“Woody” Know Crowd Support If He Heard It?

Posted on April 18, 2009
Woody, Woody, Woody; think before you speak.

Woody, Woody, Woody; think before you speak.

I was tickled by all the remarks of various Ducks fans and their displeasure of Denver Post columnist, Woody Paige and his remarks towards our lack of crowd noise during home games. Well Mr. Paige, can I call you Woody? Woody, I know you’re in the business of tabloid journalism, especially on a shows like “Around The Horn, ” but you must think before you speak. Have you ever been to a game in Anaheim? Maybe, maybe not….before you answer that question, whose your home team? Let’s see, you write for the Denver Post, so that makes your team the Colorado Avalanche? Well now that makes all the sense in the world. See, before you can make claims about what other NHL team arenas sound like, you first must not compare other teams to the Avs. I know because the Avalanche finished in dead last pretty early on this season, you figure hockey was over. Well it’s not, you see, 16 better teams made the playoffs. Your probably not familiar with the NHL playoffs with a home team like the Avs. Well, let me tell you about them, because you see, my team, the Anaheim Ducks, have been in the playoffs four years in a row now. And let me tell you something….it’s fantastic! In case you don’t know it, it gets loud! So loud that sometimes you can not even hear the announcer on the loud speaker when he announces the goal scorer. I’ve been to many regular season games that were loud, but it’s a totally different experience when your in the playoffs. And Woody, being that you spend most of your time covering The Colorado Avalanche, well it makes sense why you would think other arenas aren’t loud. In fact your paper, The Denver Post recently wrote about the fact that the Avs were 24th in attendance out of 30 teams, and because of this very sad fact, the Avs will qualify for some profit sharing which goes to, well….sad, sad teams. Woody, I almost feel bad for picking on you now. Especially when all you have to do it read Avs fans posting on the boards to see that everyone in Colorado wishes they had a “quiet” arena like Anaheim right about now.
It's hard to take someone named Woody serious.

It's hard to take someone named Woody serious.

You know what I am going to do Woody? I am going to start over and clear the slate. I think you were just being outrageous for cable, and really didn’t mean what you said. In fact for your next column, why don’t you write something for the AVs. Do a column about what it takes for the Avs to become a winning team. In it, write about all the things they need to do to get back on their feet, and ways to fill an arena. Make your column all about how to make an arena loud with loyal fans, and when you do your research like a good writer should…. do it at Honda Center next week while the Ducks are in the playoffs. See you there Woody.

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If It Ain’t Broke……FIX It!!

Posted on April 17, 2009
The Ducks celebrate after a Getz breakaway and game winner.

The Ducks celebrate after a Getz breakaway and game winner.

That must be what Bob Murry was thinking when he made the trades that shocked the Ducks world! Who knew that by trading Moen, Sammy, Huskins, Morrisson and Montador that somehow the Ducks would then be able to make a play for the a playoff spot? Bob Murray, that’s who. At 7:30 pacific time last night, the Ducks began their 4th playoffs in a row. It was a game that everyone was labeling as an inevitable victory for the Sharks. Writer after writer kept saying that the Ducks were not suppose to even be in the playoffs and that the Sharks superiority at home would be the downfall of the Ducks. Everyone had alot to say about San Jose and nothing to say about the Ducks. That’s all changed this morning.

If you didn’t know it, you would not know who the Ducks opponent was last night. In fact, today everyone loves the Ducks. Last night while interviewing “BIG JOE” Thorton (Whose the same size as Getzlaf), some reporter asked him what he thought of their [Ducks] rookie goal tender..to which Joe said, “They played well.” They played well? The media keeps saying we stole game 1. Stole it? I give credit to the NHL on the Fly analyst that responded with, “They didn’t steal it, they earned it!” Adam Brady over at the DucksBlog gives us these stats to drool over:

Hiller admiring his work

Hiller admiring his work

And that’s not all, I looked around the boards looking for peoples comments, and it seems that the Shark faithful are jumping ship. One reader commented with this:

“The crowd was in shock all night. It was like a library in there and the fans never seemed to know when it was time to get behind their team. Both the Sharks and their fans made it easy on Hiller last night. That game was more like a regular season match, than a playoff game. All the Ducks big players showed up and played great games. The Sharks looked disinterested.”

