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In light of the Ducks’ recent playoff madness (and even more recently, Sidney Crosby picking up the Prince of Whales trophy after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes for the Eastern Conference title), I was thinking about all the crazy superstitions I’ve employed this season, and…well, originally I thought I should share them. THEN, I started typing them all out and…wow…this could be VERY embarrassing.
Everyone has superstitions when it comes to the playoffs. From where you watch the game, to growing your own playoff beard, to my long list of MUST DO’S…there’s usually something. In fact, even UJ – a new hockey fan, didn’t trim his beard while the Ducks were battling it out. Welcome to the hockey club UJ!
My superstitious ways have caused me to inherit a serious case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I would meticulously do little things throughout the day that I felt would turn into a win. Yes, they’re completely insane, have no bearings what-so-ever on whether the teams wins or loses, are completely irrelevant to hockey in general…but I’ll be damned, they made me feel better.
Now, theses superstitions aren’t just during the playoffs, but they definitely intensify once the month of April hits. More importantly, they change every season…so listing them here is not a “jinx”.
There are many superstitions that I make others partake in. For one thing, I don’t want to hear about how they are going to “win”. Until they’ve won…there is no talking about it. In addition, “game day licorice”, it worked in 2007- so I made my whole office participate this year (it was going well until Headphones Brady decided that he needed to implement his own rules on game day licorice…he was cut off after that).
There are so many little things that I do on my own. These are the OCD rituals that I don’t speak of…until now.
Let me take you through my day, and please keep in mind…there is no rhyme or reason for ANY of these rituals…they manifest themselves in different forms season after season…and they are completely and utterly INSANE.
The night before a game, I wash my hair using my MOM’s shampoo instead of my own.
In the morning, I curl my hair. Now this is where it gets tricky. I use 2 different clips to hold my hair into sections (this already sounds crazy). It is very important that when I remove the clip from my hair that I place clip on the handle of the basket with my left hand, then my right hand before putting it away (yes, it’s THAT specific!).
In the morning I put my jewelry on in this order: bracelet (until it broke, then I began putting a link of that bracelet in my right pocket), Ducks charm necklace, watch, left earring, then right earring, then I place a single earring in my left pocket (I lost the other earring the weekend of the Home and Home series against San Jose in April). I put my makeup on in the car (usually when I exit the 91 at Lakewood Blvd – but the specific location was not important. Don’t ask me why that was not as obsessive as the whole “hair clip” fiasco- whatever.).
I had three “Let’s Go Ducks!” towels laid out in my room, each would get a tap before heading out for the day (this is just getting worse…).
Many of you may have seen Tweets from me after the Ducks would find themselves down in the game to “switch it up!”. Changing seats is a must when things aren’t going well. Likewise, staying in your current position is just as important when they are winning.
On home game days I would wear an orange shirt and of course the Ducks Nikes. Away game days I wear white shirts and the Ducks Vans. I have certain game day undergarments and specific jeans (I did A LOT of laundry during the playoffs).
I have 3 player jerseys. I wore Ryan Carter to his first game back after being a healthy scratch for far too many games (it was completely random that I chose his jersey that day). As long as the Ducks were winning at home (and I was in attendance) Carter was my jersey. After a loss however, that would get switched up to either Getzlaf or Selanne. I would then wear that player until I was in attendance for a loss. This is my regular season trend as well, it will always be.
I have a scarf that I made a few seasons ago. I always bring it, and rarely ever wear it. I fold it in half, then in half again, and place it on my lap, with my neatly folded orange towel. Both are in easy position to grab when I jumped to my feet and cheer for a goal…waving my towel and scarf crazily over my head.
I always parked my car at work in the same aisle, I always typed “GO DUCKS!!!” with 3 exclamation points, made a countdown til puck drop and I never listened to “Bro Hymm” during the playoffs.
I attended game 4 against Detroit with Suz Broughton, and when we got there, I informed her to do exactly as she had done during the last game she attended (I knew they had won that particular game). I, however, forgot to have the mandatory Zebra Corn and my red Gatorade that I normally have (I suppose I’ll have to take the blame for that one). She knew how superstitious I was when I told her to change nothing, and seemed even more concerned that we might not be able to go to a game together again because they lost game 4 (Don’t worry Suz, we’ve got 41 games next season to attend together if we’d like…I had TOO much fun with you to pass that up!).
