Wow, what a few hours can do to a team

I'm just SPEECHLESS...that's right...no expletives!

Steve Montador is with Boston. Ducks get F - Petteri Nokelainen.

Samuel Pahlsson (OMG...I can't believe they traded Pahlsson! I'm soooo...wow....just speechless!) to Chicago. Ducks get D - James Wisniewski and undisclosed pick (whatever that means).

Kent Huskins and Travis Moen to rival San Jose (WHAT WERE THEY THINKING!?). Ducks get F - Nick Bonino, G - Timo Pielmeier and a Conditional Pick.

Prospect Eric Cole to Atlanta. Ducks get F - Erik Christensen.

WOW! eltoro reminds me...I/we/fans/Ducks asked for this shake up. We all wanted a change and something to offer a spark. I just didn't think it would look like this! I'm stunned, totally surprised. I can't lie, I'm terrible with knowledge on a good majority of non Ducks...but I really don't recognize any NEW names here. One thing I can say is this...this roster just got ALOT younger! But as for analysis. I HAVE NO IDEA!!!

I'm not going to recognize ANYONE at Friday's game!

More importantly I'm beyond sad to see these 2 3 4 5 guys go. It's been one hell of an emotional day week. Seeing Chris Kunitz leave and now Steve Montador, Sammy Pahlsson, Travis Moen and Kent Huskins. I wish them luck, they're all finding themselves on very talented teams with a huge opportunity to win another Stanley Cup. I put my figurative money on Boston about a month ago...I think I'll be keeping it there since they didn't do too shabby here on deadline day themselves.

But more importantly...to the old, new, young, veteran, revamped and refurbished...GO DUCKS!!!

Shake up and Wake up!

After an overwhelmingly disappointing loss to a Crosby-less Pittsburgh on Friday night, the Ducks were in desperate need of a win in Minnesota. So desperate that there was a major change to the offensive line-up. I was unable to watch the game live so I checked in often on my phone. I could tell from the way the minuets were dispersed between players that there had to be a shake up in the lines...I couldn't have been more correct. I watched when I got home...
Here's a look:

Kunitz - Getzlaf - Morrison. These guys played well together, but I think it was obvious on the final goal of the night just what Ryan Getzlaf & Corey Perry can do on a line together. Those final seconds of the game may have been the only quality time those two spent together and look what happened. Getzlaf sends a beautiful pass to a wide open Perry in front of a wide open net. However, I don't want to take away from the opportunities that the K-G-M line had. They looked solid, and I think by removing Perry from Getzlaf it allowed Chris Kunitz to become more puck minded than he has been so far this season. Kunitz playing along side Getzlaf and Perry means he's required to make space and allow the other two to make plays, while having Brendan Morrison on the line, Kunitz becomes a shooter again. I like Kunitz in that role...I'm sure it wont be a surprise to say that I don't care for Morrison in the play makers role, but hey...the power that is Getzlaf somewhat counteracts that. Anyway, I'm assuming this was the #1 line of the night.

Miller - Pahlsson - Perry. I think the goal here was to get the scoring spanned out amongst many lines. I can't say that I think this line brought much action or offensive power. For the most part, they went unnoticed.

Moen - Carter - Niedermayer. I think this was my favorite line of the night. Ironically, this line was something Ducks fans saw at the beginning of last season when Ryan Carter filled in for Sammy Pahlsson because he was recovering from surgery. They were very physical and had alot of scoring opportunities. Not only that, but I'll never argue Carter getting more minutes.

Bodie - Ebbett - Ryan. Yea...this line to me was basically Andrew Ebbett and Bobby Ryan. I still haven't seen much from Troy Bodie (I had to look up his first name!). But much like Getzlaf cancels out the Morrison effect, I think the same can be said about the Ryan - Bodie effect.

One thing I noticed about this line-up was that everyone seemed to be playing very similar minutes. In terms of forwards, Bodie was the low end of the scale with 11:40, while Pahlsson maxed out at 17:51 (with some added PK time). Spreading the offense seemed to work well. Much of this "spread" comes from having a key player or scorer on every line.

So the overall positive of this game? The Ducks played one of the better games fans have seen in weeks. They were sharp, quick (in fact, I'm just remembering RIGHT NOW that they just played game 2 of a back-to-back) and they played a skilled game of hockey. They made crisp passes and they played physical. They moved their feet and controlled the puck for much of the game. Aside from a few penalties, they were disciplined and focused. I was impressed for the first time in a while.

