What about the goal-tending?!

Funny story...I literally had the previous post almost 100% done...and then I heard the Mike Brown news. I rushed to finish it up...and then realized that I forgot to post my position on the goal-tending situation! (Thanks tu madre!)

So here it is...

With the recent contract for François Allaire and the now "Anaheim Ducks of Toronto", there have been many questions about what might happen next with JS Giguere and Jonas Hiller. This past season, the Ducks saw an interesting change in the goal tending power as Hiller finished off the regular season allowing the Ducks to make the playoffs when many doubted they could. Hiller also held strong for the Ducks through two difficult rounds in the playoffs by embarrassing the Presidents trophy San Jose Sharks and posing an unexpected challenge for the damn Detroit Red Wings.

I'd like to think that both goal tenders are staying put for the time being. In all honesty, I don't know much about any of the guys waiting in the wings and I don't know that anyone is prepared to take a back up spot. However, Jiggy has made it clear that he has no intention of being someones backup, and to be honest...he's being paid WAY too much for that to be the case. On the other hand, Hiller has proven that he does not deserve to be sitting on the bench either.

I think the Ducks are going to allow these two to battle it out in camp and during the early parts of the season, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a move if Jiggy continues to struggle. I don't think Randy Carlyle is ready to give up on Jiggy just yet, and also I think he has tons of confidence in Hiller after his performance over the last few months of the season, ultimately making his decision very difficult.

Who do I want to be my 1A? Jonas Hiller.

Unfortunately, I think the Ducks may have seen the best of Jiggy. I don't think he's a bad goaltender, and he may be as good as he was in the 2007 playoffs, but I can't imagine him getting any better at this point.

As for Hiller, he's been improving exponentially over the past 2 seasons. While much of this credit is likely thanks to Allaire, it is very possible we will see Hiller continue to improve and better his game over the next season and many more to come as he gains experience in net.

Simply...I see Hiller on his way up, and Jiggy on his way down.

No matter who's A and who's B...I don't know that I would complain.

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!!!

This is only 1/2 the battle...

I wish there were a few more days in between games against the Sharks. A few more days to keep my blood pressure under control. A few more days to let the boys rest their bones.

Then again...let's get this weekend over with already.

I think the NHL schedule makers designed this back to back weekend intentionally, probably hoping it would be a tight race for the Pacific Division title. While it's not a race for the title, it's a very important weekend for BOTH teams. The Sharks looking for the Presidents trophy and a hold on first place in the Western Conference (home ice advantage of course) the Ducks are looking to just STAY IN playoff positioning.

That makes for some niiiiiiice hockey, doesn't it?

The Ducks came out strong to begin with. I can't complain. Solid shots on goal is a big deal for this team. TAKING shots is one thing...but taking SMART shots is another thing all together. Big shots from the point lead to moving bodies, open spaces and eventually a beautiful backhand pass from Ryan Getzlaf to a wide open Bobby Effin Ryan for his first goal of the night ("first goal of the night"...oh man, I just love typing that!). These two would continue to light it up for the rest of the evening.

Getzlaf gets another huge assist moments later to set up a Corey Perry goal. Again, knowing that this line is clicking and striking while hot...I can't get enough. Getzlaf, with 64 assists this season, passes the Ducks' single season record previously held by Paul Kariya (62 assists). Great. I'll be honest, I don't have the bad blood against Kariya that most Ducks fans do, but I will say this...I LOVE seeing these kids put their names on Ducks history. Especially when we're taking about the potential future of this franchise. Plus, we ALL know that Bobby Effin Ryan is a WAY better rookie than Dustin Penner was! Effin is now the all time Ducks leader for goals by a rookie with 30 on the year - in ONLY 61 games played. In addition, Perry netted his 30th goal of the season, a career high for him. What a night for new records!

If you're looking for confirmation that these guys were hot tonight...

"They were flat-out dominant," Sharks coach Todd McLellan said of the Ducks' high-scoring line. "They were the top players in the game. We had last change, we could have matched anybody we wanted, but it wouldn't have mattered. They were playing that well." Associated Press

I couldn't agree more. To see Getzlaf finding his stride again, only means he'll be taking Perry with him. Fantastic. And Effin? Well, he'll be there no matter who he's playing with.

In addition to a smoking hot first line, that 4th line has been working hard and it's paying off. "Ducks in a Row" today was damn accurate today thanks to some hard work by George Parros, Erik Christensen and Mike Brown (and of course DIAR also predicted goals by Effin and a great showing by Hiller in net). Huge goal for Brown, he's a hard working guy who was reward tonight. NICE JOB BUD! The play by the 3rd and 4th line has been very physical lately (duh), but it means so much to the Ducks' success. Fighting for lose pucks along the boards, getting into open spaces, and driving the net. These guys are making strong names for themselves on the defensive end and then capitalizing with huge goals! Secondary scoring is huge for any team, and when you have a team with 2 amazing lines like the Ducks do, secondary scoring is ALWAYS a bonus, a motivating boost, a spark of fire, a HUGE thorn in the sides of the opposition. Give me more! If the Ducks continue to see hard fought battles from everyone on the ice, like they have been lately, there is very little doubt in my mind that..........well, I'll let everyone think about this one themselves.

So I have one negative for the night...

I hate hearing phrases like, "one hands it". To me, that is a direct indication that you're not moving your feet enough. MOVE YOUR FEET! Those lazy plays cause turnovers and the inability to clear the puck out of the zone. That leads to PENALTIES and/or GOALS!! KILLER! The Ducks felt the effects of that a few times tonight, and the outcome could have been way worse! The consecutive penalties to start the 2nd period were very unfortunate...and yet the Ducks managed to only give up one goal with those opportunities. PHEW!

Which leads me to Jonas Hiller. I don't know if he's going to be in net tomorrow night, but I think that there is a very great chance that we'll be seeing him again. I think that Randy Carlyle is going to be forced to play the man who beat the Sharks tonight. I could be wrong, but I don't expect to see JS Giguere in there. Hiller played a very solid game, made some huge saves and for the most part, did very well at "giving the team a chance to win". He had some scary moments from time to time, but for the most part he was squared to the puck. He was given a big break by roughed up Sheldon Brookbank (did you see that black eye? OUCH!) in the final moments of the 3rd when the Ducks were killing off Chris Pronger's interference call. Brookbank was just another guy on a long list of Ducks who have gone above and beyond to sacrifice themselves this season to stop a potential goal. I love seeing the dedication to this team.

