I've got...

I've decided to make a pick for the finals.

I personally would love it if they were just cancelled out right, but apparently, the NHL feels it's necessary to finish this season out with a winner...whatever.

With that in mind, I'll go ahead and make a pick (yea yea yea, I'm two games late...but that's really irrelevant since I'm not making a prediction, just picking who'd I'd like see win)...

One would think this is cut and dry seeing as how much I hate the Detroit Red Wings. Not so my friend.

My pick?

Pittsburgh...or Detroit.

I'll explain.

First of all, I have no second favorite team. No team in third, no fourth...basically, there is a 28 way tie for 29th and Detroit is 30th (yes, I hate them the most). It comes down to the lesser of the evils. This year, it's Pittsburgh.

I'd really like to see Pittsburgh take it this year for a couple of reasons. One, they've got Chris Kunitz. I'm okay with him winning a cup over there. Two, they're not Detroit - duh. Three, and this is probably the biggest reason...Sidney Crosby. Yea, I don't hate him like a majority of other NHL fans (who aren't Pens fans) do. I think it would be great for the NHL if their golden poster boy was seen raising a cup. I'd be okay with it and it might just help the NHL in the whole sports world. We can't deny that he's a great player, there is no question about that. In fact, we can't deny that he might just possibly be playing with a player who is as great as he is in Evgeni Malkin. Let's grant Gary Bettman and the NHL their ultimate fantasy, and let the kid win a cup.

So yea, I'd like to see the golden boy, his amazing teammate, an ex Duck, and anyone not wearing a Red Wings jersey win the cup this year.

----

I pick Detroit.

"But wait! You picked Pittsburgh and you JUST SAID you HATE Detroit, you HATE them more than anyone else! Why would you want them to win the cup?!"

Ah. Here's where logic gets kinda crazy. IF IF IF IF Detroit is going to walk out of the 2008-2009 season with their second straight cup (excuse me, I'm off to the bathroom to vomit at that thought), I hope they do it in 4...or 5 games. You see, that would give an insane amount of credit to one, Anaheim Ducks. The only team in the post season to make Detroit look vulnerable. The only team to push them to the brink and have threatened them legitimately. It would almost feel as though, had they knocked off Detroit like COULD have or SHOULD have...that maybe, just MAYBE, the Ducks could have lifted the cup this season. For a team who struggled so much during the season, this crazy line of logical thinking (I'm thinking if I use words like LOGICAL, my thought process will posses more merit than it likely does) makes me feel BETTER about where we stand at the end of this crazy season.

So when it comes down to it...I'd like to see Pittsburgh pull it out and do it for maybe "good" reasons, and I'd like to see Detroit SMOTHER the Pens for my more crazy, Ducks biased line of thinking.

Go Pittsbbb. Ggggggggggg Detr.....yea I can't do it.

Go figure.

GO DUCKS!!!

The shake will wait!

And the Ducks live to see another day (and so do I for that matter).

This was by far the best game the Ducks have played against Detroit thus far.

More importantly...this is the type of games the Ducks MUST play against Detroit.

What I love...

Puck movement. It was pleasantly nice for a change. Too fancy at times (Ryan Getzlaf...not everyone is you...please calm it down just a bit), but effective enough. The Ducks have a chip and chase method going on against Detroit and only when they are able to maintain control while playing this style will they be successful. Tonight, they were. In addition, they were able to get in Detroit's face, just enough, to disturb their puck movement. Making Detroit pay in the neutral zone is one of the few strong defensive plays the Ducks have at their disposal. When they are playing this well, it slows down Detroit's offense majorly. Huge plus for the Ducks.

What I'm hating...

Their inability to clear the zone. I talked about this a lot when the Ducks were facing San Jose. They seem to be great at clearing the puck from the front of the net, and yet, they struggle from getting it free from the zone completely. UGH! Fortunately for the Ducks, they are still employing the services of the ever wonderful Scott Niedermayer, who, even when fighting, always seems to gain the upper hand. I don't know what it is about that man...but I'm always at ease when he's on the ice.

Who I'm loving...

The Ryan's. I guess because they always seem to have the big plays, but tonight they were all credited with something huge. Ryan Whitney had a huge sprawling save a-la-Pronger style, and while the guy always seems to shy from the physical, if he wants to use his body to block shots, I'm all for it. Ryan Carter had a huge hit early in the game, and on the same shift did a fabulous job at boxing out at the front of the net for Teemu Selanne to get a few good shots on goal. Bobby Effin Ryan, who seems to be turning the corner finally. He didn't have a great game, but it was far improved from previous showings in this series. He had a big assist tonight and played much more physical than we've seen from him lately. Finally, Ryan Getzlaf...who I always feel can be a deal breaker for the Ducks. It was 4 months into the season that the Ducks finally won a game where Getzlaf didn't have at least 1 point (February 2 against Buffalo). That basically means when Getzlaf isn't contributing...the Ducks are going to have a hard time finding the wins they so desperately need. So Getz...do us all a favor...AND SHOOT THE PUCK MORE! Thanks, all our love...faithful Ducks fans!

Who I'm hating...

Detroit (that never changes).