Jonas Hiller was fabulous...again! At this point, I'm going to expect that he plays on Tuesday against the Rangers and Jiggy is in net against the Islanders. I know normally things would be the other way around...but the smart move here is to put the man who is playing well in net against the Rangers and right now, that guy is Hiller. No question.

So, my predictions. After making a whooping 4 predictions I've learned something...go with the gut instinct. For example, the other day I was going to make a prediction that we were going to hear good news about Selanne...that day we find out he's skating again. No biggie right? Tonight, my original prediction was 2 goals by Ryan a goal from Perry and a shutout by Hiller. I tried to spread it around a bit for kicks and well...from now on...I go with the instinct! But...Hiller did let one by tonight, it just didn't count!

GO DUCKS! I like the shake up...it was a fantastic wake up!

Impressive...

Glad the Ducks finally played a game they deserved to win.

Okay, so we see another 4-3 score on the big board, but for the most part, I'd say that is a very big misrepresentation of what actually happened.

The Ducks definitely controlled much of the game. Some sloppy play in the third, which they are known to do, but for the most part, things seemed to be clicking.

Bobby Ryan is clearly not a fluke, as he seems to just get better and better with each game. Literally FLYING to the net for the Ducks' first goal of the game (from what I will admit was a nice feed from Brendan Morrison), was a momentum changer. A CRAZY goal was scored off the helmet of Bobby Holik (that being his second goal of the year by the way)to get the Devils on the board early, but I'd definitely say it was all Ducks from that point on.

The highlight of the evening was what turned out to be the GWG by Chris Kunitz. The top line had a great 1-2-3 play that really showed what was missing from having Corey Perry out the past 4 games.

Now I have to give myself a little pat on the back...
My Earl Sleek BoC inspired prediction went VERY well if you ask me.

Corey Perry had himself a big night with 2 assists...okay, so I said goal and assist, but I'll take it!

Bobby Ryan had a goal...not on the PP like predicted, but a goal none the less...I'll take it!

Ryan Getzlaf didn't get into a stupid uneccesary fight! I'll take it!

George Parros ALMOST fought there in the 3rd...but since I don't like fights anyway...I'll take it!

My "why the heck not" prediction was most impressive...Travis Moen gets an assist on a Sammy Pahlsson goal...how beautiful was that?! I'll take it!

Finally, Jiggy lets 2+1 by. He really only let 2 get by...one kind of questionable, the other...kinda by Travis Moen.

Ducks win...I'LL TAKE IT! :)

I'll have another one for Wednesday cause...why not, it's fun!

GO DUCKS!!!!!

One More Time! (and then again in like a month or so)

Well, it wasn't fantastic, but it was more than enough.

The Ducks were able to focus and play a solid game for about 60 minuets. All very important right now seeing that the season is officially 1/2 way over (::sigh::).

Beating the Kings. The Ducks are 3-1 against the cross town rivals this season. Who doesn't love beating the Kings? For some reason watching Ducks/Kings games I’m always extra tense. Like it matters that much. I guess for me, all that matters is that the co-workers (who didn’t even know that the Kings played last night) can’t make a comment, and that Ken (who decided to join us during the 3rd period just in time for 2 Ducks goals) has no room for bragging. Ken is a big hockey fan/player/overall nice guy. Too bad he’s confused and doesn’t know how to pick a good team. Last night he compared his personal to play to that of Alexander Ovechkin…I corrected him by saying that the comparison is only relevant when Ovechkin is on the bench (admittedly, I've never seen Ken play...but I have seen Ovechkin play and well...). Ken laughed, which is just another case to his fantastic-ness. Good guy, just a fan of the wrong team.

Hello Power Play scoring. Yes, it was missing and has been FOUND! Bobby Ryan and Samuel Pahlsson's goals were exactly what the Ducks needed last night. I seriously can’t get enough of Bobby Ryan right now. He’s really stepping it up and showing why he was drafted number 2. On the flip side (I feel like it would be necessary to insert a rap here or something), the Ducks seem to be having issues getting even strength goals. 8 of the Ducks’ last 13 goals (dating back to the visit to St. Louis) have come on the Power Play. So glad that it’s clicking boys. Just imagine the damage if even strength was clicking TOO (I’d rather SEE than IMAGINE though).

Other than the fact that the game was considerably uneventful, the Ducks played well enough to do what was necessary, get 2 points.

