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This was by far the best game the Ducks have played against Detroit thus far.

More importantly…this is the type of games the Ducks MUST play against Detroit.

What I love…

Puck movement. It was pleasantly nice for a change. Too fancy at times (Ryan Getzlaf…not everyone is you…please calm it down just a bit), but effective enough. The Ducks have a chip and chase method going on against Detroit and only when they are able to maintain control while playing this style will they be successful. Tonight, they were. In addition, they were able to get in Detroit’s face, just enough, to disturb their puck movement. Making Detroit pay in the neutral zone is one of the few strong defensive plays the Ducks have at their disposal. When they are playing this well, it slows down Detroit’s offense majorly. Huge plus for the Ducks.

What I’m hating…

Their inability to clear the zone. I talked about this a lot when the Ducks were facing San Jose. They seem to be great at clearing the puck from the front of the net, and yet, they struggle from getting it free from the zone completely. UGH! Fortunately for the Ducks, they are still employing the services of the ever wonderful Scott Niedermayer, who, even when fighting, always seems to gain the upper hand. I don’t know what it is about that man…but I’m always at ease when he’s on the ice.

Who I’m loving…

The Ryan’s. I guess because they always seem to have the big plays, but tonight they were all credited with something huge. Ryan Whitney had a huge sprawling save a-la-Pronger style, and while the guy always seems to shy from the physical, if he wants to use his body to block shots, I’m all for it. Ryan Carter had a huge hit early in the game, and on the same shift did a fabulous job at boxing out at the front of the net for Teemu Selanne to get a few good shots on goal. Bobby Effin Ryan, who seems to be turning the corner finally. He didn’t have a great game, but it was far improved from previous showings in this series. He had a big assist tonight and played much more physical than we’ve seen from him lately. Finally, Ryan Getzlaf…who I always feel can be a deal breaker for the Ducks. It was 4 months into the season that the Ducks finally won a game where Getzlaf didn’t have at least 1 point (February 2 against Buffalo). That basically means when Getzlaf isn’t contributing…the Ducks are going to have a hard time finding the wins they so desperately need. So Getz…do us all a favor…AND SHOOT THE PUCK MORE! Thanks, all our love…faithful Ducks fans!

Who I’m hating…

Detroit (that never changes).

What must continue…

Jonas Hiller has got to continue to be the man that he is. Always seeming so confident in between the pipes, and I love having him out there. He’s still seeing way more than his fair share of shots on goal, but the important part is that he’s SEEING them. Great thanks goes to the defense once again for that one. Let’s face it though…without a solid goal tender like Hiller, there is no post season to speak of.

What must end…

The Ducks have got to stop taking lame penalties. Andrew Ebbett’s retaliation penalty is unacceptable and can potentially cost the Ducks this series. In addition…too many men?! Pathetic! TWICE?!?! ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! There is NO WAY the Ducks will continue to be successful against Detroit by giving them so many power play opportunities!

Most Importantly…

The Ducks need to do it…ONE MORE TIME!

GO DUCKS!!!

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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!!!

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MUST WIN.

GO DUCKS!!!

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FIRST! I had SO MUCH FUN with Suz Broughton! She and I had a lot of laughs, great sliders from Ruby’s, fun with the fans around us, tons of warm up picture time (although we didn’t take ONE picture together - how lame is that?!), and she even twisted my arm into buying 3 more Ducks shirts (at least that’s what I’m telling my empty wallet). I can’t thank her husband, Larry, enough for being unable to attend. What a good man! Suz is quite the fan, and she’s made some suggestions for off season blogs (I’ll debate on whether or not I want to share some of the stories however). Even more impressive…she’s got her OWN game day shoes (that’s a blog for another day that I WILL be sharing)! Thanks again Broughtons…you rock! I can’t wait until the next game!

Here’s a great shot that Suz took of Mr. Ryan Carter for me…

Alright…onto game 4.2….

I’ve ignored the eerie similarities that everyone has been referencing regarding this playoff match up between the Ducks and the Red Wings…until now.

Of all the eerie similarities…heading back to Detroit tied 2-2, just as in the 2007 WCF, is the one I was hoping wouldn’t be repeated.

I usually go home after the game and re-watch the recording - highlights, goals, penalties, questionable moments during the game - to get a recap and a reassess my emotions from the win/loss. I was unable to do that last night and therefore won’t be nearly as opinionated about last night’s match up as I’d like to be.

