Ducks in a Row...game 7.2

"You find that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, and rest when you know that it was a 100 percent effort that you gave--win or lose."
-Gordie Howe

For today...

"Just do it."
-Nike

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...game 6.2

"A diamond is a chunk of coal that made good under pressure."

-Henry Kissinger

The Ducks need to write a different story today, one they can be proud of...one with a desirable ending.

Win, or go home.

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...game 5.2

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
-Confucius

MUST WIN.

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...game 4.2

"Get used to this phrase: how could both referees have missed that?"

-Mike Brophy

I expect A LOT of that tonight.

I am really excited about tonight's game! Wait, scratch that...I'm ALWAYS excited about the game, but I am a little extra excited about my company tonight! Suz Broughton and I will be cheering it up and probably beer-ing it up...orange towels in hand and tons of Detroit hating (she's really good at that if you follow her on Twitter)!

There is no question that Detroit (and their fans) are looking for revenge. There is also very little question on whether or not they are going to get some EXTRA calls in their favor tonight. Unfortunately, it's just the way the puck bounces, and tonight, I don't think it will be in the Ducks' favor.

That being said, they're going to have to play extra hard if they want the win. First and foremost, Bobby Effin Ryan is going to have to show that he can play through a slump and get his groove back. In addition, the Ducks need Ryan Getzlaf to play like he wants to win. The second line will need to step it up again and make something happen, and to say that the Ducks will need some assistance from the third and fourth line is just a given.

It's always possible...now just go out there and make it happen!

I hope the Honda Center is ear shatteringly loud again tonight...Suz and I will definitely be doing our part!

DO IT FOR WISNIEWSKI!!!

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...game 3.2

"When you're riding, only the race in which you're riding is important."

-Bill Shoemaker

One game at a time.

These next two will be at home for the Ducks...

One game at a time.

There is no looking ahead at any point in these playoffs. Tonight, the Ducks are going to have to take each period, each shift, one at a time. Game 2 was exhausting I'm sure, but the good news is that BOTH teams are tired.

We're going to need to see a lot from our big guys tonight, most importantly Bobby Effin Ryan. Randy Carlyle made an example out of him in game 2, and I have a feeling the kid won't take lightly to that. GOOD! With the way the other lines performed in game 2, I have a feeling we're going to be seeing a very similar line-up tonight.

And again tonight, as with every home game this post season...the fans MUST bring their "A" game!

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...game 2.2

"There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.”
-Malcolm X

The Ducks need Mike Brown.

Brown has become an instrumental part of the Ducks success on the Penalty Kill since he was acquired. His speed and ability to be "the pest" on defense causes teams to turn over the puck and frustrate them while trying to enter the zone. The Ducks were without his services in game 1...and hopefully, if we have to see a PK unit, he'll continue to impress.

The defense must be stronger.

While Detroit claims they don't play the physical game, they are much smarter and stronger about getting to the front of the net than the Sharks were. They are going to do everything in their power to get pucks to Jonas Hiller, and the defense needs to be stronger down low to prevent that from happening.

Jonas Hiller is going to be tested...anyway.

Detroit knows that Hiller drops to his knees. They are trying to exploit that and are doing it well. He's very aware that they are looking for the top of the net and they are a very skilled team capable of making sharp shots. While he's trying to focus his efforts on an all around game, he's letting the easy things get by 5 hole. Hiller needs to play like Hiller...and not let another teams' offense dictate HIS game.

Scoring is a must.

This is not the time to be cute on the ice. Jiri Hudler learned that lesson in game 1. Smart plays and solid passes are always crucial but most importantly, the Ducks have got to find ways to get the puck and MEN to the net. The rebounds are there. Go get them.

Penalties are going to be the factor.

Come on. We all know that Detroit is going to get the benefit of every doubt. The Ducks MUST capitalize on every opportunity they get on the power play. Teemu Selanne, for one, must be sharp. He had a hat trick against Detroit earlier this season thanks to power plays and knows how to pick the right spot. Scoring on those opportunities might make the difference.

In addition, penalty kills are going to be just as important. Having BOTH Mike Brown and Todd Marchant out on the ice for the PK will be a great option for the Ducks in game 2. A luxury they were without for game 1.

