When "I told you so" hurts so much...

And just like that...

I told you so.

Francois Beauchemin has signed with the Anaheim Ducks of Toronto. Brian Burke has struck again!

Quick question for the man (Burke)..."are there no other players in the league that fit your standards or what?! MUST you take ALL of Anaheim's players/coaching staff with you?!"

Defensively, the real Anaheim is starting to look a little scary. Let's all hope that James Wisniewski's arbitration goes well, huh?!

So just like with Pronger, there are a few things I'm going to miss about Beauchemin...but mostly, I'm going to miss how much I thought he was like Scott Niedermayer. I've always felt that Beauch was like the poor mans Scotty, and I really think that Anaheim is going to hurt without his presence. The Ducks definitely struggled on the blueline this past season and when Beauch did return to the lineup, I think many fans realized how valuable he was.

Most of all, I'm going to miss the mis-pronunciation of his name. I don't think I've ever had a good handle on it myself, but hearing VS. announcers and other play by play guys calling him BeaucheMAN during the 2007 run for the cup will always be my favorite.

So, long live BeaucheBOY in our hearts...au revoir BeaucheMAN.

One thing is for sure. Brian Burke is really making some enemies in Anaheim.

----

So this kinda brings me to this next topic...one that I thought I would blog about, then decided to pass on. But now, it might be fitting.

I'm kinda disappointed.

I'm actually disappointed in Scott Niedermayer.

WHAT? ARE YOU CRAZY?! Another year of Scotty...that's fantastic!

Perhaps. But I'm disappointed in him. I thought he was better than that. Let me start off by saying this...

There are no other defensemen I want to see on my team. I love Scotty and I think he's an amazing player, one hell of a leader and does more for the Anaheim Ducks than I think fans realize. I think Scotty is easily a 6, 7, 8 million dollar defenseman...

And yet, I think he should have taken less, much less.

Look, we all know why he's coming back. This is MOST LIKELY going to be his final year and he's VERY interested in the Olympics. He's just made over 26 million in the last 4 years...and yet...he needs another 6? Ramon and Krystal don't agree with me. They think he deserves it. I agree with that. He's WORTHY of the 6 million. But why not be a team player? Give up a few million and allow the team to spend that money elsewhere (LIKE WITH BEAUCHEMIN!)?! Mini asks, "but if someone offered you 6 million, wouldn't you take it?" SURE I would...but if I wanted to win another cup and I knew that if I saved my team 2 million just for signing less...you bet I would. You bet that the team could mean more. If I was Scott Niedermayer, you know, the only player in hockey history to have won every major championship...the man who's done it all, been there, done that...MAYBE, just MAYBE I'd do what I could to get my teammates to that same place!

I love Scott Niedermayer, I'm glad he's returning to play another season and doing that with the Anaheim Ducks...but I wish he wouldn't have been so selfish, and gave a little back to the team... I can't imagine he NEEDS the money.

----

Like I said, this was just a thought I had after Scotty signed his recent 1 year deal for $6 million. I was initially very upset about how much money he signed for. I recalled Selanne taking less to stay with the team, and it just felt like this was a great opportunity for Scotty to do the same. Some say that he did take less to stay with the Ducks. But just think, maybe a little LESS...and we wouldn't be saying bye to Francois Beauchemin today. Just a thought.

GO DUCKS!!!

Nieder-lanne-ronger drama...the conclusion?

Get ready fans, these next few months are only going to get more and more interesting...with some tense days coming soon...very soon.

I only have one more thought on the Chris Pronger trade. A lot has been said of him recently (some good, more than his fair share of bad), fans who are sad to see him leave (me), those who are thrilled to see him go (your typical Pronger haters) and those who are looking at the whole picture (Ramon, UJ, many others...and slowly, but surely...me). I just want to make it clear, that while yes, his career has been somewhat controversial...I hope that ALL NHL fans around the league remember this one thing about him...

Fans don't boo nobodies.

So, please remember hockey fans...when you boo Pronger, it's because he's a real somebody...a force, a great defenseman...and someone out there (me) is a big fan. You are definitely lucky to have him on your roster for next season, Philly. Enjoy him.

-----

Okay, while the Chris Pronger era in Anaheim has officially come to a close, it's time to move on to next season with new, fresh, the same. As Joffrey Lupul prepares for his second run in Anaheim (minus all the "Mighty" stuff) and continues to think of ways to get number 15 back...the Ducks continue to roll out the carpet and welcome back the same 'ole faces...