What must continue...

Jonas Hiller has got to continue to be the man that he is. Always seeming so confident in between the pipes, and I love having him out there. He's still seeing way more than his fair share of shots on goal, but the important part is that he's SEEING them. Great thanks goes to the defense once again for that one. Let's face it though...without a solid goal tender like Hiller, there is no post season to speak of.

What must end...

The Ducks have got to stop taking lame penalties. Andrew Ebbett's retaliation penalty is unacceptable and can potentially cost the Ducks this series. In addition...too many men?! Pathetic! TWICE?!?! ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! There is NO WAY the Ducks will continue to be successful against Detroit by giving them so many power play opportunities!

Most Importantly...

The Ducks need to do it...ONE MORE TIME!

GO DUCKS!!!

Your 8th seed is showing

I have nothing.

They gave me nothing.

I'm actually beginning to wonder if they know what month we are in. Do they realize that this is May? This is not December. (Please don't play like this is December - we saw what you were doing in December...it was ugly.) Do they know that it's more than winning and losing? Are they not aware that if you lose, you go home?

The worst part? They lost to a better team. They lost to a team who played better, who wanted more.

Detroit wasn't that team through the first 3 games. I almost wish they were. Maybe if they had been, the Ducks would know that you can't sit back and wait for them to mess up!

I want to analyze the game, but there is nothing to say.

They played bad. They were lazy and unmotivated and they didn't give enough. Their goal tender did more than enough to keep them in the game, and they were unable to return the favor.

I expected more.

"Not the typical 8th seed."? Show me.

GO DUCKS!!!

And you played into it...

FIRST! I had SO MUCH FUN with Suz Broughton! She and I had a lot of laughs, great sliders from Ruby's, fun with the fans around us, tons of warm up picture time (although we didn't take ONE picture together - how lame is that?!), and she even twisted my arm into buying 3 more Ducks shirts (at least that's what I'm telling my empty wallet). I can't thank her husband, Larry, enough for being unable to attend. What a good man! Suz is quite the fan, and she's made some suggestions for off season blogs (I'll debate on whether or not I want to share some of the stories however). Even more impressive...she's got her OWN game day shoes (that's a blog for another day that I WILL be sharing)! Thanks again Broughtons...you rock! I can't wait until the next game!

Here's a great shot that Suz took of Mr. Ryan Carter for me...


Alright...onto game 4.2....

I've ignored the eerie similarities that everyone has been referencing regarding this playoff match up between the Ducks and the Red Wings...until now.

Of all the eerie similarities...heading back to Detroit tied 2-2, just as in the 2007 WCF, is the one I was hoping wouldn't be repeated.

I usually go home after the game and re-watch the recording - highlights, goals, penalties, questionable moments during the game - to get a recap and a reassess my emotions from the win/loss. I was unable to do that last night and therefore won't be nearly as opinionated about last night's match up as I'd like to be.

I knew that this game was going to be in Detroit's favor from the get go. Whether anyone will admit it or not, there was going to be a bit of a make up in Detroit's favor after game 3 ended the way it did. Unfortunately, the Ducks obviously felt that this was going to be the case as well...and they played into it. They allowed Detroit to walk all over them and did very little to fight back.

I'm not going to complain about the crowd last night. I always laugh at how the Yankee Detroit fans are so proud of themselves for their presence in an opponents arena. We're talking about a successful original 6 team franchise...they have bandwagon fans everywhere. Don't be so surprised when they are in your building.

Overall, the Ducks were playing the lazy brand of hockey we've seen from them all too often this season. A huge contrast in last night's game, compared to Tuesday's game in particular, was the Ducks' inability to shut down the neutral zone effectively. When it comes down to it, the Ducks have seen two very different opponents here in the post season. San Jose, in my opinion, plays a very similar style to the Ducks. A shorter, chip and retrieve type of game with a physical aspect similar to the way Anaheim plays the puck. Detroit plays a much smoother passing game, with an attempt to control the puck from one end of the ice to the other. If the Ducks are unable to put a stop to these successful offensive transitions...trouble...

Unfortunately for Jonas Hiller, he was bound to have an off night. I don't know that I can blame him completely as it seemed the defense was very off of their game last night as well. In fact, everyone seemed to be chasing Detroit, chasing the puck, chasing their own bodies since they were clearly not moving their feet...and they paid for it. Hiller's soft 5-hole goals were going to catch up to him eventually, and I'm really surprised Detroit has yet to exploit the fact that when they take shots directly in front of the crease, Hiller is quite soft. It was nice to see JS Giguere get some time in net, but I'll be honest, I hope that we see Hiller in net on Sunday.

There has been a lot of talk about the Ducks being insanely out shot over the past 10 post season games. Quality over quantity in my opinion. The Ducks may not be talking as many shots as their opponent, but I'd be interested in a stat showing timed puck possession. I would bet that those numbers are probably more reflective of why the Ducks have had success. They may not be taking as many shots as their opponents, but they're making them count. In the end, the scoreboard is all that matters anyway.