And of course...staying out of the box will be the ultimate kill.

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...game 1.2

"Put all excuses aside and remember this: YOU are capable."

-Zig Ziglar

This is going to be a battle...make no mistake about that. The Ducks are going to need to play with the continued fire and passion that they showed San Jose in the first round. There will be no time for rest once the puck drops today at 4pm.

We all know that the Ducks are up against a powerhouse. Their fan base alone (while yes, annoying) is going to play a huge factor in the first two games and hopefully this will help to fuel the fire behind the Ducks power.

One thing is for sure, the Ducks are going to need a lot of help from so many of their talented players to pull out victories. While yes Bobby Effin Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are going to be the big go to guys, the Ducks are going to need the presence of Teemu Selanne, Andrew Ebbett, Erik Christensen, Ryan Carter and so many of their other capable hands for scoring if they want to get this done.

On the other end, Jonas Hiller will have to once again be the wall that he was in the first round. We all know that he can't do it alone. The Ducks' defense which has proven itself to be amazing in it's own right will need to provide all of the support they can in order to keep the front of the net clear.

Most important factor of all...no damn penalties. I know this will be an IMPOSSIBLE task for the Ducks to complete...but the less opportunities they give up, the better. The penalty kill stars Todd Marchant and Mike Brown are going be as crucial as ever in stopping a dominating PP unit.
The Ducks have a chance tonight...they'll need to work hard and play like they want it more than the other guy.

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...game 6

"In every adversity there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time."
-Robert Collier

Here is hoping that the Ducks have evaluated Saturday night's loss, reflected, learned from it, and will now move on.

There is no time like tonight to try and finish this thing off. Notice I said TRY!!! Nothing about this game is guaranteed. Nothing about tonight is certain.

Both the fans and this Ducks team need to remember that.

The fans are going to need to bring 110% of their loyalties and dedication to this team tonight. Without the fans support and encouragement this game is going to be a tough battle.

On the same note, the guys are going to need to bring 150% of themselves. They are facing a team who is up against elimination- and we all saw what kind of determination they brought to the table on Saturday night. The Ducks must be faster, smarter, stronger.

This game is not impossible, but it is imperative...I, for one, do not want to see this series go to a game 7!

The Ducks are going to require the services of their top two lines tonight. Once again Bobby Effin Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are going to need to dominate on all ends of the ice. In addition, it's equally necessary to see the second line step up. Teemu Selanne has been absent lately, and now would be as good a time as any to show up!

And once again, we will need to see Jonas Hiller as the human wall.

I'm already nervous and I'm already shaking in my Nike's (literally, I'm wearing the Ducks Nike's today).

There is no time like today...

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...game 5

"Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."
-Harriet Beecher Stowe

So what do the Ducks need to do to close this one out?

EXACTLY WHAT THEY DID IN GAME 4.

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...game 4

"In war, there is no substitute for victory."
-Douglas MacArthur

There's no stepping down now. With a 2-1 lead in this series, this game is more important than game 1.

With an opportunity to take a strong hold on this series or see it slip to 2-2, the Ducks really hold all of the control here.

Here's what I'm thinking...

The Ducks have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They weren't supposed to be in the post season. Weeks ago many had written them off. Finding someone who picked them to take this first round is nearly impossible (thanks Barry Melrose). And yet, here they are with 1 more game at home, up 2-1 in the series and in complete control of their future...just as they were during the final games of the season.

Tonight scoring is a must...a MUST! I think it must come from the top two lines. The RGP line has to step it up tonight and the second line is really going to need to be a factor. Getting set up on the offensive end of the ice will be crucial to even strength and power play opportunities. The Ducks are going to have to make their own chances and take advantage of mistakes on the other end.

In addition, keeping the front of the crease clear will be huge to the success of Hiller.

And as always...NO STUPID PENALTIES!

Tonight = MUST!

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...game 3

"Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them: A desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill."
-Muhammad Ali

These Ducks MUST have the will tonight. They must go above and beyond. As each game progresses they must work hard, play physical smart hockey and become more and more determined to succeed. Each game their opponent will come at them harder and stronger...and the Ducks MUST have the will to be the better team.

Tonight, 3 things will be key (well, millions of things will be key...but these are just 3 that I think will be the most imperative).