And this came from another person who simply identifies himself as “Jerseyfan”:

“Scott Niedermayer has won at every level he has played!!! He is the ultimate clutch D man and will be walking into the hall of fame on his first ballot!!! The Ducks are going to give the Sharks nightmares!”

So true Jerseyfan, so very true. So with last nights shutout, the Sharks have now gone 147 minutes, 24 seconds without a playoff goal, dating back to their four-overtime Game 6 elimination against Dallas in last year’s conference semis. That’s a long time, and although its only a matter of time before the Sharks start scoring, I like the confidence that a win like last night instills in “Hiller the shot Killer!” There were so many things that happened last night that are worth mentioning, and I’ll list them one by one:

Scary Moment of the game:
“First period: San Jose defense man Rob Blake lost his footing near the corner boards and his left skate came up and appeared to strike Ducks wing Bobby Ryan in the face. Ryan flinched wildly and immediately checked his face but appeared to be unhurt.” I thought the worse for a moment. I normally can not stand Blake as a player, but I saw him look concern for a moment, and it reminded me that he is a human being that cares about his fellow players. I tip my hat to you Rob Blake.

What Is The Deal With Rob Niedermeyer?: This guy was all over the penalty box like it was Scott Neidermeyer’s paycheck! I know Robbie normally shines in the post season, but 3 out of 6 penalties? Chill out dude!

Beauchemin: The impact he has made is huge! By Frankie coming back, he’s given Chris Pronger and Scottie a combined ten minutes of rest time. That not only adds another blue liner that can shoot, but keeps our Big “2″ fresh when it counts. Frankie truly is a trade deadline pick up!

Mike Brown and Todd Marchant: These guys are studs! First of all Brown can skate! He is a fast Sucka, and has a ton of grit when he needs to get down and dirty, and yes….his stick touching the attempted pass creating a break away situation for Getzy was huge! Marchant is the hardest working hockey player in the NHL! Remember in 2007 when he was designing shirts? He was hurt….now he’s playing in the playoffs and motivating the team with his performance! He is a walking, talking and skating motivational poster!

Scottie and Getz: What else can be said about these two? OK, how about the fact that for both Getzlaf and Niedermayer, it was their only shots of the entire night, and we won 2-0.

So how did the San Jose crowd feel after the loss? Like Sore losers. I read that on tv “Right after the final buzzer sounds, they show Hiller, and then it cuts to the Anaheim bench. Everyone who hasn’t left the bench is looking behind them, towards the crowd, including the coaching staff. Then Randy Carlyle rubbed his hair, like he was trying to get something out of it.” Basically the fans took it upon themselves to dump crap on the Anaheim Ducks coaching staff. Real classy folks. That’s not the way champions act. If you’d like a tutorial, go to a game in Anaheim.

Gary Peterson of the Mercury News sums it up nicely; “Is it too early to panic?
This was the danger of drawing the Ducks as a first-round opponent. They may not be the team they were two years ago. But they remain fearless, tested and tough-minded, capable of doing all the little things right, and making the big moments conform to their whim.”

Right back ‘atcha Gary!

Game 2 is Sunday night. Right now I hope the Ducks are relaxing, and having fun. They’ve been here before. They now have home ice advantage, and like Shaun O’Donnel once said, “home ice only matters if you win.”

Finally I read this funny story asking the question “Who is tougher an NBA player or NHL player?” Even though the answer is very obvious, it’s written for the hockey to appreciate.

P.S….the ducks are back in my pool this morning! Go Ducks!

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2-0 means 1-0

Posted on April 17, 2009

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!!!

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Cleaning the Tank: Game 1 Recap

Posted on April 17, 2009

Maybe the Ducks just needed some incredulous viewers to doubt them enough to light the fire. Maybe it was Beauchemin back in the line up. Or hey, how about it just being good Ducks hockey?Ducks Sharks Hockey

GM Bob Murray must have felt a little sigh of relief last night after watching his post-deadline team shutting out the first seeded Sharks on their home ice.

 

Goal of the game: Scott Niedermayer.