Mr. Niedermayer (Scotty of course...you DO have to clarify these things sometimes). I am VERY happy to see that he is going to be returning to the Ducks next season, and I'm hoping at a cheaper price. However, with the recent loss of one GIANT defenseman, it's going to be vital that the Ducks are able to retain James Wisniewski AND/OR Francois Beauchemin (who I still predict will be playing for the Anaheim Ducks of Toronto next season...against my own personal wishes). As Ducks fans, we're all blessed to have a blueliner like Scott Niedermayer for a 5th season (WOW) and there is no doubting what he has brought to this franchise as a whole. By helping to put Anaheim into serious contention over the past few years (cup lifting and all), Scotty is exactly what the Ducks will need to make another run for the cup in 2010. Is it impossible to be done without him? No. Will it help? Hell yea.

Robbie? Well, that Niedermayer is sill a question mark.

Someone else who is likely to help make another serious run for the cup is Teemu Selanne. Returning once again this season for the second year on his current contract, Selanne will continue to threaten goalies once more. However, crucial to Selanne's success, will be the quality of his linemates. The Finnish Flash has shown no signs of slowing even with injuries sidelining him mid season. However, linemates who are able to get him the puck, fly with him through center ice, and take on the physical battles to give Selanne space and time will be crucial. Will Lupul be able to provide the speed, the physicality and the creativity required to play along side Selanne? Will the cheap Ryan Carter or Andrew Ebbett be slotted alongside the two? Bobby Effin Ryan? All of these questions will be answered once the season begins...or sooner depending on how the remainder of the off-season is handled.

Overall, the most important factor for the team this off-season is to address the need for second line scoring if they want to continue to be a Western Conference threat.

While it's great to see both Niedermayer and Selanne returning (and therefore quickly putting an end to the Nieder-lanne-ronger drama), there is SOOOOOO MUCH that needs to be done this off season for the Anaheim Ducks. Bob Murray has shown that he isn't afraid to move ANYONE. July 1st is just days away and fans are sure to see more names hit the headlines. I HOPE we see more names hit the headlines, because the fans want to see a successful year out of this franchise. We want WAY more than what we got out of the regular season, and definitely more in the post season!

Do your thing Murray, we'll all be watching, waiting, hoping...

GO DUCKS!!!

Those are MY seats!

Along with a few other people (like 12,000 or something) I am now officially a season seat holder! I'm very excited about it!

I got to pick my seats along with all of the other new seat holders at 5:30 (I saw a few Twitter pals there too...even though I didn't say hi- forgive me). UJ and I then continued to go back and forth between two sections...back and forth, back and forth...until finally settling on my new seats for next season! I am so excited to BE THERE!

So, minus the ice, that is my view for the 2009-2010 season...and I can't wait!

Is it time for training camp yet?!

Along with picking seats, Bob Murray gave everyone a little update on the off-season plans. There was not one shocking piece of information revealed.

Murray hasn't heard from Teemu Selanne because his word is based on Scott Niedermayer's decision. Scotty has promised to make his decision before Murray makes his way to the draft which is in only a few weeks. Everyone is injured (not really, but UJ was talking to me, so I missed some of the specifics) and should be healed by the time camp starts. They're expecting Francois Beauchemin to test the market (I'm predicting he ends up playing for the Anaheim Ducks of Toronto), they are planning on battling it out to keep James Wisniewski, and also planning on not getting themselves into a financial hole in order to keep Bobby Ryan next season when he's available to them for negotiations. Murray didn't give any indication regarding the goal tending situation and they are planning on finding a new goal tending coach to replace François Allaire.

All in all, it's going to be a crazy off-season...

GO DUCKS!!!

Don't be upset...be PROUD!

I've received a number phone calls from concerned friends who are apparently afraid that I might take my life after the Ducks were eliminated from the playoffs.

Yikes, maybe it's time I got a life outside of hockey?

Nah!!!!

Here's what I've told them all...

I'm not upset. That's right. I'm NOT upset. I can't be.

The Ducks weren't supposed to make the post season (not with the way the beginning of the season started and continued for nearly 70 games), there was no way in hell they were going to get past the San Jose Sharks...and the idea that they would lose in the final 3 minutes of game 7 against Detroit was out right preposterous. And yet, they did all of that.

I'm not upset.

I'm not upset that we've learned Jonas Hiller is one hell of a goal tender, who's likely only going to get better.

