onto this space. Not today for some reason. I don't know if it's because I'm so utterly disappointed in the showing the Ducks put forth, or if it's because I know I'm going to do alot of complaining and I really hate that. Ugh, so let's get started.

I think the biggest challenge the Ducks faced against the Rangers was the clear and obvious breakdown on DEFENSE. Turning pucks over and being unable to clear the puck from the Ducks' defensive-zone proved to be the downfall. Need proof? ALL 3 goals for NY were unassisted. Essentially, too many Ducks were given the credit for goals not scored by the Ducks!

For the first time since being called up, Brett Festerling really showed his rookie status. He seemed overwhelmed. In addition, Scott Niedermayer was not his usual self, giving up pucks and making sloppy passes. And ultimately, Kent Huskins gave up the puck in the Ducks' end, only to result in the GWG for NY.

Still missing is the Power Play. Unable to get set up effectively in their offensive end, the Ducks are continuing their score-less streak on the PP. I wonder if we're going to be seeing a slight mix up in that area of play soon. The reward at this point will hopefully be some confidence for the team.

Careless and undisciplined attitudes really affected the team as well. Chris Kunitz had a high sticking penalty at the end that resulted in a double minor. That put the nail in the coffin for the Ducks and to top it off, Ryan Getzlaf received 2 minuets for slashing that was clearly a penalty of frustration. I think that for the first time since Getzlaf started sporting that "A" on his chest, he let his emotions get the best of him. He's really matured during this first half of the season, and with the exception of last night, that has proved very well for him. No doubting he got an earful after the game. Again, just to point out...when Getz doesn't get a point...the Ducks don't win. Ew.

I was so bummed to hear the Honda Center turn into a Rangers advertisement last night. You all know how I feel about broadcasting who you hate and it was so awful to hear the Ducks fans chanting "Rangers Suck"! I know I know, it was in part because TOO many Ranger fans were cheering "LET'S GO RANGERS", and to counter act that, fans did what they could. It was just ugly. Maybe if the Ducks had given more to cheer about it would have sounded differently.

So I do actually have fantastic news...and that is how PROUD of the Ducks fans I am right now!! Getzlaf is SECOND in the line up right now according to the leader board. LET'S KEEP HIM THERE AND PUSH FOR FIRST!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to try and post a link for voting on every blog from here until the All Star Game. Although, if you have unlimited text messaging, it's way easier (thank heavens I do, cause if not, my phone bill would be INSANE!)! So, text "Ducks" to 81812 or go here and get to work! Niedermayer and Pronger are closing in as well and Jiggy is just behind that Luongo guy!

GO DUCKS!

What was THAT?!

What was THAT?
Seriously...I'm actually ASKING...WHAT WAS THAT?! "You can't win 'em all!" BLAH! I don't want to hear that! What a lame way to get out of playing like...sh................

(I have some thoughts, but they aren't appropriate for this space.)

I'm crossing my fingers that we find out those were just a bunch of look-alikes and that the REAL Ducks missed the plane.

I'm hoping that the SOG theory hasn't been passed on to the team and they actually think they can win by getting ONLY 16 for the entire game.

I can't imagine that anyone was happy with that outcome last night. I don't even think Detroit was happy with that outcome...it's not even like they had to PLAY.

47-16. Abysmal.

4 of those shots were from Bobby Ryan and 3 were from Chris Kunitz (that would be about 44% from 2 guys). Kunitz, who has been playing his heart out lately, also had 5 of the Ducks' 27 hits as did Brett Festerling (good for that guy, I'm enjoying him).

I thought the mentality that the team uses about the first 10 minuets of the game is to move on and move forward...not, let's play for 10 minutes and then...just hang out...take in the sites at the Joe...do a little recreational skating, flip a puck here and there...follow Detroit around while they do their thing...let Jiggy and Hiller do all the work and see how it turns out. OH YEA!

That was MY interpretation of the game anyway.

Back-to-back on the road? Yea, I'll give that a bit of consideration...

In the mean time...check out my new shoes (they are 2-1 so far). Could they be any more perfect or what?



















GO DUCKS...
GOOOOOO...DO IT BETTER NEXT TIME!!!

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!