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!!!

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!!!

The shake will wait!

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

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

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

What I love...

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

What I'm hating...

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

Who I'm loving...

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

Who I'm hating...

Detroit (that never changes).

What must continue...

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

What must end...

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

Most Importantly...

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

GO DUCKS!!!

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!!!

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

THANK YOU TODD MARCHANT!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GO DUCKS!!!

Seaons are nice, but the Playoffs are better

"You want to stay but you know very well I want you gone. Not fit to f*@#!ing tread the ground that I am walking on!"
-Harder to Breathe; Maroon 5

I've been waiting to use that one for a while now. It feels good.

You know what else? Barry Melrose must look like a GENIUS right now! Basically the ONLY "expert" to have picked the Ducks to take the first round from the PRESIDENT TROPHY WINNING SAN JOSE SHARKS...the Ducks are convincingly victorious in my opinion.

I don't like to talk about the games...some of you may have noticed on Twitter. A typical response from me is..."Shhhhhhhhh!" Don't be offended, I just don't want to talk about it. Okay, catch me in November against Edmonton or something, and I MIGHT join in on some trash talk, but I don't touch the playoffs with a ten foot pole. However, I have NO PROBLEMS talking about the now eliminated San Jose Sharks. The joy that I feel right now, having seen the EIGHTH seeded Ducks REMOVE the PRESIDENTS TROPHY WINNING SAN JOSE SHARKS, that joy is indescribable.

Here is something I said to a few people...very few people...

On Saturday, the Ducks were awful...no kidding right? The first two periods were terrible and YET, they found a way to come back and tie it up. That, to me, was a HUGE motivational boost for this Ducks team. I think with that loss, while yes it sucked, still showed that they are able to beat this team and they might just be BETTER THAN SAN JOSE! Which is all they needed to know about themselves! With the amazing victory last night, I think they proved to the rest of NHL that the Ducks are that good.

It seems to me that San Jose is a great team. There is no doubt that they had the ability to go far this post season. It's just unfortunate for them that they were forced to face the team that "no one wants to play". So what's next for San Jose? Tee Time and a long restful summer with the Presidents Trophy! There isn't anything better than that right? Oh wait...Stanley...he's better...but they wouldn't know that feeling.

In all sincerity, San Jose was a great team this season. They didn't just win the Presidents Trophy by luck, they were good enough to deserve it. They dominated at home and they dominated in most of the games they played. Unfortunately they were hot during the wrong time of the year. On the other end...the Ducks got hot at just the right time.

Next time? Nah, not if the Ducks have anything to say about it.

Mini has given up seafood for this victory. Every year she gives up something for each round pertaining to the team the Ducks are playing. She no longer votes for Senators and for a year refused to have Little Caesars pizza. Last year she gave up Famous Star burgers...but that one didn't work out too well. So this year...she's not allowed to have seafood until THE NEXT SEASONS PLAYOFFS BEGIN! It'll be a tough year for her, but the hockey gods have called for it, and now she must pay. I love her for it! :)

Highlight of the night? Yea, there are the obvious...Teemu Selanne finally breaking though; Jonas Hiller the Shark Killer was amazing YET again (probably the MVP for the Ducks in the first round); Francois Beauchemin, the poor mans Scotty, who is insanely underrated; Scott Niedermayer himself, amazing as always; Ryan Getzlaf who is GOLD when he shoots the puck and provided a huge dominating physical presence last night. But my highlight? Mini says, with 14:00 minutes left in the 3rd period..."When are they (San Jose) going to pull him (Nabokov)?" I LOVE YOU MINI! It was classic- and man, I love her thinking! :)

Okay, something else that I have chosen to keep hidden from this first round. On Thursday morning I woke up stressing as always about the playoff game that night. For some reason, as I was waking from my restful slumber, I kept thinking we were playing DETROIT that night! I don't know why I kept thinking about Detroit, but for some reason I kept thinking we had a huge game against them that Thursday evening. When the Ducks managed to take care of business on Thursday night, I was feeling pretty good about my subconscious premonitions.

