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!!!

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

THANK YOU TODD MARCHANT!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GO DUCKS!!!

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

--UPDATED!--

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

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

So lets get right to it.

The Mike Brown hit.


--UPDATED--

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






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

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

And of course, Jiri Hudler thinks it was dirty;

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

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

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

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

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

Moving right along...

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

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

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

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

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

GO DUCKS!!!

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!

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!!!

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!!!

Oh! We have met before

So my favorite thing about the game...(minus the win and 2 points which I'm VERY excited about...VERY...)

The Power Play and Penalty kill was rocking and the return of Ryan Getzlaf.

After struggling so much on both ends of the ice, the PP and the PK really turned it on last night. I know there were alot of people who were worried when we lost the defensive shut down powers of Samuel Pahlsson and Travis Moen...but the aggressive speed and checking abilities that both Todd Marchant and Mike Brown have been bringing to the PK these past few games is quite noticeable. I'll be honest, I was ready to see Marchant hit the road, but lately he's really turned it on. I see both he and Brown out there with speed and intensity and it's exciting to watch. In addition it must be noted that George Parros getting a goal last night was huge. The Ducks need contributions from all lines, and seeing those guys step it up the way they have been lately is so important. The Ducks definitely brought energy to the game, which is really what those guys are all about. The Ducks power play was on a 1-for-28 stretch and have recently gone 7-for-12 over the past three games. Let's hope that one continues.

Ryan Getzlaf. Who wasn't happy to see that guy show up last night? The 3rd goal of the evening was a mini indication of the way that top line clicks with each other. There were times during the first period where I could see them reading each other perfectly. It really was beautiful to watch for a change. For the most part I hate to add videos to these blogs unless I really feel they are necessary and I think this goal is necessary to watch again (1:20).



First of all, let it be noted that Corey Perry just barely stays onside here. He's infamous for going offsides, and for the most part, unless he's taking the puck across the blue line himself, watch it...cause there's going to be a whistle. Anyway, to the point. The play, the spacing, it's all perfect. A beautiful cross ice pass from Bobby Effin Ryan to Getzlaf, and some slick puck handling to Perry, who I'm assuming had that sit down I suggested with Petteri Nokelainen about charging the net a bit more. When things like this happen, when passes like these are connected, when plays like these are executed, the team is going to win. No kidding, right?

With that being said, one of the major changes I noticed tonight was some presence at the net. That's been lacking so much lately, but with that man in front, 3 of the Ducks goals were tip in/redirect style goals. They need those opportunities, they need a man at the net. It's huge for their success and they haven't been doing it enough lately.

Jonas Hiller was solid again last night. So great to see that right now. It seems to me that if the Ducks are going to have a chance at the playoffs, Hiller is going to have to be in net for a majority of the remaining games. Plain and simple.

So is it just that the Ducks beat a crappy team? Or is it that the Ducks have found some fire in their game?

Is it going to carry over? If the Ducks want a chance at the post season...it sure as hell better.

This might just be the best showing the Ducks have had at home since game 5 against San Jose, where they shut them out 4-0, game 11 against Detroit and game 12 against Vancouver where they fought to send both of those games into overtime, and ultimately Vancouver into the crazy 13 round shootout. What's the good news in that? The Ducks looked so much better during that time of the season. Minus the terrible start, the Ducks then went 8-3-2 in the month of November and received points in 9 straight games spanning from October 21 - November 5. The Ducks really need an October/November right now and this game may have just been the spark they were looking for.

Warning to the friends; get out the oxygen tank. This is the beginning of the playoffs people. Seemingly, every game is must win- or go home. I foresee potential hyperventilation factors coming into play and soon I expect them to ask me if I'm going to pass out.

I love it!

GO DUCKS!!!

Pick your poison

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's another obvious for everyone...

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

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

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

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

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

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

They did something well...again!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

oh right...not on TV.

Whatever!

GO DUCKS!!!

They've done something well...

The Ducks win a game -- finally, right?

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

Here were some thoughts...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GO DUCKS!!!