The first key is far and beyond the most obvious...STAY OUT OF THE BOX! I know THEY know this...FANS know this...just do it! SMART HOCKEY!

Jonas Hiller has got to be the man...AGAIN tonight. The Ducks are facing a very powerful offense...Anaheim's defense must continue to be BETTER!

Home ice, home crowd. The fans MUST be a factor in tonight's game. As a whole, we have to be behind our team with 100% of the support they deserve.

OH! And for a 4th key...tons of DUCKS GOALS (that's just as obvious as the first...but sometimes, it needs to be said!)!

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...game 2

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there”
- Will Rogers

Tonight will be a huge test for the Ducks. There is no doubt in my mind that they are going up against a team with the drive and passion to erase what happened on Thursday night.

The Ducks have to ignore that team, they have to forget about Thursday night. They have to go out there and want it more, strive for more. Plain and simple...they can't just sit there content with 1 win.

Tonight will be a real test for the 2nd line in my opinion. With the way Andrew Ebbett, Erik Christensen and Teemu Selanne have been meshing lately, it's going to be imperative for them to get big goals tonight. If the 2nd line is able to be a threatening presence like they were in game 1, it will give the big line room to step up and make contributions.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say no penalties for Rob Niedermayer...in the 2nd period...tonight.

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...game 1

I'm a procrastinator. I can't and I won't deny it. But, I also work really well under pressure.

The Ducks, I think they're procrastinators too. When you think about it...they didn't bother to show up until the end of the season. That's the ultimate in procrastination! Here's the positive in that...look at how well they did under all that pressure! They're off to the post season yet again and while it could have been too little too late, in the end it was just enough, and just in time!

It's going to take an overwhelming amount of teamwork to get me through these weeks. Like the Ducks, I'm going to need to take this game by game. Hour by hour. Document by document. Line by line. Letter by l-e-t-t-e-r. That's just at work, the weekends...that's a whole other story!

The Ducks are going to need to do the same. Game by game. Period by period. Shift by shift. Pass by pass.

This entire series is going to require that the Ducks work as a whole. They're going to need contributions from everyone to pull this out. The second, third, and fourth lines must make an impact if there is going to be any room for the RGP line. If those lines can become a functioning threat, it will open up time and space for Ryan, Getzlaf, and Perry to the damage necessary. On the same note, the Ducks are going to need to find the same defensive drive to bring down a very powerful offensive force.

I think we'll see Hiller in net tonight. He's played very well over the past few weeks and has the ability to stand tall when the Ducks need him.

This is just game one of what will be a very long and difficult road for these Ducks.

"Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven't half the strength you think they have."

~Norman Vincent Peale

But I have confidence in them!

GO DUCKS!!!

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!!!

Ducks in a Row

Well, thanks for nothing D.....t (yes, it seems as though my fingers wont allow me to type it out.) With a win in the shootout, Nashville remains in the running. Here are the standings prior to tonight's game:

6. Columbus: 80 GP; 92 pts; 41 W (clinched)
7. Anaheim: 80 GP; 88 pts; 41 W
8. St. Louis: 80 GP; 88 pts; 39 W
9. Nashville: 81 GP; 88 pts; 40 W
10. Minnesota: 80 GP; 85 pts; 38 W

So here's the thing. Forget 6th place Ducks fans. That's not important right now...what's important is MAKING the playoffs. Besides, the top two in the West is already set, my preference is that the Ducks remain in 7th. I'll leave it at that for now.

So what needs to happen? Well, first off, the Ducks need 4 points this weekend. Plain and simple. IF and only IF Columbus loses their final two games will the Ducks be able to take that spot. HOWEVER...and this is why I say FORGET the 6th spot...one of Columbus' games is against St. Louis TONIGHT! Columbus is already in there, we need to see St. Louis LOSE tonight. So again, forget 6th, Columbus CAN lock that up tonight and let's hope they do for the Ducks' sake.

IF IF IF, St. Louis loses tonight and IF IF IF the Ducks can pull out a win tonight...7th belongs to Anaheim no matter what happens in any other game to any other team because Anaheim will have the tie breaker.

Here's what is most important to remember, the Ducks STILL have their destiny in their own hands. They don't NEED anyone else to lose...all they need to do is win their OWN games.