Something else I noticed tonight, it seemed that simply clearing the puck from the zone...VERY difficult for the Ducks. Yet, clearing the puck from the front of the net...VERY SUCCESSFUL!

So we'll end on a positive...

The best part of this game. Even in the third period, the Ducks were still playing hard. Still trying to force San Jose to turn the puck over. Still getting pucks in deep and still trying to score goals. Smart move, because these Sharks can be lethal...they can turn a game around in a heart beat.

Tomorrow is not going to be easy. The Sharks are hot and now they're pissed because they just lost to the team barely holding to the 7th position in the fight for the post season. Good, a fired up opposition means the Ducks will have to bring 150% and they know that.

We're 1/2 way through this battle...

DAMN! This feels goooooood doesn't it?

GO DUCKS!!!

Scrambled Pucks

My brain is running at a million miles an hour right now. I've been "going" non stop for the last 16 hours and I haven't even had a minute to slow down and take in the action from last night. Here's why:

Timeline of my evening (all times approximate)

5:00: Race home...check in on Detroit and St. Louis from time to time. Wonder what the problem with Detroit is and then rejoice that they might be getting cold at the BEST POSSIBLE TIME!

5:30: Continue to scream at the traffic in front of me, "Get outta the way...!!!!". 1.5 hours to puck drop...3+ hours until I get to watch it unfold.

6:15: Home. Double to check that OCTiVo is ready to record.

6:20: Race to Michael's for cake decorating class.

6:30: In class; post Tweet that I would be away from my phone until I am able to watch the Ducks game later that evening. Begin "freaking out".

6:40: Resist urge to pick up phone. (I don't go anywhere without it...hell, I had to have it surgically removed just for this one evening.)

7:00: Become insanely aware that the game has started...hear the instructor say something about icing. Can she read my mind?

7:15: "Accidentally" peek at phone while looking for a pen in my purse. See a Tweet regarding Parros, assume it's regarding a fight.

7:16: Wonder if MAYBE it was a GOAL?

7:20: SCORE?

7:21: SCORE?

7:25: Need a good reason to go back into my purse to check my phone...

7:30: Yum, frosting. What's the score?

8:00: It's got to be the first intermission, what's the score?

8:05: 25 minutes left, come on lady, frost the cake already! "Accidentally" see another Tweet regarding the high score of the game. "FREAK OUT" becomes ADRENALINE PRODUCING "PANIC"

8:15: Make a Ducks themed cake? Are they WINNING?! Is Hiller in net?

8:30: Yea yea yea...bring cake next week...SEE YA! It's DUCKS TIME!

8:35: Somehow manage NOT turn on radio in car...

8:40: WHERE'S MY PHONE?!

8:45: Run to room. In passing, hope my dad doesn't give me that look of, "ouch, they're getting their asses beat".

8:50: Fast forward to the beginning of the game...I LOVE YOU OCTiVo!

9:00: Knowing that the game will be ending soon, resist urge to fast forward through the first two periods of the game.

9:15: 2-0 AWESOME! Mom comes in to tell me they will be scoring more. GET OUT!

9:20: WHAT IS GOING ON?! TIED?! (Remember that they are apparently going to score more goals...thanks mom!)

9:35: LOSING?! What happened?!? MORE VANCOUVER GOALS?! (Did she not see the score correctly?) So quickly outscored 4-0 in ten minutes of play!!! PLEASE DON'T PULL HILLER...

9:45: Thank you BOBBY EFFIN RYAN! Ducks pull within one...wait...wait...down 5-3...

9:50: Corey Perry...right place, right time!

9:55: Teemu Selanne saves me from a heart attack.

10:15: HEART POUNDING, NO BREATHING, PACING...maybe I'll still be having that heart attack anyway.

10:20: OVERTIME...HILLER HUGE SAVES!!!!

10:22: SHOOT OUT! WIN!

So yea, it was a pretty quiet evening.

These Ducks are HOT right now people. It couldn't have come at a better time for them. The best part? There is only ONE team that can decide whether or not the Ducks make the playoffs. That team?

The ANAHEIM DUCKS.

They are in there people. Only the Ducks can ensure that they stay there. This reminds me of something that UJ and I were talking about just a few weeks ago. While trying to predict their chances of making the playoffs, what teams needed to lose and just how many games the Ducks needed to win, it was decided that only the Ducks can dictate their future. They did that in nail biting fashion last night! WHEW!

ACTION! The whole game was a rough, physical, fast, and goal filled extravaganza! I KNOW these Ducks can be successful when they play hard hitting hockey and we saw that in them again last night. Vancouver has the ability to wear down a team with their quick puck moving offense. The Ducks responded with their own form of solid puck handling.

Weeks ago it seemed as though these Ducks were done, but just as they have been showing us for the past few weeks, they did it again last night in a huge comeback. Tying the game at 5 apiece and ultimately relying on a shootout.

Jonas Hiller is apparently some sort of shootout prodigy. I'll take it. He struggled a bit there during the game (as did the Ducks' defense). Luckily enough for the Ducks so did Roberto Luongo. Hiller had some huge saves throughout the game and while giving up 5 goals is quite ridiculous...getting 5 goals from your teammates surely does help out quite a bit!

Spending too much time in the sin bin as a result of lazy penalties, the Ducks suffered a great deal during the beginning of the 2nd period when they were forced to kill off a lengthy Vancouver 5 on 3 opportunity. On that same PK, James Wisniewski did just what I had suggested and took a page form the "self sacrificing" book of Todd Marchant. He was clearly in pain as he took a puck off the outside of his knee. Since seeing Wisniewski come to the Ducks, he's clearly been a great addition to the struggling defensive core. It was a bit scary to see him hit the ice like that. A huge sigh of relief when he came back out to finish off the game. These are the kind of battles that the fans want to see these Ducks winning right now. These are the battles that are going to take a team (ANY team) far into the post season.

Getting goals from the guys we EXPECT to see score on a nightly basis always makes me feel better. If this team is going to dominate, they're going to need to rely on Teemu Selanne, Bobby Ryan and Corey Perry to find the back of the net regularly. In the end, this was a battle of talents. Both the Ducks and Canucks have some of the most impressive players in the league on their rosters and both are currently boasting red hot goal tenders. The match up between these two teams over the course of this season has been nothing short of dramatic. From a 13 round shootout, another disappointing 4-3 loss for the Ducks in the midst of a plethora of 4-3 losses, a 3 on 3 overtime battle...it was only fitting that this game also went to a shootout.

I expected to see this dramatic fight from both teams. The Canucks are struggling against Calgary for the top spot in the Northwest Division and we all know that the Ducks are just hoping to make it to the playoffs...PERIOD.