This playoff run is just getting started, but in terms of small victories...taking down the Presidents Trophy San Jose Sharks...that just feels DAMN GOOD doesn't it?!

I'll gladly eat my words any day of the week! Which is exactly why I don't talk about games beforehand. I'd rather not gloat that a team is going to win and eat THOSE words...I'd rather be a little more humble about it to begin with. Which brings me to this. The final match up against the Chicago Blackhawks (I know, you're thinking...we haven't played them in months...what is she talking about?...I'm getting to it), I did a little Q & A with the Committed Indian over at Second City Hockey. The final question was if I thought the Ducks would make the playoffs and if I thought it would be worth it. Here's that Q & A:

Are you guys gonna make the playoffs? Is there any point?

That's the million dollar question in Ducks land right now. Honestly, with how tight everything is in the West, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't. The problem is we're all still waiting for this team to catch fire. With so few games left (especially for the Ducks), that fire better be now. Is there any point? Probably not. The Ducks have had serious issues with first place AND last place teams this season. I can't foresee them upsetting any of the top teams in the West.

I LOVE eating those words!

-----

Small exhale, as I begin to hold my breath for...ugh, do we have to talk about it already? Detroit.

Total side note. We have a friend who decided to tune in and watch some of the game. He sent my friend a text, "Who is that Miller? He's awesome!" we all laughed that he MUST have meant HILLER, but that it was a typo...sure enough about 20 minutes later he sent back..."OOPS, I meant HILLER, not MILLER." ...yea, okay, it was funny.

I saw this one the other day...and it made me think of both the Ducks and the Sharks in this first round. I wanted to make sure it was true though before I posted it...

"Losing streaks are funny. If you lose at the beginning, you get off to a bad start. If you lose in the middle of the season, you're in a slump. If you lose at the end, you're choking."
-Gene Mauch

GO DUCKS!!! OH! And Happy Birthday to my Mom!

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

It's whether you WIN OR LOSE!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yea, I'm pissed.

BUT I WILL ALWAYS SAY...

GO DUCKS!!!

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!!!

No time for small victories

Let's face it, at this point being up 2-1 against the team who is for all purposes the best team in the league...it's not enough, but it's better than nothing.

The Ducks needed that game last night. It hurts to lose to the Sharks at this point in the post season...but to say I saw it coming...well, I'm sure I'm not the only one.

I couldn't imagine the Ducks were going to take two in San Jose...and the thought of sweeping the number 1 seed seemed even more unimaginable...but when it comes down to it...the Ducks are going to have to be a MUCH better team on Thursday to make it out of round 1 alive. (I'm planning on being more positive as this post goes on...I promise)

Sometimes I know what to say...yet finding the right words is often tricky. Good thing I have an amazing Swiss goalie to sum it up perfectly for me...

"We had a little more offensive zone time than the last few games, but I think they had a decent first period. They had a lot of shots. They are the best team in the league not just because they were lucky. They are very skilled over there. They are a good team. I think we can play better, and that’s what we’re going to do." - Jonas Hiller OC Register

I don't really think I could sum up last night any better than that.

The Ducks are just asking to give up 3 or 4 goals a game to a team that has a great Power Play unit. It was only a matter of time that the Sharks were going to figure out a way to break in, and they have done just that. It gives more pressure to the Ducks to play smart hockey, move their feet and move the puck well. There were so many times last night that I felt like the Ducks were WAITING for the puck to come to them. There is no time to wait in these games. No time and definitely no room for cute passes or sloppy plays.

By putting extra pressure on San Jose's attack, the Ducks were able to create many turnovers in their favor. With San Jose struggling to clear the puck in the third period, the Sharks slid a great little feed to Chris Pronger who jumped in on the play just in time to shoot a fireball into the net. It reminded me so much of Corey Perry's goal in the final minutes of game 5 against the Senators in the 2007 finals that I had to smile at the post season similarities. It's great that the Ducks were able to capitalize on the San Jose turn overs, but they are going to have to start creating scoring chances for themselves. They are going to need to work on getting the puck into the zone to allow for a successful set up. The Ducks have been having trouble getting quality control in their own zone and that is going to be a must in game 4.