All they need to do, is get their OWN 4 points.

That starts tonight.

This is positive coach SK talking here and I have NO doubt in my mind that this Ducks team will bring it tonight. Tonight, I expect to see the fire we've been seeing for the past month. I expect to see the Ducks team that I love, play with the passion, energy and determination to put themselves into the playoffs once again.

Tonight, Bobby Effin Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry show everyone what they're made of. Teemu Selanne reminds everyone what it's like to have speed and skill all wrapped up into one 38 year old...and Francois Beauchemin is back (<-- thats not official yet btw...it's just a guess)!!!

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...part 2

So for the most part yesterday was dead on. I thought it was going to be a low scoring game with a few highlights from Bobby Effin Ryan and anyone on the 3rd or 4th line. While I got goal scoring right...the score was a bit off as the Ducks lit it up 5 times! NICE!

Tonight, we're probably looking at a tighter game.

Maybe they will find a way to shut down the Ducks' top line but I doubt it. The great part about that is if they do manage to shut that line down, there are plenty of other capable hands available to do the damage.

So for tonight, the second line is going to be required to offer some assistance. Andrew Ebbett and Drew Miller have a huge opportunity to make great use of Teemu Selanne and his blazing speed.

Jonas Hiller in again tonight? I say yes. He had success last night...I don't think the Ducks can afford mix that up.

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...weekend mayhem

This weekend will be HUGE for the Ducks.

I'll be watching tonight and Twittering away with all of you other Ducks fans out there and I expect we'll see quite a match up.

These games are always a tight battle and unless we get some of our own crazy bouncing goals (off of hands for instance)...we're probably looking at a low scoring game. Which only means, the Ducks will need SOLID goal tending.

I don't know if we'll be seeing Jonas Hiller in net tonight. He had a shaky first half against Vancouver but came out strong in third period, overtime, and the shootout. I'd personally like to see him in the game tonight....but you never know.

For goals...I'm afraid they'll be few and far between. You know what happens when scoring is at a premium? Bobby Effin Ryan always seems to show up.

In addition, if the Ducks continue to push hard to the net, we're likely to see a goal from anyone on the 3rd and 4th lines.

I want a good physical game tonight boys!

We're hours from puck drop and I'm already nervous!

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row

I'm thinking we're going to be seeing Jonas Hiller in net tonight. For many reasons - but mostly because I want him to be there...which, we all know, doesn't count for anything. But lets face it, Hiller won 6 of his 8 starts in the month of March. He SHOULD be in there.

Once again, I don't think it matter WHO scores...just that it happens. Often.

But just for the heck of it...

Scott Niedermayer, Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Effin Ryan, and Petteri Nokelainen (I just love that guys name!)

Just WIN!

GO DUCKS!!!

*Tonight I'll be away from the TV until about 9pm (I know...I'm slighty having a nervous breakdown about it...). I will be turning off my Twitter for the evening and I'll be ignoring my phone until I have watched the game Tivo style. :)

Ducks in a Row...the must haves

There is no question about it...tonight is a must win situation.

There is no way we can let my dad win another round of Ping Pong. We have to bring it tonight! I'm depending on you both Ramon and Mini...let's do this. He's 12-0 with the 3 of us being 4-8 (we play doubles - each of us winning while playing with him). Ridiculous.

And...those DUCKS!!!

I hope to see Hiller in net again tonight. I know I mentioned that B9 came up a lot at bingo this past weekend, well, so did B1. I mean come on...that's just good vibes right there.

This team is going to need a great showing from every line to get this thing done tonight. They played fantastic last Friday, and if they are able to bring that same intensity plus some accurate shooting...they're still very in this thing!

Goals from Getzlaf, Selanne and Ebbett.

Ping Pong and Ducks hockey...it just doesn't get any more intense than that!

GO DUX IN A ROW!!!

GO DUCKS!!!

Ducks in a Row...it's simple...or so I hope!

I would expect that today should be much like last week's match up between these two...but I wont be counting any ducklings before they've hatched.

Here's my simple prediction...Bobby Effin Ryan.

Here's my simple explanation...B9 came up a million times last night during Bingo.

GO DUCKS!!!