I’m embarrassed to say…I think I’m leaving tons of little things out.
Looks like I’ll have to find a whole new list of superstitions for next year, since these clearly didn’t work…and I’m sure they’ll all be just as insane.
The important thing here is that as hockey fans, and sports fans in general, it’s so much fun to embrace the superstition. No matter how crazy your rituals are, or how OCD you become making sure they are played out perfectly, it’s the fans way to put themselves in the game. I’ve been a superstitious sports fan for as long as I can remember (ah, pacing in front of the TV in perfect stride while watching the Lakers defeat Portland in Game 7 during their playoff run in 2000- something I’ll never forget.) and I’ll continue to be a superstitious sports fan, until I’m officially declared Obsessive Compulsive.
I know I’m not the only one.
Sometimes, like Sidney Crosby showed the hockey world last night, it’s a good idea to switch up those little superstitions…maybe it’ll make a difference for them this season. However, here’s hoping that he’s stayed far away from the Stanley Cup…that’s not a superstition to be messed with!
GO DUCKS!!! (<– 3 exclamation points!)
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While we wait for the inevitable Pens vs Red Wings II, I am starting to hear all sorts of rumors. Now I must stress that they’re only rumors, but I like postulating as much as the next bum does so lets get on with the tabloid talk!!
First off, for the record I think Adam Lambert should not only have won American Idol, but he needs to immediately start touring with Queen. Is it just me, or is that the closest Queen will ever get to having someone that sounds like Freddy Mercury? Unfortunately, people are still afraid of the alternative sexual orientation liberation army and fear that a vote for Adam would have brain washed America into kissing the person next to them and becoming a deviant. (Sigh) OK, back to hockey!
First story I saw yesterday was a story from twitter that “Sk” had “Tweeted” in which the Neidermeyer brothers’ agent was interviewed on Vancouver radio. I’m paraphrasing but basically the interview says that the brothers do not have to play together but it would be nice to have them play for Vancouver, either as a package or individually. Wouldn’t that be crazy? The Neidermeyer brothers on the same team as the Sedin Twins? Sounds like a Circus Act! Anyhow, from what I am hearing, Scott will more than likely re-sign with Anaheim. Robbie is another thing. Although he is more likely to re-sign with Anaheim as well, I would not be surprised to see him go to either Vancouver or New Jersey. Yes, Robbie; that’s who I am talking about.
I’m also hearing that Rob Blake might be interested in coming to the Ducks. The one weighing factor is whether or not Scott stays in Anaheim. The reason being is that if Scott retires or leaves, that will leave room to keep Beaucheman. If that happens, Blake is a sure thing in my book. Blake brings with him a big physical presence, veteran experience, and hard shot from the blue line. It’s the closest you can get if Scott leaves. Plus, Blake was the only consistency the Sharks had in the playoffs, so he is a proven force to deal with.
Other rumblings? Travis Moen might make an attempt to come back to Anaheim; I personally would not sign him. I don’t think he brings anything to the table. Mike Knuble form Philly? I would definitely take a look at that possibility. Plus, I still say there will be a huge attempt at trading Jiggy to either Toronto or Philly during the off season. it will be interesting to see what happens, but just like the trade deadlines, rumors are just that…only rumors.
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In comparison, we saw our fate coming. The Wings score a sloppy puck in our net, but we at least had a full two minutes left to score. We were tied at 3 games a piece, and with a tie score of 3-3, and had two minutes to make a difference. Ducks lost, but at least we went down fighting. I don’t like to sell out like everyone else and say we didn’t belong there, so I’ll just say that the Wings were the better team that day. So rather than rant and rave and cry over spilled milk, I want to make a list of the ten crucial moments from the now, old season before turning the page and looking forward to the off season, and then to 2009-2010 Olympic season.
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10 Key Moments of 2008-2009
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10. Seleanne Cuts Leg- When Teemu went down to injury, it seemed to trigger the beginning of hard times for this Duck team. It was a tough period because finding some to fill in Teemu’s shoes would prove to be a tough task. It would also be a tough time for our power play unit, as most of their success came at the hands of Teemu. The positives? Andrew Ebbet step forward and displayed the speed that garnered him success and open the eyes of Ducks management securing him a spot on the second line for the remainder of the season.