I'd really like to see the Ducks play a little more aggressive on their own end. What happened to you Corey Perry? Have you forgotten your role on the team as "goaltenders worst nightmare"? I'd like to see some more aggressive movement around the net, get Nabokov on some shaky ground and pick up some dirty goals!

The game was very physical, far more so than in the previous two games. I don't think the Ducks were ready for that change in pace to the game. San Jose made good work of shutting down and wearing down both Bobby Ryan and Teemu Selanne. While it's physically more difficult to bring down someone like Ryan Getzlaf, they did managed to get under his skin enough to throw off his game. That is going to happen from time to time, and the only way to get past that is to rely on OTHER players! This is a team guys, remember that.

So who do I rely on? The forward defenseman that is Scott Niedermayer. He was all over the place last night....I wondered when he ever stepped off the ice. I can honestly say that when I watch Scotty play, I'm never disappointed. He was my first star of the night - by far.

I can't imagine that San Jose is going to let up now that they have found a way to win. In fact, I think this one win will only add fuel to their fire. Here's hoping that this Ducks loss will only add fuel to their fire as well.

This series is FAR from over. We've all been witness to the Ducks under pressure and scrutiny. We've all seen these Ducks come from behind and go far...and here's the best part...they're NOT behind. The Ducks are very much in this thing and have a lot of power and pride to take this series into their own hands.

Hold tight Ducks fans...this is going to be a bumpy ride!

GO DUCKS!!!

2 down...

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

Lets jump right into it...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Damn right baby!

GO DUCKS!!!

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!

Ducks in a Row...decision time

Those Ducks sure do know how to keep you on the edge of your seat don't they?

Standing and cheering with 1 minute left in the game, up by one and heading to the post season...the Ducks give up a goal with 13.1 seconds to send the game into overtime. That 1 overtime point was all that the Ducks needed in order to clinch a spot in the playoffs, but...

Man, what a buzzkill!

On the night, the Ducks looked a little rusty, kinda like they just had a 4 day break or something. Jonas Hiller, for all purposes (minus the final goal of the 3rd period) was typical SOLID Hiller. That glove hand that just comes out of no where to slap you in the face. Those legs that kick out with a vengeance...and his shootout proficiency. I'm a little confident in saying he'll be the guy we see in game 1 of the playoffs.

Besides the fact that Ryan Getzlaf kept the team in there with his shootout goal, that guy was just asking for my friends and I to jump him in the parking lot after the game to knock some sense into him. Where WAS he last night? Drop pass after drop pass. Look dude, we know you like to pass the puck, but teams are starting to EXPECT that from you...fans are starting to expect that from you too! COME ON GETZLAF! This team needs you to make better choices with the puck right now. Take a shot now and then...PLEASE!

Teemu Selanne...what a shootout goal. That was just insane. The best part...Marty Turco looked like a fool. I like it when Selanne makes other people look foolish. I also like it when he's on his game. He wasn't last night. He's been struggling lately. I don't know if it's because he's still a valid threat and he's being shut down effectively or if he's really just not on his game right now. One thing is for sure...he better find it...QUICK! I will say this, he did have a great feed to Andrew Ebbett to set up the much needed 3rd goal of the night.

Chris Pronger was incredibly MIA last night. His physical game was lacking and it almost seemed as though he was having a hard time keeping track of the puck. I suppose it's a good thing that we're seeing Francois Beauchemin out there! Great to see him back on the ice last night. The fans, who were amazing last night by the way, gave him a WONDERFUL ovation when he had the puck behind the net during the first minutes of the game. It was almost like the play was set up purposely for him to have a moment with the fans. Beautiful. You could sense he was a little nervous about the physical aspect of the game and maybe played a little gingerly from time to time. By the end of the 3rd period, Beauch started to get into the play more aggressively and had a few great defensive plays to help keep the Ducks in the game.