I'm not upset that Francois Beauchemin missed 60+ games allowing space for Bobby Effin Ryan to make his case...and even more so, I'm thrilled to see that Beauch came back stronger than ever. Re-sign him please.

I'm not upset that this season, Bobby Effin Ryan made a name for HIMSELF...without the need to mention that OTHER guy.

I'm not upset that Ryan Getzlaf, the superstar that he is, and Corey Perry, are only getting better and leading this team at such a young age.

I'm not upset to have experienced another year of Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer, who for all purposes are still amazing players. Weather or not they return next season, I am honored to have witnessed their greatness.

I'm not upset that while yes, we lost a lot of great players during the trade deadline, we gained some wonderful players who made the push to the playoffs worth every bit of heartache. I have a lot of respect for what James Wisniewski, Petteri Nokelainen, Mike Brown, and Sheldon Brookbank brought to a struggling Anaheim Ducks team.

I'm not upset to have learned that GM Bob Murray has the balls, courage, and a great view for this team. It will be exciting what he does with this franchise in the off-season.

I'm not upset that after 95 games, I lost my voice numerous times cheering/screaming for this team I love.

I'm not upset that the Ducks have a fabulous core group of young guys, primed and ready to step up and do their jobs.

I'm definitely not upset about eliminating San Jose in the first round and I'm okay with still having a million and a half reasons to hate Detroit.

What am I upset about?

That I have to wait 120+ days until I get to see them take the ice once again.

So if you're feeling down and depressed about the Ducks elimination...don't be. As fans, we have nothing to be upset about. We're still miles better than the Kings, we're obviously better than Sharks, we aren't facing the uncertainty of our future like the Coyotes are, and that team that knocked us out last year? They didn't even see the post season!

Just remember what these Ducks have done for Southern California hockey...

...and don't be upset...be PROUD to be a fan of the Anaheim Ducks!

Damn, I love this game.

GO DUCKS!!!

Saved by the whistle!

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

GO DUCKS!!!

I can see the reflection of a teal jersey on your face. Oh?! You're choking? YIKES!

WOW!

I'm speechless. Not just because I have no voice, but because I have missed this team! This team is gooooooooooood. These Ducks are gooooooooooood.

THESE DUCKS ARE DAMN GOOD!

This is the first time in a really REALLY long time that I've left the Honda Center...IMPRESSED! I was blown away by what I saw from these guys last night.

I honestly feel that this has been one of the best showings we've seen since...wow, dare I say...the 2007 finals?!

First off, the little things. I have a Ryan Carter jersey. Yea, I'll admit it...he's not necessarily my favorite player on the team...but he's my favorite. I have a jersey "routine", which is not important, but yesterday, I decided I was going to sport Carter. Good call SK! I'll be honest, I wasn't happy to see Petteri Nokelainen a healthy scratch, but on the other end, I was very happy to see Carter on the ice and playing his heart out. I just wanted to throw that out there.

THE DUCKS DEFENSE IS HOT!

Last night, there was at least one key/ HUGE play by each guy on the defensive core. Here's a great way to open this thought...

"That (Scott) Niedermayer makes it look easy," Roenick said. "He skates so well, it looks like he's not even trying. And he never gets tired." Roenick finally grinned. "He's a great player. I hate him." OC Register

Beautifully said Mr. Roenick. Scott Niedermayer had countless poke checks and one skate block shot in particular that was just typical Scotty, and I don't think it's necessary to say more about the future Hall of Famer than that. Ryan Whitney...this was probably the best game I've seen from him since the Ducks acquired him in the trade for Chris Kunitz. James Wisniewski who had numerous blocked shots last night, and one in particular with about 7 minutes to play in the third period allowing the Ducks to hold on tight to their 2-0 lead. Chris Pronger looked alive tonight for the first time this series, and of course, Francois Beauchemin, who I consider to be the "poor mans Scotty", doesn't look like he has missed a game this season.

I find it so ironic that for a whole SEASON I've been complaining and wondering where the defense was! Turns out, not only has it been found, but it's better than ever. And of course, how can you forget the Shark Killer himself, Jonas Hiller. This guy is just getting better! Standing tall and never breaking an emotional sweat, Hiller has instantly become a major factor for the Ducks. In a season where goaltending has been shaky from time to time, Hiller is showing the organization that there is plenty of heart and skill in his game. Posting two shutouts in his first 4 NHL playoff match ups, he's currently riding high in the playoffs with a .959 SV% and carrying so much of the weight on his shoulders as the Ducks muscle through the first round of this post season.

