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!!!

2 down...

Games 1 and 2...I'm pretty sure I've lost about 10 years from my lifespan.

Lets jump right into it...

Bobby Effin Ryan scores a typical highlight reel goal - and I love it! We've seen so many of those from him lately, and by no means am I down playing the beauty of his goal, but I'd rather gloat about his last minute of play. With the Ducks holding on to a one goal lead, Effin is working the puck deep in the Ducks offensive zone, making some big hits and making it difficult for San Jose to clear the puck and pull Nabokov. When it comes down to it- Effin is doing more than just scoring big goals, he's making big plays and playing SMART hockey. He may be considered a rookie this season, but lately he's been playing like he's been in the NHL for years. I'm impressed to say the least.

Again, the PK was required to kill off too many penalties (I'll be getting to those). Yet again...Todd Marchant and Mike Brown were working hard, causing turnovers and making big hits. I've noticed lately, Brown has taken on the roll of pest. He's been putting pressure on the San Jose offense and you can sense they are getting frustrated, nervous and are making bad choices with the puck because of it. It's these little things that are causing San Jose to break down. The Ducks are relying heavily on this break down because, surprise, the Ducks are taking too many penalties. HOWEVER...last night seemed to be a display of the best way to take BS penalties just because of the team you play for. Anaheim fans are used to this. We're used to seeing the Ducks get penalties called simply because of the name on the FRONT of the jersey (a few times because of the name on the back...ie PRONGER). Here's something that the Ducks and fans need to remember, if these penalties start to get too much, the Ducks might back off and play a weaker defense. So personally, I'd rather see penalties get killed off like they have been, than see the Ducks watch the Sharks fly by because of a sloppy, lazy defense. Normally I'm not one to complain about officiating- bad officiating is part of this game, but these past two games have been a direct result of simply who you play for. The refs even seemed to realize that a good way to allow San Jose to score would be to put Brown in the box for a weak elbowing call and it didn't work. I don't want to hear that San Jose hasn't been getting their chances. 79 SOG and 12 PP opportunities in two games - more than enough opportunities! It's simply a matter of making the most of those opportunities and the Ducks are doing a better job of that right now. Maybe, instead of talking about what's wrong with San Jose, people should start taking note that Anaheim, THESE DUCKS- they're HOT!

It will be absolutely pointless for me to even mention what an all star Jonas Hiller is...but I'm going to do it anyway. This guy, so calm and so collected...he is a shutdown force not backing down. The worst part, while watching NHL network last night, they still don't want to give Hiller the credit. Look, I don't care if Hiller was able to see 40 of those 44 shots last night cleanly, and if that's the case, then SOMEONE in an Anaheim jersey is doing something right! Someone is keeping shooting lanes clear, someone is allowing Hiller to make great stops and give up few rebounds. But here's the thing, San Jose is clearly getting opportunities and Jonas Hiller and the Ducks' defense are doing a great job shutting the Sharks down. In addition, the Ducks are clearing the puck from the front of the net beautifully. It seems lately the Ducks defense has been a huge factor in helping to keep the crease clear and free of loose pucks. In both games 1 and 2 Ryan Getzlaf had some huge clearing saves in the crease that would have/could have been easy goals for the Sharks. Great. This is the team effort we like to see.

2nd line scoring. Huge factor in these games for both teams. The Ducks are breaking through by getting their Iowa boys involved. I feel confident that now that the scoring has come from a few areas, this team is going to continue to find ways to break trough. Andrew Ebbett and Drew Miller get some sloppy goals by simply throwing the puck to the net! Those kind of goals are the ones that are going to win you hockey games against a skilled San Jose netminder. Getting pucks to the net - always a HUGE plus!

Numbers, let's talk numbers. The Ducks have won every series when leading 2-0. The Sharks are winless when trailing in a series 2-0. I don't care. That means nothing to me. Hillers' .975 SV% in the playoffs, THAT number speaks volumes. The Ducks killing 12 straight Shark PP opportunities, THAT number is huge! The difference, Hillers numbers represent the NOW. The Ducks PK is representative of this team NOW. What the Ducks FRANCHISE has done in the PAST, what the Sharks FRANCHISE HAS NOT done in the PAST...those numbers are irrelevant. It's about the now. I won't get comfortable with a 2-0 Ducks lead in this series and no one else should either. Ducks fans have seen what the Sharks have done this season, and while yes, that was the past...we know they are still capable of that NOW. I'll be at game 3 and 4 doing what I do best for this team...SUPPORTING THEM.