The way the Ducks produced a win last night is a huge for the morale of a team headed into San Jose to play one of the best teams in the NHL this season. The Ducks need to keep this fire alive, they need to continue to produce offensively and hold strong(er) on the defensive end of the ice. I'd expect we're going to be seeing JS Giguere in one of these upcoming games. Now is the time for the defense to play hard, provide support for their struggling net minder and provide him with some needed confidence going into the POTENTIAL playoffs (still no guarantees yet people).

Games like this are just another reason I never leave early, never turn off the TV. You NEVER know what is going to happen. Goals can be scored only seconds apart. Games can be decided on crazy stick measurements, last minute penalties, or shootouts.

Remember that fat lady? She got restless in Anaheim. As you read this, she's on her way to LA to sing for the Kings. Turns out for the Kings...it's over.

GO DUCKS!!!

Now we're talking!

Ironically, the final score was the same as last Friday; 5-3. But this time, the team getting 2 points was the same team who SHOULD have won last week.

I've really had such an up and down emotional season with this Ducks team, as I'm sure we all have. I would never ask for a season that started the way the majority of these first 67 games have gone...but in the last ten, the Ducks are 8-2-0. WOW. Is this the time to get hot? OH, you bet your ass it is.

As nervous as I was for this game, I was oddly confident while watching (okay, until the final minutes of the game). The Ducks gave up that first goal with some lazy play, but even after that, I still didn't feel a sense of defeat. They were playing well from the very beginning of the game and that was obvious when Sheldon Brookbank* got his first NHL career goal on a beautiful little set of passes between he and Ryan Getzlaf.

*he'll be requiring a new nickname now. He's no longer going to be referred to as Brokeback...that's what getting your first NHL career goal in a very tight Western Conference race to the playoffs will do for you.

It was the D-mans night against Edmonton. Besides Brookbank's goal, both Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger netted some beauties. Scotty...once again in the right place at the right time. Pronger, payback for that HUGE slapshot he had on Friday that was turned away by Dwayne Roloson.

You all know I love Bobby Effin Ryan, but come on Effin...we need you to keep the gloves on. Yea, yea...I'm not a big fan of the fighting, but of ALL the people I don't want to see getting roughed up and spending 5 minutes in the penalty box...Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and BOBBY EFFIN RYAN! Effin is drawing 4 minute high sticking penalties left and right these days, and the PP appreciates it (fans do too. Opponents? Not so much). So stay on the ice, get some more hockey war wounds on your pretty little face and stop fighting! Thanks (Besides, you totally lost that one).

It seems like one advantage to having brothers on the same team is that when they're hot, they're hot together. I mean, Scott Niedermayer is ALWAYS the man, but when Rob Niedermayer decides to join in on the fun I can't help but be overwhelmingly appreciative of him. Robbie's two goals last night were exactly what the Ducks needed. Just as Robbie got his first goal of the game, there was talk of the Ducks just trying to get out of the 2nd period still up 3-1. I thought to myself at the time...nah, I want another goal first. Then beautiful little pass from Scotty to his brother and BAM...the Ducks get what would eventually be the game winner. And of course, who doesn't love to see Robbie get those empty netters? No complaints here.

The Ducks were miserably outshot 14-2 in the third period. I can understand that. With a 3 goal lead, I'd rather them focus on playing some tight puck controlling offensive/defense (if that makes sense) than taking unnecessary shots on goal...but I also hope that means they're actually going to PLAY DEFENSE. It wasn't until the final 4 minutes of the game that I actually started sweating (we were playing ping pong too...that might have had something to do with it). The Ducks have this tendency to get too comfortable and they are punished for that laziness.

Thank the hockey gods for stick measurements!

I have to laugh about the stick measurement request last night against Teemu Selanne. I was at that game against San Jose in 2007 when the attempt actually worked. I just think the whole tactic is lame. Yea, I don't think anyone should be using illegal sticks, but to use the measurement as a means to win? Well...it's cheap. Of course, now that I've said it, the Ducks are going to use that same ploy sometime soon and I'll think it's lame then too. But none the less, to see Selanne skate back to the bench with that huge smile on his face knowing that the Oilers were about to go a man short on their attempt to try and comeback to win the game...priceless wasn't it? SUCKAS!!!

Speaking of thanking hockey gods...Jonas Hiller. He's just what the Ducks have ordered right now. He's got that smoking glove hand to prove it (I just love when he does that). Here's hoping that Randy Carlyle doesn't go all sentimental and try to change things up. I think it's possible we might be seeing JS Giguere in a game against San Jose on this upcoming home-and-home. I'll be honest, I hope that Hiller plays the first of the two. If he plays the way we all hope and EXPECT him to play...we might just see him take the second game as well. It's possible.

I think Todd Marchant is really playing his heart out right now. I appreciate that. Seeing him go down like that during a vital PK and then find the strength to CLEAR THE PUCK! Awesome! He's skating harder and faster than we've see from him in previous years, and it's paying off.

The Ducks should have won last Friday, but should have doesn't get you two points. Last night they played like team we all have been expecting to see this entire season. I don't know that this team would be clicking like this if the trades had not happened. This chemistry is slowly building from a smoldering ember to what will hopefully be a full raging fire over the next few...well, I won't push it past the final 5 games of the season. We'll see where these games take the Ducks...but hopefully this is just the start of a full grown Southern California forest fire.

Here we come Columbus...get the hell out of our way!

GO DUCKS!!!

I'M EXHAUSTED!

Heavy breathing, hair pulling, screaming...you'd think I had a great time!

NOT SO MUCH.

I really don't have the nerves for games like that one. These are games where I don't even have a breath for expletives.

Did anyone else notice the crazy score at the beginning of the game? It said the Ducks were up 1-0 as the puck was being dropped. That stayed the score, until Edmonton completely reversed that and made it 1-0 and then 2-0 about 1 minute later.

54 SOG and the Ducks get 2...2!!!!! SOOOO frustrating. I hate to say that I felt this coming on when they killed Colorado the way they did. I mean, when you get 7 seemingly easy goals against two sub-par goal tenders, it's really hard to imagine doing something similar against a very strong goalie like the man in net for Edmonton.

Even worse is imagining you'll get ANYTHING done when turning the puck over so easily, like in the first 2 minutes. Here's one thing about those goals though...they definitely got the fire burning in the Ducks. They were able to turn it on enough to redeem themselves and tie it up immediately in the second thanks to some crafty play by Ryan Getzlaf. Maybe he had that talk with Petteri Nokelainen as I suggested?