Even though the Ducks played a DOMINATING game (to put it mildly) they were still out shot by the Sharks. It really didn't feel that way. Other than their two power play opportunities, I never felt that the Sharks were threatening the Ducks all night. I can't believe I'm actually saying that.

To say I called this game...well, I called this game.

The first line was clearly unstoppable. Bobby Effin Ryan. BOBBY EFFIN RYAN! How UNBELIEVABLE is this guy?!?! BOBBY EFFIN RYAN! He's so smart and he's got such great hands and his shots are spot on! I was so worried that after the Ducks had all of that momentum and that HUGE delay while the glass was getting fixed, that they weren't going to be able to get that momentum back. Then, Bobby Effin Ryan showed up and there was no question that the Ducks were going to continue to dominate this game.

THE DUCKS DOMINATED THIS GAME.

It might be safe to say...there is no other line in the NHL right now that is as good as Bobby Effin Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. I don't think there is a question in my mind about that.

Penalties. There were so few...it must have been some sort of Anaheim record! I don't care if the Ducks never go on the PP, but to ensure that the Sharks never go on the PP, I'll take that any day! In fact, San Jose knows that a disciplined Ducks team will be their downfall. For a team who was so reliant on their Power Play during the regular season, it has shown that having an ALL AROUND game is so important to success. If the Ducks can play this same game, dicsiplined hockey, they are going to do well in future games. In fact, here is a very short conversation UJ and I had last night:

UJ: It's like there are twice as many Ducks out there tonight than there are Sharks.

SK: It's called hitting and getting to the loose puck.

How such a small act of physical play, where you move your feet, can completely re-write a season for just one team. Discipline and physical play...that makes this Anaheim team LETHAL!

San Jose has a slim chance to turn this series around...but don't get too over confident Ducks fans, it's still possible. I won't be calling this series over, until it's actually over. 91% of teams that take a 3-1 lead win the series...until the Ducks have won at 100%...I won't be able to relax. IF IF IF I get the opportunity to gloat about a series victory over San Jose, I'll quickly take another deep breath in preparation for Detroit.

I still can't believe that the Ducks have a 3-1 lead in this series...but you bet your ass...I've got NO complaints about it!

GO DUCKS!!!

2-0 means 1-0

Game 1 was the exactly what I expect this series to be...

Physical, fast paced, an overabundance of Ducks penalties, too many Sharks opportunities, low scoring...and me screaming at the TV.

Physical? Oh you bet! Two guys flying under the radar on the Ducks roster right now, Todd Marchant and Mike Brown, were so crucial to the Ducks' success last night. I don't know what Marchants' plans for the rest of his career are, but if he wants to "go out on top" this might be the time. He's been amazing this season, and has really peaked since taking over the centering spot on the checking line. His speed and his willingness to sacrifice himself for the team is unstoppable.

In addition, the aggressive play from Brown is allowing the penalty killing unit to be a successful factor for the Ducks. Lets face it, the Ducks took entirely too many penalties last night, and 3 unnecessary 2nd period minors from Rob Niedermayer doesn't help. Even Ryan Getzlaf got in on the action with a lame elbowing penalty in the final minutes of the game. With the Ducks leading 1-0, seeing the top scoring forward on the team head to the box was a enough to knock at least 2 years off of my life span. When Getzlaf emerged from the box and was on the right end of a San Jose turn over to send a bullet into the Sharks chances of coming back in game 1 - Getz effectively gave me back 4 years. I heard the clink of the cross bar and saw the puck come shooting back to the middle of the ice, I thought he had shanked it right off the top of the net. It wasn't until I saw the ref at the top of my TV signaling for a goal that I went crazy! CRAZY!

The Ducks took great advantage of what they were given. With so few shots on goal (17) - I'm starting to develop and interesting love/hate relationship with SOG. Clearly taking more shots is going to increase the odds of getting a goal, but the quality is really what's important here. Moving the puck well is so vital to the success of teams, and when the Ducks are doing that well...it shows on the scoreboard. On the same note, having a goal tender who is able to stop the opposing 35 shots thrown at him...now that's fantastic! Jonas Hiller in his first NHL playoff game made it look like he's been playing nothing but playoff caliber games his entire professional career. He was saved by at least 2 posts (that I could hear), but in the end he was a wall for the Ducks - who's defense has picked up greatly over the past few weeks with the additions of Ryan Whitney and James Wisniewski. All of those guys are really adding to the incredible powers that is the always amazing Scott Niedermayer. Scotty is just...he's the man. I don't know that there is a better offensive/defenseman in the league. Always so calm, collected, and so smart with the puck. There will never be another like him.