This is killing me, but I really hope that I don't have to change his name from Bobby Effin Ryan to Effin Bobby Ryan (I usually save that for when Ryan Getzlaf does things to piss me off). I'm still sticking to my "he's hurt" assumption, but it's definitely clear that something is bothering him. I don't think it's simply the pressure of the playoffs, I think it's the pressure from EVERYWHERE ELSE that is potentially getting to him. I think in particular it's the pressure from the 2 or 3 guys in Red Wings jerseys who immediately attach themselves to him once he touches the puck. I still believe he'll find a way to break through. Maybe he shouldn't have been so damn amazing during the regular season causing a mini post season slump to make him stand out like a sore Thronton thumb. Hang in there fans...he's still the Effin we all know and love.

Also, what happened to Getzlaf last night? He disappeared during the third (much like Effin did in game 5 against San Jose and hasn't been the same since) and I noticed immediately, but haven't seen anything other than "he's sick". I'm not buying it. Anyone have another thought?

Finally, I'd just like to mention how much I loved Francois Beauchemin's fight last night. Again, I'm not a fan of the fighting, but that felt right last night. It was a great fight...and yet again someone was surprised to find out Beauchaboy is a lefty! LOVE IT!

In the end, I hope that last night's game didn't put doubt into the team's head. They're going to need to be the better team on Sunday. They need to do it for their moms...for Ryan Getzlaf's 24th birthday...and for the pure reason that this is the post season, there is no room for error.

GO DUCKS!!!

Saved by the whistle!

Whew! That was a close one last night. Probably should have been closer than it was...but the fact of the matter is that the Ducks got the "W".

At this point, I don't think it matters how this series turns out, the Red Wings and their fans aren't going to be happy. They'll be looking at what they consider to be a questionable hit in game 1 and now a goal that shouldn't have been called off and continue to call the Ducks "lucky". When it comes down to it, the Ducks got a call in their favor for a change. Plain and simple. Was it pay back for a kicked in goal during game 2? Was it to rectify an elbow to the already injured James Wisniewski? It doesn't matter. What everyone needs to remember is that questionable calls are going to happen in every game. Sure, it's easier to be okay with a questionable call when it goes in your teams favor, and I'm not trying to excuse it. Every team has suffered a fate from the whistle, and this time it was a positive for the Ducks.

"He didn't make a mistake. In hindsight, if he had a slow-motion camera to review it, he may not have (blown the whistle). He did what all officials are instructed to do. Blow the whistle when they don't see the puck. And he didn't see the puck." - E.J. McGuire, series manager and spokesman for officials. Anaheim Ducks Official Web Site

We all know humans are going to make mistakes. When it comes down to it, referee Brad Watson was simply doing his job. Referees aren't always good at their job, but it's part of the job description to be hated by fans across the league. He's currently getting top billing as employee of the month from me!

Way more important than screwing over the Red Wings (which I love more than you can imagine) is the status of James Wisniewski. I didn't see the play as it happened, but did notice immediately that he was hurt after the elbow to his face. While watching the replay of the game at home, it was obvious that he took a shot to the chest and was in considerable pain from that. To add further injury to injury, he then received an elbow to the face from Tomas Holmstrom. Scott Niedermayer was the only man sent to the box on that play for a hooking call, and Detroit scored on the following PP opportunity. It's okay though, the Ducks got that call back when the whistle sounded in their favor at the end of the game. Reports from the Anaheim Ducks Official Web Site is that Wisniewski has suffered a lung contusion and was kept over night for monitoring. He is apparently doing well however, and I know I'm just one of thousands of fans who hopes he is doing well. I'm sure it's too much to ask that we see him tomorrow night, as I have no idea how long this type of injury may last, but hopefully sooner than later. He's become a HUGE reason the Ducks have had their recent success, and I'm a big fan of the Wiz. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.

Another daunting message from last night was revealed in MANY tweets I received via Twitter regarding Effin. Those messages were all the same..."Where's Bobby Effin Ryan?". Even the constantly angry guy sitting behind me (he complained about EVERYTHING) couldn't help but voice his frustrations every time the kid couldn't maintain control of the puck. Is it possible Ducks fans were spoiled by his regular season brilliance? Is he folding under the pressure? Is he too good to be true? I say, "nah!" to all of those things. It's quite possible that he's just hit a dry spell. It's also very possible that Detroit knows better than to give Effin an ounce of breathing room, knowing very well what he is capable of. I say, give the kid some time. Get off his back for a bit and let him be a rookie. This is his first time in the post season and I'm sure the nerves are there and the pressure is definitely there...give him a day or so off of the criticism block and let him play his game. The goals and the points will come.


On that same note, it's a great thing the Ducks have players like Ryan Getzlaf to rely on. He didn't have a big night last night on the scoreboard, but I was watching him closely- and wow, is he underrated. It's so much of the little things that Getzlaf brings to the game that are remarkable. The way he handles the puck is unbelievable in it's own right, but how he controls a play, and moves around the ice is fascinating to watch. In addition, he's very smart with the puck up against the boards. I watched that closely last night and to see the way he uses not only his stick, but his feet, his legs, and his body to make space for puck control...thats a talent that can't be taught- it's natural. I give Getzlaf a lot of crap from time to time, and I'm realizing just now that it's because I'm really understanding why Brian Burke constantly remarked that he can "be as good as he wants to be". It's amazing at how good he is when it appears he isn't even trying...and when he is trying, the guy is quite possibly unstoppable.