--
Here’s a kicker. I was going to post something about this TODAY. I have been having this feeling in my bones that there was going to be a Ducks trade soon. It was like having a cold weather warning in my joints or something. Anyway, it’s happened. The Ducks have traded Brad May to Toronto (of all places right?). This move may be nice for May-day since he’s from Toronto. Anyway, with the way the younger core group of guys have been playing lately, I can’t say I’m surprised. I don’t know if this is because of his age or because his contract is up at the end of the season, but this just helps trim the roster a bit more. I can’t argue, if it means not having to decide between May and Ryan Carter on the 4th line…no complaints here. No doubting Brad May was a huge part of the Ducks Stanley Cup run and he’ll be missed. Good luck May-day.

Finally, Corey Perry should keep in mind that biting only gets you a 2 game suspension.

GO DUCKS!

Happy Birthday Little Guy!!!

So many wonderful things for the Ducks tonight. Coming off what I felt was a strong showing on New Year’s Eve, the Ducks continued that strong physical play again tonight.

A few little things first.

Face-offs. It became instantly very clear that the Ducks were winning face-offs in a huge number and controlling the game because of it. One of the first face-off losses the Ducks gave up resulted in the Flyers first goal of the game. Ryan Getzlaf was fantastic going 14-6 (70%), Samuel Pahlsson 18-9 (67%). The little things like that give the team a great opportunity to get a win.

Corey Perry gets a goal. Big thing for him tonight to try and get that flowing again. Not only was the goal very flashy and exciting, but it came on a night that he was “in the spotlight” on KDOC. Not to mention…what a beautiful BEAUTIFUL pass to a very open Getzlaf for his power play goal in the 2nd period. Not to be overlooked, Steve Montador had a HUGE hit to get that play going in the right direction.

Robbie Niedermayer gets goal number 9 for the season. Keep it up buddy, you’ve already surpassed last years mark (8)! Perhaps he's on his way to a career year. His career season high was set in 2005-2006 while with the Ducks, he had 15 goals.

Physical play. MANY MANY big hits on the night for the Ducks. This is their style of game and it has been so prevalent for them in the past. It works for them, when they play that style, it pays off well.

Most exciting for the night, birthday boy Andrew Ebbett gets his first NHL goal of his career. “It’s nice to get it out of the way” says Ebbett while being interviewed DURING the 2nd period.

HUGE Penalty Kill PERIOD by the Ducks in the middle of the third. 8 Minutes shorthanded…not helpful in terms of scoring, but huge in terms of momentum. Well, here's the positive spin…I didn’t think the Ducks showed frustration like they normally do in situations like that. They stayed focused and cleared the puck well. I suppose if the Ducks are going to take so many penalties, then killing them forcefully and effectively is the best way to go about it.

JS Giguere was fabulous again tonight. Fabulous. He seemed focused, sharp and very quick. Seeing Jiggy in “Jiggy” form is always a highlight.

Scary moment of the evening, seeing Getzlaf go down after getting slammed, with no interference call by the way, in the neutral zone. It was fantastic to see him back out there and even better when he scored that intense power play goal in the second. I'm hoping that it's just going to be a little sore for him, and that there will be nothing further from the hit to the knee.

In addition, keeping Jeff Carter scoreless was HUGE! He's currently leading the league right now in goals, and seeing him NOT get one was a pleasure. In addition, it was equally nice to keep Joffrey Lupul scoreless especially after what he said about playing in Anaheim in his blog (you'll want to check out the December 31 post). Thanks to Adam Brady for the heads up on that one. Anyway, alot of credit goes to the checking line on this one. They shut down the Flyers' first line VERY effectively, as mentioned, keeping Carter scoreless. Even better, getting scoring from that same line was something that the Ducks need more of when playing powerful opponents like Philadelphia and those guys have to spend more time than usual on the ice.

So while this has been a fairly positive post, here comes my “bummer” of the evening…
It’s unfortunate to say that the Ducks gave up two goals and consequently two leads just moments after going ahead with big goals themselves. It proves to be the reason for the loss. Just keeping one of those goals out of the net means a win in regulation. Otherwise…strong game for the Ducks. Keep it up boys…don’t get discouraged.

Side note:
Teemu Selanne was visiting in the announcers booth tonight. He talked about how GOOD he’s feeling. He’s been off crutches for a few days now and said that, “If somebody would have told me that two weeks ago I could walk and I could do a lot of things right now, I would have been surprised.” He’s looking good. In addition, at the end of the 2nd period he said, “I can’t wait (to get back), I know coach doesn’t like these kind of games, but I’d rather win a game 7-6 than 1-nothing.” Love that guy.