9. Beauch Tears ACL/ Beauch Returns- When Frankie went down to injury, I knew it would be a huge blow to our defense, but I also knew that it would create some room for Bobby Ryan to come up and show his stuff. Bobby never backed down and his play seem to improve with each game he played. The only other bright side to Frankie’s injury, was his miraculous return during the playoffs. Before it happened, people only talked about it like a pipe dream. As soon as he made his successful return, his presence was immediately felt with some experts comparing his return to a huge pick up at the trade deadline.
8. Road to the Playoffs/Making the Playoffs- Probably the most exciting last 2 weeks I’ve seen in a while (Not counting the 2007 Cup win). There was a time when the Ducks were in 12Th place and already looking forward to next season. I was in Vancouver during the last few days of the trade deadline, and was hearing all kinds of rumors…Scott was being traded, Pronger was going to Boston in principle, Carlyle was being fired, etc. Then Bob Murry (new GM) said he would wait and see if we were still in “it” before making any kind of decision. Well, we stayed in “it” and made the playoffs winning almost every single remaining game of the last two weeks in what was one of the more pushes to make the playoffs. It came down to 1 point, that would have made our first round far less exhausting. (ironically, our last playoff game came down to 1 point we didn’t get).
7. Bobby Ryan Scores First Blood vs. Sharks- In what looks similar to the famous Bobby Orr pic, Ryan scores the first goal in a game against the San Jose Sharks by knocking in his own rebound, thus firing up the Ducks for the remainder of the series.
6. Getz and Big Joe “Go Time”/Beating The Sharks- Two of the biggest most dominant Centers in the sport dropped the gloves and go at it two seconds into game 6 of the Quarter finals. The two had a history going into the game as Big Joe was being criticized in the media for not showing up to play in the playoffs. After rejecting Joe’s challenge in game 5, Getzlaf came out and agreed to dance in what proved to be a tussle that both the Ducks and Thorton needed for morale reasons.
5. Jiggys Fathers Death- This was a tragic event in Jiggy’s life and one that affected him, no doubt. It was also the beginning of the end for Jiggy’s starting job as goalie. The Passing of a parent is a traumatic event, and it isn’t fair to judge Jiggy’s performance because for all we know, he may bounce back and be in top form for the 2009-2010 NHL season. What I do know, is that after his father died, the Jiggy we all knew from previous years, was no longer there.
4. Bobby Ryan Hat Trick- Nothing much to say other than Dang! It sure looked sweet!
3. Brian Burke Leaves- This was something we all knew was going to happen, and still could not believe when it did. It was so bitter sweet to see Burke go, but at least he brought a cup to Anaheim. As far as I am concerned the Brian Burke experiment was a success! Not only are we Stanley Cup Champions, but Burke created a brand of tough, hard nosed hockey from days of old, and everyone now refers to it as Ducks Hockey.
2. The Trades- Everyone in Anaheim was crying fowl (clever) on March 3rd when Bob Murray pulled the trigger and traded away 6 popular players at the trade deadline. It seemed like Murray was rebuilding, giving up on the 2008-2009 season. Little did everyone know that Bob “I’m ready to jump off the balcony” Murray had a plan! All season long he said that we have a load of talent on the team, but something wasn’t clicking. well apparently that something was Kunitz, Sammy, Montador, Huskins, Moen (I need more $$$), and Morrison. Bob cut the cord (i like saying that a lot) and the moves revitalized a stagnant team, thus propelling them into the playoffs. Bob Murry not only proved he was the right man for the job, but he could get just as crazy as Burke.
1. Hiller- Its seems like all rookie goalies should go to Anaheim. Every season, it seems a rookie comes up, something happens, and then they make a name for themselves in the Playoffs. With all the drama the Ducks as a team had all season long and then when Jiggy had his personal crisis, it seems the only stability the team has was in the net. Mike Babcock said, “without Hiller, the Wings win the series in 5.” Experts have said, without Hiller, we never would have made it past San Jose. And without a doubt, without Hiller, we never would have made it INTO the playoffs. Hiller gave the Ducks a chance to win every time he was in goal. And ultimately that’s all the Ducks needed; just a chance to win, because all season long anything was possible with this team.