I knew that this game was going to be in Detroit’s favor from the get go. Whether anyone will admit it or not, there was going to be a bit of a make up in Detroit’s favor after game 3 ended the way it did. Unfortunately, the Ducks obviously felt that this was going to be the case as well…and they played into it. They allowed Detroit to walk all over them and did very little to fight back.

I’m not going to complain about the crowd last night. I always laugh at how the Yankee Detroit fans are so proud of themselves for their presence in an opponents arena. We’re talking about a successful original 6 team franchise…they have bandwagon fans everywhere. Don’t be so surprised when they are in your building.

Overall, the Ducks were playing the lazy brand of hockey we’ve seen from them all too often this season. A huge contrast in last night’s game, compared to Tuesday’s game in particular, was the Ducks’ inability to shut down the neutral zone effectively. When it comes down to it, the Ducks have seen two very different opponents here in the post season. San Jose, in my opinion, plays a very similar style to the Ducks. A shorter, chip and retrieve type of game with a physical aspect similar to the way Anaheim plays the puck. Detroit plays a much smoother passing game, with an attempt to control the puck from one end of the ice to the other. If the Ducks are unable to put a stop to these successful offensive transitions…trouble…

Unfortunately for Jonas Hiller, he was bound to have an off night. I don’t know that I can blame him completely as it seemed the defense was very off of their game last night as well. In fact, everyone seemed to be chasing Detroit, chasing the puck, chasing their own bodies since they were clearly not moving their feet…and they paid for it. Hiller’s soft 5-hole goals were going to catch up to him eventually, and I’m really surprised Detroit has yet to exploit the fact that when they take shots directly in front of the crease, Hiller is quite soft. It was nice to see JS Giguere get some time in net, but I’ll be honest, I hope that we see Hiller in net on Sunday.

There has been a lot of talk about the Ducks being insanely out shot over the past 10 post season games. Quality over quantity in my opinion. The Ducks may not be talking as many shots as their opponent, but I’d be interested in a stat showing timed puck possession. I would bet that those numbers are probably more reflective of why the Ducks have had success. They may not be taking as many shots as their opponents, but they’re making them count. In the end, the scoreboard is all that matters anyway.

This is killing me, but I really hope that I don’t have to change his name from Bobby Effin Ryan to Effin Bobby Ryan (I usually save that for when Ryan Getzlaf does things to piss me off). I’m still sticking to my “he’s hurt” assumption, but it’s definitely clear that something is bothering him. I don’t think it’s simply the pressure of the playoffs, I think it’s the pressure from EVERYWHERE ELSE that is potentially getting to him. I think in particular it’s the pressure from the 2 or 3 guys in Red Wings jerseys who immediately attach themselves to him once he touches the puck. I still believe he’ll find a way to break through. Maybe he shouldn’t have been so damn amazing during the regular season causing a mini post season slump to make him stand out like a sore Thronton thumb. Hang in there fans…he’s still the Effin we all know and love.

Also, what happened to Getzlaf last night? He disappeared during the third (much like Effin did in game 5 against San Jose and hasn’t been the same since) and I noticed immediately, but haven’t seen anything other than “he’s sick”. I’m not buying it. Anyone have another thought?

Finally, I’d just like to mention how much I loved Francois Beauchemin’s fight last night. Again, I’m not a fan of the fighting, but that felt right last night. It was a great fight…and yet again someone was surprised to find out Beauchaboy is a lefty! LOVE IT!

In the end, I hope that last night’s game didn’t put doubt into the team’s head. They’re going to need to be the better team on Sunday. They need to do it for their moms…for Ryan Getzlaf’s 24th birthday…and for the pure reason that this is the post season, there is no room for error.

GO DUCKS!!!

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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!!!

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At this point, I don’t think it matters how this series turns out, the Red Wings and their fans aren’t going to be happy. They’ll be looking at what they consider to be a questionable hit in game 1 and now a goal that shouldn’t have been called off and continue to call the Ducks “lucky”. When it comes down to it, the Ducks got a call in their favor for a change. Plain and simple. Was it pay back for a kicked in goal during game 2? Was it to rectify an elbow to the already injured James Wisniewski? It doesn’t matter. What everyone needs to remember is that questionable calls are going to happen in every game. Sure, it’s easier to be okay with a questionable call when it goes in your teams favor, and I’m not trying to excuse it. Every team has suffered a fate from the whistle, and this time it was a positive for the Ducks.