Another strong factor in last night's game was the second line. With no points to show for unfortunately, they did exactly what they need to do against the Sharks. They were a THREAT. Andrew Ebbett and Erik Christensen are meshing together well, and had a few opportunities last night in front of the crease. In addition, Teemu Selanne was looking strong with a great opportunity in the third to get the Ducks on the board that was tapped just wide. When this line creates scoring chances like this, it causes the Sharks defense to step it up for not just one scoring line, but two. Keep it up boys, those goals are going to come.

The only negative I took from last nights game was control. The Sharks clearly outplayed the Ducks for a majority of the game. They had control of the puck, yet they were unable to get anything going in terms of successful offense (thanks again for that one defense/Hiller). However, it's just a matter of time before the Sharks start playing like the team they have been this whole season. This San Jose team has the ability to move the puck well when they are in control. The Ducks need to focus on clearing the puck well and controlling the play in their own zone. With continued defensive pressure and a burst of offense, the Ducks have a better chance than many are giving them credit for.

Overall, it was a MUST win game for the Ducks. It gets the ball rolling in the right direction. There are many areas the Ducks must improve on if they plan on making it out of this first round, but for the most part, winning game 1 puts them on the right track.

This thing is far from over...but for today, it's feeling pretty damn good.

GO DUCKS!!!

OH! and a new Ducks Dude has been featured...head over and check out Chris Pronger and leave your thoughts about him on the bottom of the page!

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!!!

They can't all be Colorado

WOW, I wish the Ducks could play Colorado EVERY NIGHT!

That whole game was something else wasn't it?

I got so many Twitter messages last night where people were just in SHOCK of what they were seeing.

Okay, but lets be realistic. Colorado is just awful. They have a whole rosters worth of guys out with injuries...and if you thought the Ducks were suffering through the season with newbies...the Avalanche are really struggling with no one like Scott Niedermayer or Chris Pronger out there to back those young guys up.

Wow, did it show.

First off...fantastic goals for the newest members of the team, who in reality are starting to look like they've been there since day one. Erik Christensen, James Wisniewski and Petteri Nokelainen. Seeing those guys contribute the way they have been lately makes trade deadline drama seem not so terrible. What I'm loving about the new group is that they're fighters. They're here trying to prove themselves (hopefully for spots on next years roster) and are working hard to show their teammates and the Ducks fans that they're worth something. That hard work pays off huge! For instance, Nokelainen's goal (the Ducks' 7th goal of the night) came from hard work and hustle along the neutral zone boards. He fought for the puck, stayed with the play and ended up with a mini breakaway which resulted in his 3rd goal of the season. Now that he's had the sit down with Corey Perry about rushing the net, maybe it's time he has a sit down with Ryan Getzlaf on how to win battles along the boards. Couldn't hurt.

I felt bad for Colorado at first and then I remembered what happened to the Ducks with Atlanta...and yea, not the same entirely...but damn it felt good to cream someone for a change! Between the recent Phoenix game and this game last night, it sure makes the fact that the Ducks have two more against these teams all the better.

I said I wanted to see that top line looking hot. You look at the goal scorers and you say, hey Perry had two...that line must have been hot! NOT! Both of Perry's goals came with the PP unit on the ice. I can't complain with the fact that the top line didn't shine and the big names didn't get points (nothing for Ryan Getzlaf, Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger and Bobby Ryan), but whatever...I'll take seven Ducks goals ANY DAY!

And again, Jonas Hiller was solid. He had his work cut out for him in the end as Colorado got 27 SOG in the final two periods of play. Clearly out shooting Anaheim in a desperation attempt to get back into the game. Randy Carlyle definitely did the gentleman thing in not making the scoreboard worse. Allowing the guys like Todd Marchant, George Parros and Mike Brown get in some more ice time, Carlyle took the focus off of trying to score and simply went with a defensive outlook for much of the third. Classy if you ask me. In addition, it allowed the big D men, Niedermayer and Pronger, to get some rest and play far fewer minutes than they have been averaging lately.

5 straight wins is nothing to brag about when it comes against teams like Phoenix (twice) and Colorado. But when you're in desperation-playoff-hunt like the Ducks are right now, 10 points is nothing to be upset about!

In the mean time...

GO DUCKS!!!

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!!!