Another highlight of the night was the beautiful little backhander by Teemu Selanne to put the Ducks on the board. Most impressive on that play was the great feed from Ryan Carter. I'm not one to pat myself on the back...but I will say this:

I've been calling for the Ebbett-Carter-Selanne line for months! MONTHS!!! I'm glad to see that it's paying off for the Ducks. Maybe more importantly, I'm glad to see the inspiration for Carter to stay in the lineup means he's got 4 points in his last 5 games. The Ducks need scoring from anyone - and with Detroit working so hard to keep the Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry line down, second line scoring is huge. So is converting on breakaways...maybe Selanne should have a little sit down with Drew Miller and give him a few tips on how to be successful going one-on-one. Couldn't hurt.

One more thing...the Honda Center was insanely loud last night. My friends and I were having difficulty talking to each other from time to time. I don't know if it was the combination of too many Red Wings fans in the building, or just the fact that these playoff games bring out the emotions in everyone, but it was great to hear all of the fans doing their part. We're going to need to bring this continued support as I feel the refs are going to be making up for the late "no goal" in game 4's match up.

It's great to be up 2-1 in this series, but this thing is FAR from over!

See you there tomorrow night, it'll be a doosie!

GO DUCKS!!!

All day hockey event?! I'LL TAKE IT!

THANK YOU TODD MARCHANT!

I don't know that this blog post requires more than that.

What a long exhausting game for players and fans. I, for one, love knowing that after 100 minutes of hockey, Detroit fans left dejected.

This game didn't need to go into overtime. I think the Ducks know that. The painfully lame slashing penalty by the reckless Ryan Getzlaf and Detroit is on an early power play. Then, a ridiculous call by the "Situation Room"...

Hockey Operations used video review to determine if Detroit player Stuart used a distinct kicking motion (the fact that the puck bounced off Anaheim defenseman Wisniewski before going in the net is not a factor - Rule 49.2 states "A kicked puck that deflects off the body of any player of either team shall be ruled no goal"). The decision of Hockey Ops was that Stuart did not use a distinct kicking motion - Good goal. NHL.com

I have to question that one. I would have voted kicking. Doesn't matter now...all is said and done.

Jonas Hiller was looking rusty in the early moments of the game (I call them early when you play 5+ periods of hockey). More of those soft 5 hole goals and lofty short side opportunities are goals that Hiller can't afford to give up. He definitely found a way to shine through the final 2 periods of overtime as that klepto-glove of his was as lethal as ever. Saving 59 of the 62 shots he faced, I'm beginning to wonder if he knows exactly what's on the line in these playoff games. He always seems so calm and put together...I really wonder if he realizes that this is more than just a "really long game". Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining one bit.

In the end, the important factor was, as always, scoring. Scoring from the typical guys, Ryan Getzlaf and Chris Pronger, as well as the not so common guys, Ryan Carter and Todd Marchant. I really think the not so common guys were the deciding factor in the game. Seeing Carter step up and get a big goal off of a beautiful end board bank by Scott Niedermayer. Josh Green, who for all purposes came out of nowhere (both on the roster and in the game), was just inches from winning the game. Mike Brown, who yet again, had a huge night drawing 2 penalties and showed no signs of effect from his ejection on Friday. Drew Miller and his two break away opportunities and of course, Marchants game winner. It's these guys, the ones who's names aren't mentioned in the headlines...the guys who don't score 60+ points in a season...who are not likely to be the focus of the opponents checking line...THESE GUYS, they're going to win you tight games after 40 minutes of overtime of the playoffs.

More on the Ryan's for just a moment. It really seemed to me that they all played a part in today's game. Some good, some bad. Unfortunately, the bad went to both Ryan Whitney and Bobby Ryan. I still think that there might be something going on with Effin that we as fans aren't aware of, and I think it's put a hindrance on his intensity. He seems a jump behind everyone and it caused Randy Carlyle to move him to the second line and replace him with Carter. I can't say that I like that as a permanent position as I think Carter is a better option on the Selanne line as is Ryan for the Getzlaf-Perry line. But, sometimes the team needs a different look and a spark. It was a good call by Carlyle. In addition, both Getzlaf and Carter were big factors in the game as the both found the net to keep the Ducks in the game. Ryan Whitney on the other hand looks a bit scrambled from time to time. I'd like to see him get more aggressive.

In terms of Scott Niedermayer...I'd like to know what happened to him. I don't think that this was what I'd call a typical Scotty game. He was out of position, out skated and taking sloppy (yes, lame) penalties. I'd like to think that this was just a one time thing, but I felt like he wasn't himself during the first game of this series either. But it happens from time to time...shake it off Scotty!

Overall, the Ducks showed a lot of heart on the ice. They somehow found the energy that Marchant referenced, moments before scoring the game winner, to keep going strong over 100 minutes of hockey. They're going to be tired on Tuesday, but the good news is that Detroit will be tired too. One of the positives from the game is this...they really made Detroit look vulnerable from time to time...and they're coming home 1-1.