This is classic Scott Niedermayer. The Captain’s positioning is one of the best in the game. I don’t care who you cheer for, this is an arguable fact. This goal was very reminiscent of the goal against Luongo that won it for us in OT against Vancouver two years ago or that goal he scored off of Lidstrom’s stick in Game 5 of the Detroit series. Scott Niedermayer knows where the puck is going to be and he puts himself in the position to score goals when the team needs one. 

Save of the Game: Ryan Getzlaf.

Hiller played awesome. I don’t want to take anything away from his wonderful shutout and his sweets saves, especially on those two power plays the Sharks had in the third. However, the save that stands out to be comes in the 2nd period as Getzlaf used a skate save on Roenick & Clowe. How pitovtal that save was at that time. The whole pace of the game was on the line. Now while we are on Getzlaf, what a stupid elbowing penalty. However, I won’t dwell on that too much because he sealed the game for us. So go thy way Getz and sin no more.

Did you catch that?:Drew Miller

This paragraph goes to a small play that could have changed the game. Did anyone see the faceoff with the third line? Miller stood at his left wing position against, I want to say Goc, but I may be wrong there. The score was 1-0 still. As the puck was about to drop, Miller was getting roughed up by the Sharks forward. Instead of losing his cool and trying to make a statement by being tough, Miller just took it. The referee noticed and said some words to the Sharks forward. That’s what we need to see on the Ducks team this postseason. Keep it cool. Play by the clock and by the score. Congrats to you Drew Miller.

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Ducks in a Row…game 1

Posted on April 16, 2009
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’t 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 make an impact. 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!!!

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Game 1: Ducks @ Sharks and my playoff picks

Posted on April 16, 2009
83370187DNS_D060278023.JPG
Well, well, well….can you smell what I smell? The 2009 playoffs have started! i was watching highlights last night of the first day of games that were played and I must say there’s some good hockey being played. Lets talk about some of the games that went on yesterday.
Vancouver/ Blues- This series is going to be entertaining. There is a lot of speed on both sides. I’m glad Andy Mac has a shot at the cup once again, and I think the Canucks are a good team, but for some reason I see St. Louis upsetting. I am very excited for the Blues considering at one point this season they were in last place, only to crash the playoff party as the #6 seed! WOW. I see this one going 7 games.
Pens/Flyers- I think Pittsburgh is going to take this series with little noise from Philly. Why? Chris Kunitz. He has added grit and a spark that I think is enough to get to round 2. Yea they have Crosby and Malkin, but so what! They had them last year too. Pens in 5.
Devils/Carolina- I dont think Carolina has a chance for some reason. I see the Devils going far folks. For some reason I see this team in the finals. I know, I know, what about Boston? What about Pitts? What about Montreal or the Rangers? That’s what i say…what about them? The Devils will be in the playoffs. I saw this earlier this season in my mind, so get used to the idea. Devils in 6.
Washington/Rangers- Ovechkin is amazing. OK enough of that. Lundqvist is nuts! He kept the rangers in the game yesterday but I think Washington has the tools to pull this series off…so I’m picking Washington in 7.
Now tonight the Ducks take on the Sharks at the tank in what promises to be a physical affair (when do the Ducks not participate in rough and tough games?) It will definitely be a playoff game from start to finish and I would imagine is going to be loud. The keys to this game for the Ducks are to stay out of the box, and finish their fore checks. I think if we play smart and keep our cool, the Sharks will implode. All I have been reading in the news is how the Sharks will hoist the cup, all the pressure is on the them, yada yada. As for the Ducks, we just found our identity and its too late, we’re good, but will lose in X number of games, we have experience, and will put up a good fight, but will be eliminated in X games. In fact its so bad, the only guy giving us a chance in the news is Barry Melrose! How about that? Well, lets see how game 1 goes. Its going to be awesome, and I for one know that in the playoffs anything can and will happen! If i remember though, I was the one saying all season long, “if we can make the playoffs, I like our odds better than anyone else in 7 games.” Let the game begin tonight, and fasten your seat belts people…..Game 1 for the Ducks is about to begin!! GOOOOO DUCKS!!!