Bobby Effin Ryan really brings a physical aspect to his game, and I love it. He's hard hitting and clearly not afraid to take some shots as he was on the other end of a high sticking call in the middle of the 1st and 3rd periods. That first line...when firing at 100%, could be one of the most threatening in the West. Lets hope we get to see that over the next 7 games (and of course many more in the future)!

Awful turnovers and sloppy play allowed Edmonton to get right back into the game on two very quick goals. The two quick goals to start the game were enough for me to allow JS Giguere to be sent packing, but after a small breather on the bench, Jiggy quickly replaced Jonas Hiller. How random. I don't even think I understand the logic there? I don't care how much of a breather you get during the game, after allowing 2 goals get by immediately, I can't imagine that your mindset is at 100% after that. I don't necessary blame Jiggy for those first two, but I can't say much for the final two he let get past. Hiller on the other hand? Solid.

With as hot as the Power Play has been looking so far, they missed out on so many opportunities. A 4 minute high sticking penalty gave the Ducks so many scoring chances, and yet, they were stopped cold. Edmonton took a few delay of game penalties and really spent a lot of time in the box. Even with a solid 5 on 3 opportunity, the Ducks came up with nothing to show for it. Whats even more damaging about that is the amount of looks they actually had. Usually when the Ducks are setting up and moving the puck well on the PP, they are successful. Tonight they were really doing that well, and couldn't get a damn goal.

OUCH.

I am going to give them this...it was a hard fought game. The first few minutes would have indicated that they did not deserve to win this one, but they fought back with power and I believe it showed. In the end, this game could have definitely been a blow out by the Ducks with just inches one way or another. It seems that Randy Carlyle feels the same way...

“Our effort was there, obviously we could have executed better. But the situation is that we played our hearts out. There was no shortage of work ethic. These are the ones where you have to pump people up when you work and you don’t get the results. Tonight was one of those nights. We did a lot of things that were positive. These are the tough ones. We dominated on the shot clock. We had territorial advantage and you end up losing. I don’t know if our group could work harder. Could we execute to a higher level? For sure, yeah.” OC Register

With that...they definitely have the ability to do damage to Edmonton in the future...the near future...like in a couple of days.

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!!!

Ducks in a Row...never enough

Just in case you needed confirmation that I'm a woman...

I wasn't satisfied with last night's win. Typical right?

Sure...I'm thrilled they got two points...but they also let the game go into OT, giving Nashville a point, something the Ducks can't afford to give to ANYONE right now. Yea they scored a goal as predicted (haha, man was I happy that happened last night...I would have felt awful if it hadn't), but I didn't feel like they had that fire they were all saying they were going to be bringing to the table.

They were too fancy last night, too fancy. Come on guys, you cant make solid open ice passes, what makes you think you're going to connect between 2 or 3 defenders? And what's this thing lately (or all season) where they play in these clusters? It seems like so often they're all right on top of each other. They're in the way of one another, not helping to create the space and time needed for the guy with the puck.

During the previous 2 seasons I used to fret when I heard that the "backup" was in net for the evening. Even though both Ilya Bryzgalov and Jonas Hiller are fantastic back-ups, I always worried and cringed a bit more when shots were taken at those guys. This year that's not the case. When I saw JS Giguere leave the ice early during the pre-game skate, I was instantly nervous. He had a few outstanding saves in last nights game, but again I just felt as if he could have been better. He could have been the guy we loved watching play in seasons past. Someone said they were surprised to see that so many fans have turned on Jiggy so easily, I don't think that this is the case. It's been a SEASON'S worth of time watching him struggle. I completely understand that he has family situations and personal issues that have made things more difficult for him this year, but I would expect him to be the one to step up and say, "I can't do it, I'm not in the mindset." He's a professional, it's his job to say that he isn't 100%. No one can make that judgment better than he can. So when I see him on the ice, it tells me he feels like he will be able to bring 100%. I'm not satisfied with Jiggy's 100% right now, and it makes me uneasy to see him on the ice. I'm starting to wonder if the team is feeling the same way. After the 2nd goal (I believe) was given up, Jiggy and Chris Pronger were tied up in the crease. As Pronger got back to his feet, you could see he and Jiggy having a bit of a conversation. I obviously don't know what was said, but I think Pronger said something like this, "gee, I wish you were Hiller." Yea, maybe a bad interpretation...but I wonder if I'm really that far off.

I was just not impressed. I'm still wanting more from this team, expecting more from these guys. This is still not a playoff team. Even if they make it to the post season, I don't think they will make a dent. There isn't enough fire and passion for 16 wins, 4 wins, to make the playoffs in the first place.

I'm just sayin...if that's the fire we were supposed to be seeing, it was barely an ember in my book. Apparently I have high expectations from future hall of fame-ers, Norris trophy winners, All star players and kids drafted high in the first round. Maybe that's just me though.

Gee, you'd think they lost after reading this one wouldn't you?

So for tonight I just hope these guys don't let a lame OT win clog their minds. They're going to need to bring alot more than they did last night.

Playing this back to back, hopefully it means we'll be seeing Hiller tonight. Don't let me down Hiller, don't let the team down.

Any goals the team gets will need to be team efforts. No one can do it on their own.

Here's hoping Bobby Ryan surpasses Dustin Penner for rookie points tonight, as he was able to tie that last night with 45.

Also, it's necessary to recognize an amazing career by Teemu Selanne, congratulations to him for reaching 1,200 career points. In addition it was his 574th goal, passing Mike Bossy on the all-time list.

In addition, Rob Niedermayer will be playing in his 1,000th career game tonight.

Tonight is what it's all about boys...do it!

GO DUCKS!!!

I think I've seen that one before

Deja vu?

3 on 3 in overtime...Scott Niedermayer winning the game...Todd Marchant mobbing him behind the net...the team dog pile...Scotty skating away as if the Ducks win games like that every night.

CRAZY!

One thing is for sure...Roberto Luongo must really hate Scott Niedermayer's OT heroics. I for one, LOVE them!

I can't say that the Ducks played a great game. I don't think they did. However, the crowd was into the game last night. Whether it was boo-ing some questionable calls (ie Getzlaf's interference...which I don't think would have been called if it was ANY OTHER TEAM. Weak call in my opinion), cheering for ALL goals, including those recalled...the crowd definitely offered support. Ironically the video board introduction before the game was encouraging the fans to get pumped up as well. GOOD! I'm glad that message is being made loud and clear to the fans. It's important and a big part of the reason that I LOVE being there. I am once again without a voice...and that's how I like it. I know it's hard to get involved in the game when there isn't anything to cheer about, but last night was a different story on many levels.