In the end, there is nothing better than seeing the Ducks beat the Stars. It was the ultimate revenge.

Team Photo: Free
Zebra Corn: $6
Gladly giving up Brendan Morrison to Dallas on waivers: approximately 2 million freed cap space.
Watching Anaheim clinch a playoff position thanks to the team who removed them from the post season last year: PRICELESS!

Now is a great time to exhale...catch your breath.

Cause if you're anything like me...the next few weeks are going to suck every last breath from your lungs.

I don't care who scores tonight...just do it, convincingly. Scare the crap out of whatever team you're about to face and let them know you're coming without an ounce of mercy.

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!!!

Blueline saves

I actually started laughing as I typed that headline.

JONAS HILLER! Dude...WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?! SERIOUSLY!

We'll get back to that one.

So I was a bit unimpressed to start the game. I don't think the Ducks came out with the fire that I would like to see from them. I mean it wasn't as concerning against a team like Colorado...but the Ducks are just awful against bottom feeder teams, and I really didn't want to see them squander two points to these guys.

Corey Perry was on the receiving end of a turn over and netted the first goal of the game, which I gotta say...was absolutely beautiful. Talk about finding the top corner of the net and drilling it home. If I hadn't seen Ryan Getzlaf celebrate the way he did, I wouldn't have thought it hit the net. It was absolutely perfect. That guy has a killer shot. Even Getzlaf had a shot on net from the point in the 2nd (yea...I couldn't believe he took the shot either) that was a bullet. Damn, why doesn't that guy shot the puck more?! These two have such amazingly accurate shots...I'd just like to see more of them!

Bobby Effin Ryan...who's new name might be Effin B9. That kid has some fantastic hands doesn't he? That backhanded roofer was typical of the kid who was set up by a beautiful pass by Ryan Whitney. I'm glad I called for Effin B9 tonight...he deserved a big night here after a few hard working games. I'm really crossing my fingers he continues to score some goals and removes Dustin Penner's name from some of the Ducks books. Another great note about Ryan...he's now tied with Kris Versteeg for the most points by a rookie this season. Both forwards have 50 points, but Ryan has only played 58 games to Versteeg's 71. WOW! If he had been here for the same 71 games as Versteeg...Bobby Ryan would have been on pace for 61 points by now. The kid is just awesome. Oh, Ryan Getzlaf...he's got 81.

A little more about Whitney. We were talking about the new guys tonight, and I love them all. Whitney, who is probably at the bottom of my list...if I had to put them in some sort of preferred order...is a quality guy. I'd like to see him shot the puck more, but I have notice him getting involved in the plays more, kinda like Scott Niedermayer does. I like it.

Overall, it was a great offensive effort for the Ducks as 8 different guys collected a point tonight.

Okay...so now Hiller. This guy. THIS GUY! I'm still shaking my head over here.

Let it be known that I was officially crapping my pants as he made that VERY ballsy move. I have no idea what he was thinking...but here's a bit of what he had and Randy Carlyle had to say after the game to the OC Register...

“I thought I might make it, and once you decide to go, you have to go,” Hiller said. “You can’t back off or you’re totally lost. I was a little lucky. Prongs made a save for me. I might have to buy him dinner or something."

Hiller, if YOU don't buy Chris Pronger dinner...I'm going to buy him dinner. I jokingly said that it looked as though the Ducks played their best defense of the year on that play! See...all it takes is the threat of having no goalie and potentially losing ANOTHER game to one of the worst teams in the league!

The good news? Carlyle apparently wasn't very upset about it either...

“I think he made the right play,” Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. “He made a decision. Usually in those situations, you better go. You better get it — and he got it. There’s no criticism when you get it done.”

Oh do I hear that one. I had no complaints when it was all said and done...but the profanities were definitely flying DURING the play.

I hope we see Hiller in net for the remaining 6 games.

This game had way more excitement than I was expecting. Oh that Hiller.

On a side note...as of now, I will only be posting here on Ducks and Pucks.

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!!!

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!!!