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A rare breed

Posted on April 15, 2009
One of the things I love about being a hockey fan in Southern California is that for the most part…we’re a rare breed. There aren’t many hockey fans here in So Cal…but when you find one, it’s always a treat.

 

This is Ramon’s FAVORITE time of year! He LOVES seeing all those playoff flags waving in the wind. Laker playoff time…yea, he hates it. When it comes down to it, every car here in So Cal is boasting Lakers this, Angels that, Dodgers this…even this morning I saw a RARE Clippers license plate frame – you can imagine there aren’t many Clipper fans in LA. It’s not too often that you pass a car decorated with Ducks stickers or a license plate frame. My car is appropriately adorned to show where my loyalties are…Ducks sticker, shatter puck, license plate frame (and when I’m not in my car I’m usually adorned in Ducks stuff too…my sweatshirt, purse, silver D logo that hangs around my neck).

 

When I do see a car on the road with some sort of NHL logo, no matter what the team, I feel it’s necessary to have a bonding moment. Yesterday while driving home and sitting in more than my fair share of traffic, I passed a guy with a Philadelphia Flyers license plate frame on a California plate. As he passed me again, we exchanged knowing smiles, “My team is better than yours.”

 

Lets face it, there are no Laker fans who give each other the thumbs up on the freeway, because there are so many of them…they’d be waving to each car they passed.
 
We’re a rare breed, So Cal hockey fans…but when you pass me and I see Ducks pride on your car…I notice, I smile, and I usually feel it’s necessary to say, “YEA BABY!”
 
GO DUCKS!!!

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Brian, What Happened to Your Hair?

Posted on April 14, 2009

Mr. Engblom shares how his hair has seen better days

Mr. Engblom shares how his hair has seen better days


I recently put together an interview with Brian Engblom for a piece we are working on at HockeyPlayer.com. One last question I had for Brian, as we were almost wrapping, was about the legendary Versus analyst’s hair.

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Tonight’s Implications and a big suprise!!

Posted on April 10, 2009
Well tonight’s game could not be more important. If you would have told me at the beginning of the season that the last two games of the season would decide our fate, I would have laughed at you. After all, we have Neidermania, Pronger, Frankie, Getz, Perry, Kunitz, “The Shutdown Line,” and next year Bobby Ryan! Yeah, this season shaped up to look totally different that we expected. Its still all good; but it is going to be a nail biter to the end and as it stands…I’m all out of nails to bite! (that reminds me of my favorite line from “They Live!”) And wouldn’t you know it? We got Dallas tonight! Damn you Dallas! Damn you Turco! This guy seems to always be breathing down our necks! It’s like no matter what we throw at him, he’s always there! Well tonight the Ducks have to come out strong! Tonight has to be different. Tonight decides tomorrow. As head coach Randy said in the press the other day, “Remember what’s at stake!” In fact tonight would be a good game to show the famous “Miracle” Clip to pump everyone up if you ask me! The good news? Ducks in my pool all week long.

For you east coast hockey fans, I want to plug New Jersey Devils Hockey fan, and famous film Director Kevin Smith‘s tournament coming up.

Finally, today is a special day. I am going to be part of something cool today, but I can not comment on it until its over. I am big on superstitions and jinxing things, so will not comment on it until tomorrow; when I do though it will be in it’s entirety. That’s all I’m saying!

Here is one more clip for tonight’s game that fires me up beyond belief when I’m preparing for a game, or the gym or just busting chops!! It sums up Ducks Hockey for me, enjoy….and GO DUCKS DAMN IT!!!!

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Frankies back!

Posted on April 8, 2009

Beauch is Back

So the big news today is that Frankie Beauchemin is going to make his return on Friday. It seems like just yesterday he got injured. The thing i want to focus on right now is how much of a blessing his injury was. If not for the mishap, we never would have seen Bobby Ryan this season. Its possible, he could have been cut loose at the trade deadline! regardless, Ryan became the impact player that he is today and hasn’t looked back at his golden opportunity to shine. This Ducks team has had to deal with many injuries this season, and i think because of that, we’re a better team. Dealing with adversity builds character…and this team is loaded with characters for sure! So welcome back Frankie….we hardly missed you! Now get to work!

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