I wanted game 1 more than anything. I wanted the Ducks to make all of those who had been wondering if the Sharks would school Anaheim to scratch their heads sit back and say, whoa...Anaheim isn't going to take this series lightly. Game 2, that was just icing on the cake! I strongly feel that there is no team in the Western Conference that could have come into the Shark tank and given this team a run for their money like Anaheim has. I think there are a lot of teams out there right now, looking at what the Ducks are doing and they are saying to themselves LOOK OUT, THE DUCKS ARE HOT!

Damn right baby!

GO DUCKS!!!

I can't breathe!

I need the Oxygen tank please!

Here's a great reason why I wouldn't make it as an NHL hockey player...minus the obvious gender qualifications...I have serious adrenalin issues. Who knows, maybe that would make me a fantastic hockey player. Maybe the breathing issues would be my problem.

Needless to say, the Ducks nearly gave me a heart attack tonight. Nothing like Game 5 against Detroit, but damn close. The emotions these Ducks put me through on a nightly basis is just ugly. The screaming, cursing, cheering, clapping, fist clenching...it's enough to make you think I've gone crazy! But you know what?

I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

When it comes down to it, Nashville is a solid team. They're fast, great with the puck and are lucky to be backed by solid goal tending right now. The Ducks had some great opportunities tonight, and on the other end, had some bounces go their way for a change. I'll admit, JS Giguere looked solid tonight. I was very impressed (crapping in my pants for most of the game, but impressed none the less). He made some huge saves, especially during the third period. More importantly, he did was was necessary in the Shootout to secure a victory! LOVE THAT!

The Ducks need every bit of power and fire they can find within themselves to take this team where they need to be.

I've got to hand it to Drew Miller. That kid has come up and really shown the team that he's worth their efforts. He's not just standing in the wings taking up space, he's making space and using it wisely. I'd like to see him be a little more aggressive from time to time, but when it comes to shooting the puck...well the Ducks wouldn't have seen OT if it weren't for him.

I wont harp on crappy play tonight (whoa, what?!). The Ducks did something that I haven't seen from them in a long time. They played with passion. It felt like they WANTED TO WIN! These guys, the ones who WANT TO WIN, I like these guys.

Game one of this playoff-road-to-the-playoffs is in the books. It wasn't perfect, but it ended with the Ducks gaining an extra point and finding themselves back in the mix of the playoff battle.

My ugliness continues tomorrow...

How can you not love that?!

GO DUCKS!!!

Meeting expectations

I was strongly considering writing:

SEE YESTERDAYS POST!

Basically, it will look the same.

The Ducks played against Phoenix last night exactly as expected. Like crap.

But here's the positive, the Ducks did get 2 points and Phoenix got 1, but they're the least of the worries for the Ducks. Unfortunately, they're going to have to play a heck of alot better on Sunday when they play this team again.

Apparently, they don't know how to play defense once the clock drops below 3:00 minutes in the 3rd period. Not that they really bother to play defense any other time.

For five minutes tonight, I really thought the Ducks were going to bring it. That 5 minutes concluded when Drew Miller scored his goal. That 4th line looked great. They were playing physical, they were moving the puck well, and they were in position. Very evident when Miller drilled it home to take the Ducks up 1-0. That was the end of that. The Ducks then continued to chase the puck, the Coyotes and be completely out of position for the rest of the game. They then offered Jonas Hiller no help in the final minuets when they all stood around as Matthew Lombardi slipped the puck into a seemingly open net. And no, I'm not going to blame Hiller for that one. In fact, Hiller had no problem stopping Lombardi as the final shooter in his attempt. Instead I'm thanking Hiller for keeping the Ducks in the game and for holding on during the last 50 seconds of overtime when the Ducks were down a man 4 on 3.

Hey Corey Perry, have a little sit down with Petteri Nokelainen please. We'd all like you to get a refresher course on what it looks like to drive to the net.

I had almost completely forgotten who Ryan Getzlaf was. I've heard of the guy, know he's a young guy who could potentially be a great player in this league. Haven't really seen THAT guy around lately though. He made a small cameo at the end of the game to keep the Ducks in the shootout. Maybe he'll be around for the next game, but just like making any wager on the Ducks, I'm not going to bet on it.

Will someone please remind Teemu Selanne that he doesn't need to wait for the refs to miss a few non calls to get fired up. You can come out and play the game with intensity from the beginning, we wont mind that. Your line mates are giving it their all, help out a bit bud!

Right, they won. I should remember that and not be too greedy.

Just win? I guess I'll have to keep that motto in mind right now, and not feel so disappointed when it doesn't happen the way I think it should.

Sorry if this post sounds too much like yesterdays...but today's Ducks are looking too much like yesterdays...and those guys aren't in a playoff spot.

GO DUCKS!!!