GO DUCKS!!!

Detroit, Media/Versus, & the NHL = 1; Ducks = 0

--UPDATED!--

This is going to be an even tougher battle than I thought. I somehow forgot that the Ducks would be up against Detroit, the entire Media, and the NHL as a whole. Damn.

Plain and simple, the Ducks are going to have to play like angels if they want a chance in this series. There will be no room for sloppy play, because the entire NHL will be there to ensure the Ducks spend what is beyond their fair share of time in the penalty box.

So lets get right to it.

The Mike Brown hit.


--UPDATED--

Here's a still image from the opposite angle. Thanks to Morbo over at BOC






I think he's going to get a suspension. There is no way you lay a hit like that against the precious and untouchable Red Wings and not get slapped with a suspension...it doesn't matter how guilty or innocent you are. Of course Mike Brown feels he's innocent;

“I just hit him with my shoulder,” Brown said. “My elbow wasn’t up. My stick wasn’t up. It was just a clean hit. I wasn’t meaning to do any harm or anything. I was just playing physical. His head was down. I think they called it because he was cut and on the ice, but I think that was probably because of his visor. He had just gotten rid of the puck. It wasn’t late or anything.” OC Register

And of course, Jiri Hudler thinks it was dirty;

"I didn't see him coming," Hudler said. "It happened really quick. I didn't have the puck for at least two seconds. It was kind of late, but there's nothing I can do right now. Obviously, it's a hit on the head. I don't want to be out of line, but I hope (the League) will get a look at it and do the right thing." From the Rink

And for a change, not every media personnel is kissing Detroit's ass. Bob McKenzie from TSN;

"It's really up to the National Hockey League to decide what is it that they want to do. I think the NHL is going to look at it and say it's a five-minute major, it happened midway through the first period, Mike Brown is out of this game, there was no severe injury to Hudler other than the blood, he came back and he's playing, and the Ducks had to play with 11 forwards the rest of the game. There may not be a suspension in this case."Puck Daddy

My opinion? I think that the 5 minute major AND the game misconduct are more than enough. Late hit? A bit. However, a "bit" is more than enough and I'll accept that. Hit to the head? NO. Malicious? NO. Where did the blood come from? HIS OWN VISOR! I honestly don't think he deserves a suspension for the hit. Will they try and make this an example? Probably, even though it's a poor case in my opinion. If the Ducks were on the other end would I want a suspension? In all honesty, even with my passionate dislike of the Red Wings, I'm going to say no. I'd like to think I have a good ability to step out of the box.

That's my opinion. I want yours too...

Moving right along...

The Ducks lost this game because they were lazy in the final moments of the game. As much as I love Corey Perry and Bobby Effin Ryan, I'm sorry, but they failed me tonight. What were you boys doing STANDING AROUND?! There is no way you are going to win any games against Detroit if you're busy hanging around waiting for them to make a mistake. It's not going to happen. Instead, they waited for you to make a costly mistake in your own defensive end, and made you pay for it with less than 1 minute to go in the game. Maybe Effin doesn't know what it's like to see a goal in Joe Louis Arena with less than a minute to play, but Perry should remember that it's those last minute ditch efforts that won him a cup 2 years ago.

The Ducks had their chances tonight. A few posts and shots gone wide...but again, I'll refer you to this thought: It's not how you play, it's whether you win or lose. Those posts and wide misses are part of this game. You have to find a way to make those opportunities bounce in your favor. There was a huge spark of intensity from Teemu Selanne and his second linemates tonight. The chances for those guys are there. Andrew Ebbett, playing as hard as ever, taking hit after hit and still finding a way to get to the puck. Erik Christensen was right on the doorstep a few times tonight, and with a bounce here or there, the puck is in the back of the net. These guys are going to have to be the havoc makers in this series. I know Selanne can do it, the Ducks are just going to need a few more guys to step it up.

The Ducks have the ability to wear teams down. We saw that happen from time to time throughout this match up tonight and we saw it happen numerous times against San Jose. If they can continue to move the puck well, SKATE HARD and play smart defensive hockey, they can frustrate these Red Wings. I don't think the Ducks played great tonight and in fact, I think we've seen them play BETTER here in the last few months. If you ask me...that's a great sign. I think this means that a better game is on the way, and if that was Detroit's best effort...well...

Anaheim fans have to remember one thing. This is definite bonus hockey for us. It looked like Anaheim wasn't going to have a chance in hell at making the playoffs back in January. Had they made it...there seemed no way to get past the first round. Well, they've done BOTH of those things. We're being treated to a special brand of bonus hockey and I think the team knows that. I don't think this roster is going to give up without a fight.

And I kinda think they don't like Detroit as much as the rest of us do.

GO DUCKS!!!

Moving right along...

This will be my last statement about the San Jose Sharks and their first round loss to the Anaheim Ducks...I think.

This morning I was listening to XM 204 and they were talking about "what went wrong in San Jose?"