Goal tending. Jonas Hiller was outstanding last night. I find that I say that about him more often than I do JS Giguere these days. Again, I still think Hiller needs to hide his disappointment a little better, but his rebound control was fantastic last night and he just seemed to soak up all shots thrown at him. No sloppy seconds there. Seeing Hiller flip, spin, grab...he did it all to make some huge saves last night. At one point in the last few minutes of the game, he had what was by far the save of the night. Many good scoring chances for Vancouver were turned away by Hiller and he definitely did a majority of the work when it came to helping the Ducks pull out the win.

The new guys are looking fantastic! Petteri Nokelainen gets a goal, Ryan Whitney and Erik Christensen both get 2 assists apiece (minus their 2 recalled goals of course). Hopefully this is a spark for not only those 3 guys, but for the team as well. Great contribution by the newbies...I'm going to have to start working on some nicknames. Any ideas? Big concern was hearing that James Wisniewski left the game during the second period. I feel guilty for not noticing while I was at the game, I'm usually very aware of that. Anyway...I'll keep my eyes peeled about updated information regarding him.

Another huge factor was capitalizing on rebounds. Both Ryan Getzlaf and Nokelainen scored goals off of rebound opportunities. So many times in the last few games I've felt like I see opportunities, but no one is in front of the net to pick up the loose change (dimes I'm sure...you know what I'm talking about el toro).

In the end...it all comes down to this...a win, 2 points, some momentum, continued hope for the post season.

It will be interesting to see if the Ducks can take the momentum of a very big win against a very good team with them into Sunday's game.

Until then...

GO DUCKS!!!

Pick your poison

It really wont matter what option you chose, they're both lose - lose.

So do you want to go with the team that works harder than normal, but is going to be relying on the net minder who lets by soft goals on a regular basis. OR, do you want the team that spends 98% of the game chasing their opponent (they turn it on for about 2 minutes of the entire game...not a CONSECUTIVE 2 minutes, but beggars can't be choosers), but have maybe a little more confidence in the man between the pipes. For all purposes, these are the Ducks we're seeing here.

Friday night we see a Ducks team work hard and just not get the bounces. Just not get that one extra hop that puts the puck in the back of the net. However, they were also the team with JS Giguere in the net. Soft goal after not in position goal after how did you miss that?

Then tonight, the Ducks act as if they've got nothing to play for. No reason to skate hard. No reason to make clean passes. They don't want the post season. They're already envisioning relaxing on the beach, spending time with the family at the lake. They're on vacation...the fans are just paying to watch them get there. Jonas Hiller on the other hand...that guy is still trying. He had some fabulous saves tonight, saves that Jiggy would NOT have made in my opinion.

So which crappy team do you want? They're both for sale right now.

fa la la......... do you hear that? The Fat Lady is warming up.

So I'm going to go all "coach SK" for a minute...

One thing I think we can ALL agree on is that this team needs to move their feet. They are SO damn lazy it out there, it's sickening to watch.

I don't think it was until the final minutes of the 3rd period that I noticed some hitting. The 3rd period? YOU KIDDING ME?! It's one thing that I appreciate when I see George Parros and Ryan Carter on the ice. I know those guys are going to go out there and be aggressive. I don't think it's ironic that we see that 4th line controlling the puck in the Ducks offensive zone! Which brings me to the next point. That 4th line would probably be alot more effective offensively if they played together more. That line gets jumbled up SO much that they never really get to know one anothers habits. Give them the damn time to try and develop SOMETHING!

Okay, so the top line of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Erik Christensen. It's wrong. I think Mike Brown should be playing with Getzlaf and Perry. I'd hate to demote Christensen so soon, and I'm not demoting him because I don't think he's a good enough player (I haven't made that distinction yet), but we know that Getzlaf and Perry need a guy who's going to be scrappy and quick...I think that guy is Brown. I've already said that I think he reminds me alot of Kunitz in his style of play...so let's see it happen.

Speaking of Getzlaf and Perry...what the hell is going on there? Getzlaf needs to "KOBE IT UP AND TAKE A SHOT!" (suggestion courtesy of Ramon and Mini). The overabundance of passing is getting old. This team doesn't pass well enough to make that an effective part of their game. (UPDATED -- well I read this on OC Register this morning...it's basically Getzlaf talking about his shooting/lack there of)

Personally, I'd almost rather see Perry hang out in front of the net more. Take some more goalie interference penalties for all I care...but if it means a few more goals get through, so be it!

Here's another obvious for everyone...

The Ducks have an insanely serious habit of letting that first goal get by within the first minute of the game. Here's what that does:

Team gets down...goalie gets down...fans get down...fans aren't loud, supportive, cheering...team isn't motivated, sparked...goalie isn't protected, assisted...goal, goal, goal...by the OTHER team!! It's a vicious cycle, one where after the first goal gets by...everyone on the Ducks side is prepared to throw in the towel. SHAME! BREAK THE CYCLE!!!!!!!!!!

So remember back at the beginning of 2009 I said I was going to be more positive? Well this team is sure making that hard to do.

I want to have something positive to say...but I'll be damned if I can come up with anything.

I have a prediction for the rest of the season, but I won't be sharing until after the regular season is over.

oh yea...GO DUCKS!!! Try not to embarrass yourselves too much the rest of the way.

Doing "THE BOBBBY"

They're going to have to name that goal move after the kid. I mean come on...it just gets prettier and prettier each time. Taking on...what? 5 defenders! The kid is a stud! Way to come out and represent number 9! Bobby 'Effin Ryan...and I say that with the UP-MOST RESPECT!!!

Some other thoughts before I hit the sheets...

I was/am really impressed by the defense. The Ducks only gave up 16 SOG. "But they let 3 get by". No kidding, I don't think I'll get started on the Jiggy thing just yet. Anyway, Chris Pronger seemed to have a kick in his step. Maybe he wants the organization to think about keeping him around next year. I'd like to see that happen too! But overall, that group seemed to be on it tonight! Even better was seeing James Wisniewski "Wizie Wisky" score that goal was great! (Wizie Wisky, yea, that's the name he's been given for two reasons; 1 - His name is just WAY to crazy to say out loud...it's not fun like Nokelainen and 2 - he got a goal tonight, once you've made a particular contribution, you get a nickname from me.) It gave the Ducks a bit of a boost and even better was seeing a guy sincerely excited to score. I just love those moments. Great job Wizie Wisky...keep it up!