Another thing he mentioned was that the cut he received on his left thigh was only, “2 millimeters away from the main artery.” YIKES! That would have been VERY bad to say the least!

Okay, so the Ducks only get 1 point tonight and don't exactly get 2009 off to the right start, but for the most part, they are showing great improvements. I hope to see more play like this from them in the future...it could really do some damage here in the Pacific Division.

GO DUCKS!!!

Oh...and don't forget tomorrow at 10:30am Pacific Time...starting line up will be announced!!

MISSING: It's obvious...right?

Updated @7:45am

I don't think I understand how things are so out of control for the Ducks right now.

Let's start positive tonight for a change:
Scott Niedermayer as the all star of the game was an understatement. He was in tip-top Scotty form. Handling the puck effortlessly and taking it in deep to provide plays. His open net goal in the third was beautiful and was a result of his hard work. He got the puck to the net on the original play. Unfortunately for Scotty, he wasn't able to get back quick enough to cancel a Brett Festerling turn over that caused the Ducks to give up another golden opportunity for Daniel Sedin, who was rewarded with an unassisted goal (the Ducks have been giving those out like candy lately).

I think another huge positive for the Ducks tonight was the hard work from Andrew Ebbett. Even after a crazy travel experience, it was clear he came to play and he worked hard. He's happy to be playing with the Ducks and simply happy for the opportunity. The OC Register reported that he arrived at about 8pm Sunday evening:

“Oh yeah, I was smiling yesterday, too,” he said. “You couldn’t get mad about it. There was nothing you could do about it. It’s winter, Christmas travels, and I got to come up here, so I’m not complaining.”Andrew Ebbett, OC Register

I'm happy to see him get the opportunity, just wish it was under different circumstances.

So in addition to stellar Scotty, Bobby Ryan was compelling to watch. He really held his own out there against a very strong looking Vancouver. I think his most important factor was his efforts to get the puck to the net. It's nice to see the fresh faces working so hard to make a name for themselves. If Ryan keeps this up...the Ducks will undoubtedly benefit.

ADDED: I can't believe that I forgot to mention Sammy Pahlsson. How do you not love Sammy Pahlsson? I think he got robbed on that goal. I could barely tell what was going on in the crease to decide if it was intentional or not. But the best part about it...he ended up getting a great goal anyway. Finally. He was slightly overdue for something!! But I just wanted to make sure that he got his credit for playing hard last night.

One last note because my praise of Chris Kunitz will hopefully be never ending. While looking around various stats I came across hits. Okay, so maybe not the most important stat, or the biggest headline getter, but for the Ducks it has always been a big/HUGE part of their game and I think it's currently lacking. Thanks Kunitz, you are leading the team with 79, followed by Travis Moen with 70 (the leading hit man in the league is Milan Lucic from Boston with 133). Let's pick it up a bit boys. It can't hurt right? Well, maybe it will hurt the opposition and that's what the Ducks are looking for right now. Kunitz is 22nd in the league in hits.

So the ugly news for the night:
TOO MANY things that are missing right now. Here are a few:

The power play is STILL MISSING. Okay, so the Ducks were 2 for 5 tonight. One was a 5-3 opportunity. I don't think it's enough. Not when they are taking nearly twice as many penalties (more on that later). A bright note however, Ryan showed that his efforts in studying Teemu Selanne worked to his advantage. His goal tonight was solid as was that first power play opportunity. In fact, the first 10 minuets of the game were outstanding. I was very ready to see a great game by the Ducks and then...

MISSING: Self Control. It has been lost by the Ducks lately. They have been playing frustrated and it shows. More so on Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry than anyone else (plus we all know that when one gets picked on, the other is likely to jump to his side). They are top tier players and the rest of the NHL knows this. They are getting shut down and frustrated and taking it out in the wrong way. For one thing, Getzlaf fighting is unnecessary. The LAST thing the Ducks need is their top scorer in the box. DUH! IT'S OBVIOUS RIGHT?! What about the fact that the guy averages 19:17 TOI (just behind Scotty (26:43) and Chris Pronger (26:31) of course) and only played 16:24. Okay, so not a huge difference, but that could mean 3 or 4 EXTRA shifts that he's on the ice instead of in the box! It could mean sending this particular game into overtime!