Here's what I think about that very stupid question:

Nothing went wrong in San Jose. Nothing. A team that finishes the regular season 53-18-11 = 117 points and wins the Presidents Trophy...you did nothing wrong. Unfortunately you met up with a red hot Anaheim Ducks team and you couldn't keep up. You paid for the Stanley Cup experienced roster in the previous off season and they helped to lead you through a regular season in an alarmingly fantastic manner. HOWEVER...your regular season pace was too slow for the post season. Now, you're claiming injuries. Every team claims their injuries when they've been eliminated...no room for excuses there. I still believe that Bobby Ryan was injured in game 5. You play through those injuries in the post season.

I really wish that people would stop pointing blame at what the Sharks did wrong. Instead maybe someone will finally say...a really good team lost to a much better team. End of story.

-----

Enough of that madness, the Sharks are gone and the Ducks are moving on.

Tomorrow the puck drops on what will be a highly intense series in the NHL. Detroit hates Anaheim for the numerous upsets they have been dealt by the Ducks in the past and everyone else hates Detroit for being Detroit.

I won't lie, they're at the bottom of my list when it comes to opponents in the NHL. For various reasons that lie outside of their being the Yankees of hockey...I have to say one of those reasons is their fan base. I would LOVE to have a fan prove me wrong, and while yes, I can't lump them all together...I've yet to meet a HUMBLE Red Wings fan. They apparently don't posses the bone in their body that will allow them to say...hey, we lost because we didn't play well. Or, yea...that team was better than ours. IF Detroit loses, the blame will always be on the opposing team or the refs.

So what does this mean to the Anaheim fan base? Look out. It doesn't matter what you say about the Ducks or the Red Wings, you're going to be wrong in their eyes. You can agree with them, and now you're not a good enough Ducks fan. You can disagree, and they'll be blaming YOU for the missed hooking call. You can be silent and sit back and watch and they'll attack you for having no passion or pride in your team. It's lose lose.

I suggest that the Anaheim fans do what they do best. Show up to games 3 and 4 and scream your ass off. Cheer like you've never cheered before. Wave your orange towel with pride. Suz Broughton and I will be doing just that during game 4...PROUDLY. I can't wait!

I don't care how many championships you've got. I don't care that your fumbles in game 5 are the reasons for OUR cup. I care about tomorrow at 4pm (PACIFIC) when we meet you again in a classic battle of The NHL's Untouchable Unicycle Wheel vs. The Always Underestimated Team that NO ONE Wants to Play.

Let the stress and the light-headedness begin!

GO DUCKS!!!

It's not how you play the game...

It's whether you WIN OR LOSE!!!

Remember when you were five and your parents would tell you that it doesn't matter if you win or lose, it's all how you play the game? That doesn't apply when you're making 5 million a year and you're playing for a professional hockey team in the NHL trying to win a Stanley Cup. That motto is irrelevant.

I don't care how you play, I don't care if you close you're eyes for the entire game...in the end, I care if you WIN OR LOSE. Tonight, you lost.

That's really all the post season comes down to.

Remember game 5 against Detroit in 2007? The Ducks, for all purposes, played AWFUL. They were terrible. They did NOT deserve to win that game...but a late goal by Scott Niedermayer with less than a minute to go sends the Ducks into overtime. Teemu Selanne roofs the OT winner...if you ask me...the Ducks win the cup with that one victory. That's right...a VICTORY. That's what the post season is all about. It doesn't matter that for 59 minutes the Ducks played like crap, what matters is that they found a way to win and they DID. It's all about the scoreboard at the end of 60+ minutes...not who had more SOG, not who made fancier passes, bigger hits, more penalties...it's all about the scoreboard. Moral victories and motivational moments mean NOTHING in the post season. There is no time to take that and grow on it...you have to play in the now and win this game...no matter how ugly it looks getting there.

Last night, the Ducks had the opportunity to turn that in their favor, and they failed. Because when it comes down to it, the scoreboard has the final say, the final word. The Ducks were on the wrong end of that word.

I had been thinking about this idea for the last few weeks. For all purposes, the Ducks have been the team who have found ways to get the win. When they managed to tie the game thanks to Ryan Carter and Corey Perry, I was thrilled. To see the way the game had been going up to that point, there was no way the Ducks deserved to win the game. But like I said...

It's not how you play the game...it's whether you WIN OR LOSE.

Plain and simple...the Ducks lost. It wont matter what they did well, or what they did poorly. They lost. It wont matter that the first two periods they played like crap, it wont matter that they turned it on in the third, and it doesn't matter that they had chances in the OT session. They lost.

We ALL know that these Ducks are better than what they showed the hockey world last night. In the same sense, we ALL know that the Sharks are just as good as they were last night, maybe better. But here's the kicker. This is all at square one again. That's right. We've heard it time and again from Randy Carlyle...10 minutes, then it's time to move on. MOVE ON. There is still a game 6 and even better it's in front of the Ducks' home crowd. Going back to San Jose is NOT an option!