UJ made a great point tonight that I'd like to pass on...

The offense wasn't missing, they're still there and will hopefully be getting stronger. The Ducks got a CONSIDERABLE amount of SOG (38). That damn Turco just happened to be right in front of all but two of those shots. He really saved his team from losing tonight. Which turns me to JS Giguere. I've been giving the guy the benefit of the doubt for the entire season, but enough is enough. If it weren't for Sean Avery's big mouth, we wouldn't have the perfect term here...but lets face it...Jiggy gives up way too many sloppy seconds! There is no way the Ducks are going to make the playoffs if Jiggy is in net. I'm sorry. I wish I could say differently, but it's just not the case right now. I want to love the guy. I want to see the old Jiggy back...and we're just not going to be getting that at this point in the season. There is no way he can carry this team through the playoffs, and right now, I can't imagine him getting the team there to begin with. I wish that were different, but I don't think it is. I love Jiggy, and I was there at the rally cheering for him like everyone else was...but this isn't the same guy. Unfortunately, I don't think he's coming back. I hope I'm wrong. Please let me be wrong.

Overall, I think the Ducks played a good game. I think it's obvious that the team is YOUNGER and FASTER and are showing great signs of improvement.

It's a good thing there is only one team out there with an annoying Turco in net. Okay, maybe there are 20-something teams out there with an annoying guy in net...hopefully the Ducks can just get a couple past them!!!

GO DUCKS!!!

Eye didn't think it would be like that!

There was so much to yesterday's game that I kinda don't know where to begin.

Lets just say this. The Ducks really know how to gets one's emotions going. It was so great to see them playing so solid during the first 20 minutes. They looked good. I felt good about the game.

But wait! This is the 08-09 team we're talking about. They're bound to come back out onto the ice and feel like they have everything under control and take themselves a little break. And they did. And it was ugly. That Mike Ribeiro...he's got the Ducks number. It seems like every time they play Dallas, that guy just kills the Ducks. He definitely didn't help them win today, that's for sure.

Somehow though, the Ducks managed to pull through. Corey Perry tied it up with an interesting wrap around when he beat his ultimate foe, Marty Turco, and then practically celebrated the goal in his face, priceless! More impressive was Andrew Ebbett playing solid defense causing Dallas to turn over the puck. Ebbett sends the puck to Teemu Selanne right in Turco's kitchen and the Ducks find themselves in that 4-3 position.

Then the clock took forever!!

An extremely positive note was JS Giguere. He was solid Jiggy style there in the last 5 minutes or so when the Ducks were playing scrambled egg defense. He made some HUGE stops once Turco was pulled and even provoked a bit of a fight between Travis Moen and Steve Ott at the end of regulation. There is ALOT of interesting stuff going on right now regarding this fight.



You're going to have to do some decision making on your own. Here's what's going on...

He was pretty aggressive with Scott Niedermayer there at the end of the game. One thing to take note of is that is NO ONE is allowed to mess with Scotty, plain and simple. I don't care who's on the ice when that happens, someone is going to step in and take care of it. Well in this case, Jiggy saw it, and Jiggy tried to be the one to stop it. He was rough with Ott and Jiggy was given a 2 minute roughing penalty for it (big woop, game was over). Scotty turned around to take care of his own business and that's when Moen stepped in. Now here's the tricky part. Ott isn't allowed to fight because he's got a broken hand, wrist, finger, whatever...therefore he's wearing a cast and not allowed to fight with the cast on. So basically Ott gets pummeled by Moen. In his own self defense, Ott apparently tried to gouge Moens eye. Accident or not, the league considers something like that to be "intent to harm" and it's going to cause Ott to be suspended. His hearing is on Monday. I'm hoping he gets a few games because the Ducks have to play them again on Friday, and it would be nice to have him out of the lineup.

Speaking of Dallas...Kuni and his Penguins are in town tomorrow, and it will be a GREAT thing for his former team if Pittsburgh wins. Keeping Dallas down right now is VERY helpful to the trying-so-desperately-to-make-the-playoffs Ducks.

The Rumor mills are churning like crazy. Of course alot (most ALL) of the talk is surrounding Chris Pronger. I would lead you to such sites, but I don't want to. haha, I'm a firm believer of, I'll believe it when I see it (apparently I'm like a 4 year old child today too).

Did anyone see the bashing that Detroit got from Nashville? I mean, that doesn't help the Ducks out too much...but I'm just glad that their 8-0 beating looks way worse than the Ducks' 6-0 loss to the Bruins, and the 8-4 loss to Atlanta and the first 4 games of the season...yea this could just go on and on.

Anyway, one game left on this road trip so...

GO DUCKS!!!

They did something well...again!

It's so nice to know that I don't have to...well ya know!

So I didn't get to see the first period, but it sounded okay. For some reason I actually felt calm while watching the 2nd and 3rd periods. I don't think it was because of how fabulous the Ducks were playing (I don't think it was THAT great to be honest), but something seemed to be clicking and it made me feel calm. Well...until the end of the third when the Ducks saw themselves a man short.

If you were watching the game at one point while Corey Perry was in the box, VS. showed a graphic that the Ducks were the most penalized team in the league (yea, no kidding?) with 351 minor penalties! So I looked into what that meant time wise...953 minutes in the box (obviously fighting majors and other penalties thrown into the mix). Ironically, it's not the 1007 PIM that Vancouver has served...and way more than last on the list Detroit with only 652 minutes. It does help to explain why the Ducks are looking into it.

Perhaps all of the current team bashing by Bob Murray is playing a role in the current 2 game win streak (I know...I'm glad I was sitting for that one too!). Because I was listening to the radio I got to hear much of the same interview that he gave on the TV telecast during Sunday's game. Same things said...they need to pick it up...we'll see where we're at...no one is safe...too many penalties...yada yada. SOME people think he's needs to man it up a bit more and really get on the teams case for everyone to hear, you know -- Brian Burke style (personally, I think Murray's one lint covered Werthers Original away from being your charming grandfather -- I don't think he'll be Burking up any time soon). Hey, maybe it would work wonders to let EVERYONE know what he's feeling about this team right now. Getting it out there in the open might encourage the team to step it up.

So, no say on what happened to Ryan Getzlaf there at the end of the game. It looked like some hard core face to face action actually (not the kind I'm sure he's used to). But whatever it was...it resulted in TONS of BLOOD! blah! Keep your eyes peeled for news on that one.