REWARD IF FOUND: LESS PENALTIES TAKEN!!!!! Gee, wouldn't it be fantastic if the Ducks weren't constantly playing SHORTHANDED?! You've got 2 SH goals this year so far...think that's going to be a positive way to win games? HA! The Ducks took 9, yes NINE, penalties tonight. The Canucks were only able to score on two of those...but hey, those two less goals mean the DUCKS WIN THE GAME! Come on now...IT'S OBVIOUS RIGHT?!

MISSING: SOLID PASSING. I don't really know why this has been a problem lately, but it seems to be getting clearer and more sloppy as the season progresses. The OBVIOUS examples of this would be the 4 unassisted goals the Ducks have given up in the last week or so.

REWARD IF FOUND: SCORING OPPORTUNITIES. How many times tonight did it seem that if the Ducks were just able to make a clean pass, they would have found an open net? Case in point, Getzlaf makes a clean pass to Ryan...GOAL. Scotty sends the puck to the net, clean pass from Perry, open net for Niedermayer...GOAL.

Something to note, the Ducks are currently on pace for only 94 points this season. Yes, ONLY 94 points. They are better than that.

The frustration is setting in people, at home too, and I won't be happy if I kick my TV in.

GO DUCKS! GO GET FOCUSED! FOCUS! (inspired by OBD, and she won't even know it!)


I don't know what the fans are doing...and I don't care. Just keep it up! At this point, all four Ducks are in the starting line upand gaining ground on those behind them. There is less than 2 weeks left for voting, and from what I understand at some point they are going to stop showing the results (probably so the NHL can justify picking who they'd like to see playing...right?). All this means is that Ducks fans will probably have to vote a little harder. Just keep it up...because it's damn impressive and I LOVE IT!

NOT AGAIN?!

It’s awfully hard to get writing after a loss. Probably because there’s so much more to criticize after loss than a win. I usually like to write as I watch or I go back over the game that I have tivo-ed…ugh, I really wasn’t looking forward to having to do that this time, but I did it anyway.

The Ducks looked like they were skating in mud. They were out of position and all too often unable to get set up in their offensive zone. They looked tired and almost like they got together before the beginning of the game and said…"hey, we’re going to lose eventually…let’s just go out and let them man handle us tonight." They did. My only request was to see hits and Ryan Getzlaf take more than 2 shots. Well, Getz took 3 shots (oh boy) and there were hits alright…just not ones by the Ducks (except for the smash that Chris Kunitz put on Sean Avery…even though he had it coming. Oh and the one from Todd Marchant and Ryan Carter that caused a need for the glass to be repaired...okay, so there were a few.)!

The Ducks' power play was absent, except for one goal. The Stars came into the game 1-16 in previous Power Play opportunities…and scored on their first and second opportunity. Those goals lead Mark Parrish to his first goals…excuse me...HAT TRICK of the season in his FIRST GAME of the season with the Stars. LOVELY!

I really think Marty Turco got a lot of lucky chances. That guy flails around as if he has NO control over his body (kinda like he’s taken goal tending lessons from Dominik Hasek). It was definitely a game where bounces weren’t in the Ducks favor and it seems like when that happens, frustration sets in and then so do the penalties. The penalty kill had to work so much harder seeing guys constantly head off to the box. The frustration hit everyone, Corey Perry for one, met the box twice in the 3rd period, Samuel Pahlsson paid a visit out of frustration after giving Mike Modano a pleasant push to the back of the head (he’s had 3 penalties in the last 2 games…rare for that guy) and Steve Ott even managed to frustrate Chris Pronger into taking 2 minuets. Although, now that I think about it…Prongs hasn’t been visiting the box too often this season having only served 20 PIM (last season he had 128 PIM…now that I’ve mentioned it of course...).

The highlights of the game?
Teemu Selanne broke the tie he once shared with Paul Kariya to now be the all time Ducks leader in assists (370). Fantastic. I love seeing Selanne at the top of any Ducks list. In addition, Getzlaf, Pronger and Selanne were all able to extend their point streaks (9, 6, 9). More importantly Brendan Morrison finally got his first goal as a Duck. Let’s just hope this was his dentist visit and things will only get better for him here on out.

So tonight…the Florida Panthers (4-8-1; last in the league with only 9 points). I don’t have much to say about this except…they lost to the Kings a few nights ago…the Ducks SHOULD be able to mop the floor with them right?

Go Ducks! Let’s see something better than what we witnessed on Friday okay?

OH!! Visit Battle of California and support the "Re-Sign Sammy Pahlsson" Campaign.