The only thing I can even make positive about last night was one Jonas Hiller. There is NO WAY the Ducks would be where they are in this series without his services. I've seen a lot of people calling him lucky lately. That's crap. I hate that word, 'lucky'. To me, there is nothing about hockey that is lucky. This is a game of inches. This is a game of posts, bounces, wide shots, deflections and fanned passes. Nothing about any of that is 'luck'. Someone who faces 48 SOG is not lucky to see only 3 get past...he's good. He's damn good. He shouldn't be the only factor in a Ducks victory/loss and it was the only saving factor for the Ducks last night. They provided very little support on the defensive end, and for all purposes did nothing to help on the offensive end. Here's why...

This Ducks team has a tendency to get lazy and when they do, they STOP MOVING THEIR FEET! There is no way you can get to lose pucks, play physical hockey and move the puck well when you're NOT MOVING YOUR FEET! MOVE YOUR FEET! We saw what that did for the Ducks on Thursday...THEY saw what it did for their team on Thursday...WHY WOULD THEY STOP DOING THAT NOW?! Oh right, they got comfortable. That's crap! There is no time to be relaxed when you're playing against the best team in the league. I don't care if you're up in this series, if you can't close this one out...there is no point because you'll be done, you're gone!

As it is, I have a very hard time watching playoff hockey. Don't get me wrong, I love it...but I am always overly tense/anxious/nervous/panicked/sweating/freaking/shouting/stressing...and games like the one the Ducks played last night...they make all of those things a million times worse.

I am VERY aware that these Sharks are lethal. I am VERY aware that there is a chance they will come back in this series and make the Ducks pay for lazy play, soft penalties and ridiculously lame efforts. I hope everyone else is aware of this as well.

More importantly, there are 20+ guys on that Ducks roster who should be DAMN aware of this fact.

You don't have the time or space to play cute/lazy hockey. You worked your ass off for this post season, now go out there and remind the fans that you actually give a damn about doing something with it.

Yea, I'm pissed.

BUT I WILL ALWAYS SAY...

GO DUCKS!!!

Hi, this is the Ducks calling…oh, and just so you know…WE’RE BACK!

OH WHERE TO START?!

So MANY great things happened for the Ducks last night. 5 assists from Ryan Getzlaf! AWESOME. Hat trick from Teemu Selanne, BEAUTIFUL (not to mention kind of eerie…I’ll get into that later)! Francois Beauchemin’s OT swat…FABULOUS! Hits galore! (Too many shots against as I’ve mentioned before and too many penalties…but hey…there was just SO MUCH MORE GOOD going on last night, we’ll ignore those this time).

First of all, I think it might be okay to make this statement, the Ducks played hard, very hard last night. 60 minuets hard? Just about. Unfortunately a slight bit of slack in their play could have cost them the game when they let a last minuet goal get by with 1:23 left in the 3rd. However, thanks to the great play during the first 58 minutes, the Ducks were able to climb out of that 3-1 hole they put themselves in to start with. More importantly, they were hitting A LOT…they were hitting HARD. It makes a difference. The Ducks have a checking line that can punish and when that punishement is handed out by everyone on the team, the Ducks get the results they want. WINS.

“You have to play every shift against them.”
Forward, Ryan Getzlaf LA Times

Hey Getz…(wait this is for everyone) HEY DUCKS…News FLASH…you have to play EVERY SHIFT against EVERY TEAM! Come on. Just think of what the Ducks could be doing to this league if they played EVERY TEAM as if they were a “Detroit”!

So yea…let’s talk Getzlaf for a second. I was really worried when he started this season struggling so much. Was it the teeth? EW, lets just disregard that for the pure gross out factor (you know what’s funny…we’re probably going to hear about this tooth/dentist/gums virus thing for the REST OF THE SEASON!!). No matter what the issue was…an assist on ALL 5 GOALS in this game shows EXACTLY what this guys brings to this team!!!! I know I’m not alone when I say this...it is WONDERFUL to see him playing the way he has since getting his first goal in Toronto. His no look pass to Selanne on the first PP goal of the night…a thing of beauty. He had a HUGE hit on Niklas Kronwall in the 3rd which led to a super feed from Corey Perry right to Brian Sutherby to put the Ducks up 4-3! I’m sure Finny loved that one!

Selanne…oh Selanne. Hat trick #21 and #12 as a Duck. Seeing Selanne do what Selanne does best…I have no words. I think it was interesting how all 3 off his goals looked almost identical. They all came from that same little sweet spot on the ice. I DID NOT think it was interesting how Detroit’s first 3 goals ALSO looked identical to one another. Jiggy didn’t either and he showed that frustration after the 3rd goal got by.

Bummer on the goal for Chris Pronger though. What a beauty of a NO goal. Honestly, I don’t really want to get into my thoughts on it because I’m really torn. Should it have been a penalty…well, that’s questionable (although if you saw the first period intermission interview with Selanne, you know he was EXTREMELY unhappy about it). Diving penalty? WHY NOT? No matter what, it was called off...but it could have meant the difference in the game. In fact, it meant the difference in going to OT in the first place. Had it been the other way around…you know Scotty pushed into Jiggy, we would have wanted it called off too. Hm, I guess I gave my thoughts on it anyway.