I do want to mention this...I'm very much enjoying the Andrew Ebbett, Teemu Selanne, Bobby Ryan line. I think those 3 are just what the Ducks have ordered. No one has been able to match Selanne's speed since Andy Mac left and I think it's nice to see Ebbett stepping into that role and making big plays for both Ryan and Selanne...and for Ebbett himself. My mention of it last night was that it seems like Selanne is actually playing better because of it. I mean, of course, you're only as good as your weakest player...(enter your own Morrison bash here).

JS Giguere looked good. Not great, but definitely better than previous games. There is a strong possibility we can see him returning to true Jiggy form here in the coming games. Wouldn't that be wonderful? It would really do something for a teams confidence to know their net minder is on top of it all!

Exciting enough was to see Mike Brown (the one WITH the beard) get a goal. He seemed genuinely happy about it. I love that about the guys who don't score too often...they're always so excited as if it's their first goal all over again! But even better...it means I got that part of my prediction right. I'm kinda questioning whether or not Chris Kunitz (the one WITHOUT the beard) got a tip on that Todd Marchant goal...who was ALSO very excited. The Ducks need these things when the Perry-Getzlaf line is too busy resting their bones in the box!

Okay...so I think one pardon can be given to Perry for that crazy "shooting the stick" penalty. This goes back to the lesson that you never know what you'll see while watching sports. He got a penalty for shooting his own goal tenders stick BACK TO HIM. Interesting. First time for everything I suppose?

No matter what, I like what the Ducks were able to do last night. GET 2 POINTS! This is huge right now. Every game, every point is HUGE! They know that, we know that, the standings show that!

I can't wait to watch the next game...

oh right...not on TV.

Whatever!

GO DUCKS!!!

They've done something well...

The Ducks win a game -- finally, right?

I watched the games in two parts...the 1st period live and the 2nd and 3rd via TiVo this morning.

Here were some thoughts...

Who gave these guys a swift kick in the pants because they were VERY ferocious out there for a change. I can't recall the last time I watched a game and didn't feel the urge to yell...MOVE YOUR FEET!

JS Giguere -- clearly not your puck handling goaltender. There were a couple of flounders there in the 2nd. It was a good thing I already knew the score and didn't find myself freaking out about it...but still...just stay in your crease buddy, I don't need a heart attack at 26.

Someone I enjoyed watching was Mike Brown. That guy has some speed and he's feisty like Chris Kunitz. In fact a couple of times I thought it WAS Kunitz, until I saw the 3 on his back.

Turning point of the game? Corey Perry's goal in the 2nd period...add Kunitz's goal in there too. After having killed ALL those penalties, both of those fire powered goals really managed to give the Ducks a spark.

One thing that can be said about the game was that the Ducks' PK was clearly on fire. Taking SO MANY penalties, it's VERY hard to win games when they are so often short handed. Duh right? Well it seems as though the Ducks are concerned about it and have taken to some investigating this current trend where the Ducks are being penalized so much more than everyone else.

Oh, and I'd prefer it if Ryan Getzlaf stopped blocking shots...watching him hobble off to the locker room makes me queasy.

Okay, so the Ducks win 1 here on the road...I'll just leave it at that.

Let's talk trade issues. GM Bob Murray basically sets some rumors straight, Randy Carlyle is last on the list of people to be moved from the Ducks' organization. So those of you in favor of a coaching move, don't hold your breath (::exhale::). The only other interesting thing that he said was this...

"He has a big decision to make this summer, not only for the Ducks, but the Olympics next year. I know Team Canada wants him, he's a leader, it's in Vancouver. I mean, it's going to be tough for him to say no, but he hasn't said a word. I've talked to him and I think Scott will be straight with me, we wont go through this long drawn out process, I think he'll be straight with me right off the bat when the season is over."

Basically, Scott Niedermayer has a decision to make for himself this upcoming off season. He has a decision to make about the DUCKS and the Olympics. Sounds to me like he doesn't intend on moving Scotty if he thinks this off season decision is going to affect the Ducks.

In the end...I'm glad my predictions for the Blue Jackets were WAY off!

GO DUCKS!!!

3 on 3...new to me!

--Updated--

Teemu Selanne is the ultimate Duck. I love that. Here's a chick moment for you...I teared up.

Tonight was an interesting one. I don't know if it was because I was so tired and couldn't focus, but it was just hard to concentrate on the game.

The Ducks looked strong. They played well, but had a hard time getting past Miikka Kiprusoff. Miikka...what an unfortunate name don't ya think? HAHA, yea that was for you Mini!

I was happy to see Andrew Ebbett Playing along side Teemu Selanne and Bobby Ryan there for a bit...well, mostly just glad to see Brendan Morrison not on that line for most of the game. Then the guy goes and scores a goal to tie the game. Here's an off timing prediction for ya...that was his only good play for the month of February. Sorry, I just can't get on board the Morrison train. Good thing February is a short month.

After Ryan Getzlaf took the puck off what looked like the inside of his knee and left the game only to return a few minutes later...I sent a text to my friends saying that guy sure knows how to expose a fans emotions. I cringe when I see that guy go down (this wasn't the first time this season he's taken a crazy shot) and then feel my body relax immediately when I see him on the ice again. Don't get me wrong, I cringe when any of the Ducks go down, but seeing the guy who's likely considered the best player on the team go down like a ton of bricks is not comforting. The team is struggling enough with him ON the ice, I'd rather not imagine the team without him.

The refs missed a big call there at the end of the 2nd. I already don't like Dion Phaneuf, but I really don't like him after that high hit on Ebbett. High hit + Elbow = Suspension. Chris Pronger would be suspended...we ALL know that. I EXPECT one tomorrow for Phaneuf. Don't agree?
--Updated--
I just read this on the OC Register website, and now I'm even more fired up.

Calgary coach Mike Keenan didn’t quite see it that way, or at all. Asked if he expected the league to review the incident,Keenan said, “Oh, no … Body checking was legal the last time I checked."OC Register

Double Standards? We'll see.

JS Giguere stepped it up tonight. He got lucky a few times, but for the most part, he's starting to tear down that wall that was plaguing him and hopefully will be rebuilding one inside himself (yea, that was corny - whatever.)

So clearly the highlight of the night was Scott Niedermayer reminding us all why we LOVE Scotty Niedermayer. I have to admit though, I missed his OT winner AND Morrisons goal. Part of that whole being half asleep thing (and here's where I endorse the fabulousness that is Tivo). Anyway, that was my first experience with 3 on 3 hockey (looked like it was the Ducks first experience too). I was glad to see it only lasted about a minute!

Anyway, if the Ducks can continue strong play like this...there would be no reason to continue ridiculous trade talks. Hopeful wishing?