Final thoughts: The Anaheim Ducks that started the 08-09 season are long gone. The Ducks team that exists now got a taste of success that should translate to bigger and better things for sure. Before the trade deadline there were 14 UFA’s, now there are only 7. The Ducks have more wiggle room to re-sign most of the 7. Right now is that time when the Duck players take a breather and reflect on the season. The Ducks should be proud of what was accomplished on the job. Most NHL experts said a team has never traded away half of its starters and still be able to contend in the playoffs, let along make the playoffs. The Ducks did. I believe in Bob Murray and feel the Ducks have a sound blue print to work with now. I think Murray will shock the world with an off season trade, that will be huge for our team, as well as revitalize another. I think 2009-2010 will be another magical season. what do you think? See you all in October!
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I had the wonderful opportunity to attend Game 6 and see a Ducks team that played as well as they should have. I won’t dwell on that success we had in that game. I think Getzlaf played very well. So did Perry. If were Randy Carlyle I would make sure those two guys got some sort of boost in the discipline level though. I think that their bad timing penalties in this penalty cost us a game or two. Every Red Wings fan tells me “Ducks fans and players just whine.” Sorry Detroit fans. You have the Lions. Talk about losing and whining.
I won’t keep talking about how stupid Ebbett’s two penalties were in Game 6 and how it is incredibly lame that we had two bench minors. That’s all over and we pulled off a win in that incredible awesome game. In fact we scored while I was critiquing the Ducks on what we should improve on and the girl in front of me turned around and said, all smarty like, “excuse me sir, no offense, but you were just talking bad about the team and then they scored so maybe you should keep doing it and then they will prove you wrong.”
Um, thanks chick. I actually watch a lot of hockey, coach and consult in the hockey world, but we don’t need to get into that.
Game 7. Ugh. What a bummer. Such a great comeback. We nearly had it. While some players can take the blame for what happened, those players had great nights other nights where the main guys didn’t. The Ducks lost as a team. I do think that last goal will have an effect on Hiller. Hiller could have made a better save and he knew it. That’s why he was madder than he had ever been after it was called a goal. I don’t think we should trade Giguere until November to see how Hiller holds up. Most Ducks fans disagree. I will stand by that.
This off season should be interesting. I am proud of our 8th seed team that most had written off to not even make the playoffs in February. I think Detroit will go on to repeat. After living in Michigan for five years of my life, I can say I am okay with that. Detroit is skilled. I respect the organization like no other. I think we just witnessed the real finals last night.
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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!!!
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I don’t have a lot to say right now, and I’ll be working on a full post for later…but I do want to say this.
I am SO PROUD to be an Anaheim Ducks fan. I am SO PROUD to cheer on this team, to wear their colors, to have their logo plastered on my car. I am SO PROUD to be surrounded by a wonderfully faithful hockey fan base.
I love my Anaheim Ducks…
NOW…FOREVER…ALWAYS!!!
There will be tons to cover here in the next few weeks, and I will be working on this blog faithfully throughout the summer. Hockey is more than just 8 months a year for me!
Very soon I will have a post season blog up (I’m hoping for tomorrow). In addition, I have a few topics lined up for the off season including; Playoffs and my development of superstitious OCD and My love/hate relationship with fighting, to name a few. Also, we’ll be covering Duck Dudes during the off season as well as trade watches and of course keeping tabs on the final 2 rounds in these playoffs.
Once again, I want to thank the Anaheim Ducks for always giving me a reason to lose my voice. It was another wonderful season…and I’m already counting down to training camp!
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For today…
GO DUCKS!!!
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A week before the playoffs began, I wrote that I liked our chances in a seven game series against anyone. At the time I was talking about the Sharks, and now I am referring to the Wings. After a few below average games, the Ducks were able to tighten their chin straps and beat the Red Wings in game six, forcing a seventh and deciding game in the series. All that stands between the conference finals is 60 minutes of hockey. The Ducks need to play with the same force and intensity (Scott Neidermeyer) they exhibited in last nights battle. Game seven is the time to leave it all on the ice. Some might say that the Duck’s playoffs were the weeks leading up to the playoffs. Some will say it was against the Sharks, or maybe even the Red Wings. Truth of the matter is that these playoffs are against themselves. The Ducks have to dig deep and fight off complacency, and fatigue. They have to fight off sitting back on their heels and allowing teams to out skate them. They have to fight off allowing soft goals. Yes the Ducks are facing an even greater opponent, than the ones dressed in red and white. The good news is that, this is a familiar opponent, one that can be used in their own favor. The bad news, is that the Ducks must battle this same opponent, in order to get past Thursday, past the conference finals and beyond. I’ve seen the Ducks do it before…..its the playoffs, anything can happen.
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