Most important goal of the night award goes to Francois Beauchemin in OT. Whew, I’m glad that call went the way it did. It was close and with the way calls go AGAINST the Ducks, I was sure it was going to be called no good. What a crazy way to end a game…

A couple of things that really bothered me though…
One, Brad May’s injury. I still haven’t seen anything regarding how he’s doing other than he will be getting an MRI today. It’s hard to see a guy who’s always happy, always smiling, (even after fisticuffs) looking the way he did skating off the ice. Fingers crossed he will be okay. I did catch this from the OC Register…

“I don’t think there’s a tear,” Carlyle said. “I think it’s more of a stretch or
a bruise.” OC Register

That’s hopeful news.

Another peeve. Damn octopus! I’m sorry, but this is CLEARLY a Detroit thing. Everyone knows…the NHL knows, the refs know. This should be a penalty TO THE RED WINGS no matter who’s at home or where they are playing. It’s ridiculous! It happens everywhere and so often DURING PLAYS!!!!! Come on…lets get with the program here…it’s DISGUSTING!

Anyway…phew…I just wanted to say that.

I know there is more to say about this game…it was all just so overwhelming. I’m sure I’ve left something out…if there is something I’ve missed or something else you’d love to talk about…email me anytime Ducks11eleven

WOW! Look what going 4-0 on a team building road trip does for a team! Welcome home boys!

Vancouver on Friday…anyone have a guess on how excited Finny will be to see O’B? haha.

Anyway, something more on them later…let’s not get me started on Luongo!

What a Lucky Duck!

Hi all! I’m very excited to be joining the Girl with a Puck team. For me, this couldn't have come at a better time in my life and I’m very excited to contribute to such a successful and respected blog community.

A little about myself, I’m 25 (soon to be 26, but I’ll be holding on to that 5 for as long as possible) and I have lived in Southern California all my life. I became a HUGE Ducks fan a few years ago thanks to my wonderful friends Ramon and Krystal. I love everything about the game, the hits, the goals, the great saves…honestly, I can’t get enough. I go to the games as often as possible and it’s never enough. If I’m not there, I’m yelling faithfully at the TV at home. If I can’t watch, I tivo.

I don’t have a favorite player, I’m not allowed. I’ve been banned by my friends in naming one. After a whole season of contemplation, I finally settled on Dustin Penner at the end of 06/07 season and well…we all know what happened after that. I then decided to go with the first player that I really admired on the team with Scott Niedermayer…and then he contemplated retirement for several months. So needless to say, I don’t chose anymore, and to be quite honest, I wouldn’t be able to make up my mind anyway. There are so many great players on the roster, how COULD you chose just one. I am however a female, and I wont deny my…hmmm…“interest” with one player in particular…but I’m going to be keeping that to myself (I’m sure it will show eventually anyway).

I’m sure there will be many more opportunities to reveal a little about myself, so I’ll just leave it at that for now.

I can’t wait to get going and hopefully make some new friends in the process! In the meantime…

GO DUCKS!!!!!!!!!

Why wait…lets just get started.

This past week has been great for the Ducks. Even though I don't think the Ducks are playing at 100%, they are beginning to look like the team that is so great on paper. The Ducks are finally getting goals from the guys we’re expecting to get them from. The stat sheet is starting to turn itself around and guys like Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf are at the top, instead of the bottom. Great to have you back guys. In addition, after watching the replay (since I’m sure many of us were deprived of seeing it LIVE) of Teemu Selanne’s goal with just under 4 minuets to play at Columbus…that guy is clearly still able to put the puck in the net in the most UNBELIEVABLE ways! (that one was for you Ramon). Who doesn’t want to see more of those?!?!?

The guys managed to average 4 goals per game during this road trip with a huge chunk coming in Montreal. That was a pleasure to see so many guys getting one on the scoreboard. For sure, the SH goal by Travis Moen was a huge boost in team moral and after that, Mr. Momentum was on their side.

I was listening to Home Ice (XM 204) just yesterday and they were talking about how after a goaltender plays the way JS Giguere played during this road trip, it’s time for the team to take him to dinner, a NICE dinner. AGREED! In the 3 games Jiggy was in net, he stopped 113 of 121 shots. While that is fantastic to see that he is playing so well, it’s disturbing to note that too many shots are being given up by a team who has two of the BEST defensemen in the league! The Ducks are averaging 32.7 shots against per game. EW. With Jiggy playing at .915 SV%...the Ducks will be giving up about 3 goals per game. Definitely makes it hard to win that way.

No matter what, the road trip did just what the team needed and that was gain some confidence and put a few points in the win column. More importantly, I think it’s really shown the rest of the league that these guys are going to continue to be a force. Just imagine what they will bring to the table when they play GREAT hockey…for 60 minutes!

Tonight’s battle with Detroit will be interesting. It would be wonderful to win 5 straight, and it can't be done if the Ducks don't play at 100% tonight. Completely possible right? 60 minuets. Other teams do it…the Ducks can too. Besides, who doesn’t want to beat the current defending Stanley Cup Champions…especially when it’s Detroit. The Ducks know what it’s like to be the target…lets see how they play when that bulls eye is on the other guys back!

GO DUCKS!!!