A few more days off for the Ducks allowing teams to play catch up. The good news for tonight? Dallas lost, bad news...it was to Phoenix. The rest is not good either. Edmonton killed it tonight with a 7-2 win over Montreal and Minnesota beat Colorado.

Get some rest boys...you'll need to bring it on Sunday!

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!

Skills or Thrills?

This weekend was fun. It wasn’t fantastic, and I really think the NHL has a long way to go before it’s fantastic…but it was exactly what I expected and I can’t be upset about that.

The Super Skills competition was enjoyable. The always lack luster fastest skater competition offered no real highlight, unless you count the insanely uncomfortable interview with Jay Bouwmeester that followed.

The hardest shot competition was equally quiet, although I’m still so damn impressed by anyone who can fire a puck at over 100 mph.

I think the shootout challenge was actually quite fun. I really wish that all three Ducks looked that good in shootout challenges during the regular season. I thought it was pretty cool that Ryan Getzlaf got to shoot against JS Giguere in one of his rounds. Even better was the physical reaction from Jiggy when Getzlaf got his puck by him, followed by what I'm sure was some interesting banter between the two. I really wish they had more of the guys mic’d up. I think it’s really fun to get to hear what some of them are saying to each other…this is a time where we get to see these guys out there having fun…it would be really cool to hear it too. One thing I didn’t like about who they did mic up was that they weren’t really able to talk during the game. If you recall, last year they had the goalies mic’d up. That was nice because there was always a period of time that they were able to chat when the puck was at the other end of the ice.

The biggest let down for me was the Fan Fav Breakaway Challenge, which probably should have just been called Fan Fav Challenge. I’m not going to say that Getzlaf should have won, but he had some nice moves. It was too bad that he missed that kick behind the goal. Am I correct in thinking that he was the only one who bothered to take the puck behind the net? Anyway, it seemed like everyone who lost, could have and probably should have won over Ovechkin. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the goofiness and fun out there…and I was laughing my butt of when he did what he did…but what was his trick shot? I missed it I think…I have a feeling that a lot of other people did too.

It’s just kind of crazy that the NHL doesn’t come up with more ways to allow these guys to show what they can do with a puck. I’d almost rather see 36 guys participate in a Breakaway Challenge than find out who can skate the fastest. Maybe that’s just me.

The game…well it was what I expected. Jiggy, ironically…or maybe not, had the worst SV%...but unless you look at the actual numbers, did anyone notice…or even care? Probably not. Getzlaf did his usual overabundance of passing instead of taking shots and Scott Niedermayer was Scott Niedermayer. He kinda looked like he was just out there playing with his kids at times. Fun.

Did anyone else hear Bro Hymn after a few goals? How Honda Center of them.

So the biggest bummer…the DVR stopped recording about 30 seconds into the OT. I MISSED THE OT. I missed Ryan Getzlaf draw a hooking penalty (which I think is overall, the most ironic thing about the whole game), I missed the Shootout…I’m bummed. BUMMED!

Anyway, the weekend was enjoyable. Hopefully the NHL will take the next two years to make it even BETTER!

It’s time to move on and get with the program. Hopefully the other guys had a nice relaxing weekend. Hopefully Getzlaf didn’t party too hard. Hopefully Jiggy has had an opportunity to unwind. Hopefully Scotty stays Scotty…maybe with an extra boost.

GO DUCKS!

All Star Me Baby!

I can't lie, I'm very excited about watching this weekends festivities. I know there's been alot of nay-sayers out there who aren't going to watch. Poop on them.

I'm more particularly interested in watching the Super Skills Competitions. I really enjoyed that last year. I love how it's all so casual. Every one is always laughing and having a good time...that's how I enjoy seeing my NHL favorites (yes all 3 of them that are going to be there).

Be sure to head over to the NHL mainpages for all of the All Star updates, photos (including all of the jerseys in blocks of ice...very cool), stories and post game notes.

Also, over at the official Anaheim Ducks page there is are plenty of links to get you connected to the All Star game with pictures of Ryan Getzlaf, Scott Niedermayer and JS Giguere.

It should be a fun weekend for the guys, and fans alike. Don't be a party pooper and just enjoy the festivities for what they're worth...a great opportunity to see some of the NHL's finest having a great time at what they do best.

GO ALL STARS! GO DUCKS!

OH! Just as I was getting ready to place my order for my Ryan Getzlaf All Star t-shirt, I noticed this...take a close look at the COLOR.









The NHL can't even get it right!

Is this the bottom?

So I'm trying really hard to stay positive, keep my head up about this team, but MAN...they sure are making that difficult.

I discovered some things about the head-scratching Ducks.

This is probably the most disturbing.

After they were an NHL-best 11-14-2 when trailing after the first period last season, they are 0-10-1 in that category this season. OC Register

That's just INSANE. So basically, if the Ducks are losing after 1...feel free to turn the TV off...it's not going to happen.

One thing I want to mention is that Corey Perry has really shown up since returning from his suspension. Perry has 8 points in his last 6 games (check out his stats so far this season). I laughed on Saturday evening when both UJ and I were sporting our Perry shirts only to see him get 2 goals in that game. Fantastic. Things are clicking offensively, maybe not last night, and for the most part that end of the ice is being taken care of. Scoring is coming from many places and unlike last season where the Ducks were struggling offensively, this year, they are getting the puck in the net.

So whats missing?

It's time to suck it up and allow Jonas Hiller to be the starting goaltender right now. Is he playing stellar right now? Maybe not. Is he playing better than JS Giguere? Most definitely, and that's all that matters when you need something solid on the defensive end of things.

The Ducks are a team with an overwhelming number of inexperienced players right now (7; Bobby Ryan, Andrew Ebbett, Troy Bodie, Brendan Mikkelson, Drew Miller, Brett Festerling and Nathan McIver). In addition, they are missing many key players. I'd say that the absence of Francois Beauchemin being the most detrimental to the team. On the other hand, there would be no Bobby Ryan. Blessing in disguise? An unfortunate fortune? The question stands at this...would the Ducks be struggling so much if Beauchemin was still in the line up? Well, with the way the defense has been lately...maybe not.

I still don't know what needs to happen in order for the Ducks to turn this season around. I think that the emphasis in terms of growth needs to be placed on the blue line. With a stronger blue line, maybe they get stronger goaltending and maybe they'll have a chance at winning...even after being down at the end of the first period. Even though I read rumors...I hate them, but this one has been flying around just in case you haven't seen it yet. Chris Pronger as a potential trade. What do you think?

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!