“He didn’t make a mistake. In hindsight, if he had a slow-motion camera to review it, he may not have (blown the whistle). He did what all officials are instructed to do. Blow the whistle when they don’t see the puck. And he didn’t see the puck.” - E.J. McGuire, series manager and spokesman for officials. Anaheim Ducks Official Web Site

We all know humans are going to make mistakes. When it comes down to it, referee Brad Watson was simply doing his job. Referees aren’t always good at their job, but it’s part of the job description to be hated by fans across the league. He’s currently getting top billing as employee of the month from me!

Way more important than screwing over the Red Wings (which I love more than you can imagine) is the status of James Wisniewski. I didn’t see the play as it happened, but did notice immediately that he was hurt after the elbow to his face. While watching the replay of the game at home, it was obvious that he took a shot to the chest and was in considerable pain from that. To add further injury to injury, he then received an elbow to the face from Tomas Holmstrom. Scott Niedermayer was the only man sent to the box on that play for a hooking call, and Detroit scored on the following PP opportunity. It’s okay though, the Ducks got that call back when the whistle sounded in their favor at the end of the game. Reports from the Anaheim Ducks Official Web Site is that Wisniewski has suffered a lung contusion and was kept over night for monitoring. He is apparently doing well however, and I know I’m just one of thousands of fans who hopes he is doing well. I’m sure it’s too much to ask that we see him tomorrow night, as I have no idea how long this type of injury may last, but hopefully sooner than later. He’s become a HUGE reason the Ducks have had their recent success, and I’m a big fan of the Wiz. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery.

Another daunting message from last night was revealed in MANY tweets I received via Twitter regarding Effin. Those messages were all the same…”Where’s Bobby Effin Ryan?”. Even the constantly angry guy sitting behind me (he complained about EVERYTHING) couldn’t help but voice his frustrations every time the kid couldn’t maintain control of the puck. Is it possible Ducks fans were spoiled by his regular season brilliance? Is he folding under the pressure? Is he too good to be true? I say, “nah!” to all of those things. It’s quite possible that he’s just hit a dry spell. It’s also very possible that Detroit knows better than to give Effin an ounce of breathing room, knowing very well what he is capable of. I say, give the kid some time. Get off his back for a bit and let him be a rookie. This is his first time in the post season and I’m sure the nerves are there and the pressure is definitely there…give him a day or so off of the criticism block and let him play his game. The goals and the points will come.

On that same note, it’s a great thing the Ducks have players like Ryan Getzlaf to rely on. He didn’t have a big night last night on the scoreboard, but I was watching him closely- and wow, is he underrated. It’s so much of the little things that Getzlaf brings to the game that are remarkable. The way he handles the puck is unbelievable in it’s own right, but how he controls a play, and moves around the ice is fascinating to watch. In addition, he’s very smart with the puck up against the boards. I watched that closely last night and to see the way he uses not only his stick, but his feet, his legs, and his body to make space for puck control…thats a talent that can’t be taught- it’s natural. I give Getzlaf a lot of crap from time to time, and I’m realizing just now that it’s because I’m really understanding why Brian Burke constantly remarked that he can “be as good as he wants to be”. It’s amazing at how good he is when it appears he isn’t even trying…and when he is trying, the guy is quite possibly unstoppable.

Another highlight of the night was the beautiful little backhander by Teemu Selanne to put the Ducks on the board. Most impressive on that play was the great feed from Ryan Carter. I’m not one to pat myself on the back…but I will say this:

I’ve been calling for the Ebbett-Carter-Selanne line for months! MONTHS!!! I’m glad to see that it’s paying off for the Ducks. Maybe more importantly, I’m glad to see the inspiration for Carter to stay in the lineup means he’s got 4 points in his last 5 games. The Ducks need scoring from anyone - and with Detroit working so hard to keep the Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry line down, second line scoring is huge. So is converting on breakaways…maybe Selanne should have a little sit down with Drew Miller and give him a few tips on how to be successful going one-on-one. Couldn’t hurt.

One more thing…the Honda Center was insanely loud last night. My friends and I were having difficulty talking to each other from time to time. I don’t know if it was the combination of too many Red Wings fans in the building, or just the fact that these playoff games bring out the emotions in everyone, but it was great to hear all of the fans doing their part. We’re going to need to bring this continued support as I feel the refs are going to be making up for the late “no goal” in game 4’s match up.

It’s great to be up 2-1 in this series, but this thing is FAR from over!

See you there tomorrow night, it’ll be a doosie!

GO DUCKS!!!

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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!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GO DUCKS!!!

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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!!!

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