All day hockey event?! I’LL TAKE IT!

Posted on May 3, 2009
THANK YOU TODD MARCHANT!

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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Ducks win!: Game 2 Post Game Thoughts

Posted on May 3, 2009
57351796After what I would call good hockey by both teams during regulation, the real fun began in OT. Never a team to disappoint, the Ducks have made OT a familiar word in their vocabulary. It didn’t take one, or two but three over times for the Ducks to beat their playoff rivals. I for one love this kind of hockey. This is the kind of hockey that romances new fans! Its the kind of hockey where you separate the flash in the pan teams from the championship caliber ones.

 

As I stated in my pregame blog, the Ducks were going to have to come out and battle like never before and play like an elite team. I say that because that hasn’t been a word most people would associate with this team pre-trade deadline. Tonight, we saw glimpses of that team. yea sure, I would have loved to see Teemu make another OT turn over goal and win the game….but that wasn’t going to happen today. Sure, it would have been nice to see Bobby Ryan come alive and score his first playoff game winning goal in OT, but that wasn’t going to happen with his poor showing today. Instead it was the “foot soldiers” (hayzyism) that came through and won the game, with I think, the least threatening shot on goal the entire game. I loved watching the Detroit bench sucking in oxygen, wondering why their super powers weren’t working. I loved how the Ducks kept coming at them like Rocky and Apollo Creed in Rocky’s 1 and 2!

 

I think that the Ducks and Detroit have become an elite playoff rivalry for the past 6 years that might become a thing of legend. Remember back in 2002-2003, the Ducks and Wings played in another multiple OT game much like today with the good guys coming out on top as well!

 

Game 3 is Tuesday in Anaheim, and more importantly we split the series in Detroit. The series is now 0-0, and a best of 5. Anything can happen in the playoffs, especially upsets. Remember this Ducks team is a hard team to beat in a seven game series, ask Joe Thorton.

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Game 2: Ducks vs RedWings Pre Game Rant

Posted on May 3, 2009
57302828I am ignoring the “You’re a post game blogger” people because I am amped up for today’s showdown. Today’s game needs to be a must won. The only thing better than wining the first two games on the road is to split the series. I do no like the idea of coming back to Anaheim down 2 games, so the boys have to turn up the heat for sure. Hiller has seen the Wings crash the net, and should just attack things similar to how he did with San Jose. The first game was exciting and very fast. The Ducks need to slow things down to their tempo, and keep up the physicality but within reason. With Brown in the line up I think the Wings will be too preoccupied with retaliation and could then make mistakes more than usual. I say dangle Brown like a steak, and when everyone chomping at the bit to get him, our guys can move in for the kill.

Another thing to remember is that although we’ve played the wings in the playoffs before, this was the first time for our “trade deadline” guys; so I have to assume there were many nervous Ducks on the ice, I think the Brown incident was one of those over zealous moments. Look for the “trade” guys to be more comfortable in today’s game. They’ve proven to be quick learners, so today should be a different story.

I am looking forward to the Ducks playing this game like they can when they want to. Puck drops soon, and I can not wait! Go Ducks!!

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Ducks in a Row…game 2.2

Posted on May 3, 2009
“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!!!

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Detroit, Media/Versus, & the NHL = 1; Ducks = 0

Posted on May 1, 2009
–UPDATED!–

This is going to be an even tougher battle than I thought. I somehow forgot that the Ducks would be up against Detroit, the entire Media, and the NHL as a whole. Damn.

Plain and simple, the Ducks are going to have to play like angels if they want a chance in this series. There will be no room for sloppy play, because the entire NHL will be there to ensure the Ducks spend what is beyond their fair share of time in the penalty box.

So lets get right to it.

The Mike Brown hit.

–UPDATED–

Here’s a still image from the opposite angle. Thanks to Morbo over at BOC

I think he’s going to get a suspension. There is no way you lay a hit like that against the precious and untouchable Red Wings and not get slapped with a suspension…it doesn’t matter how guilty or innocent you are. Of course Mike Brown feels he’s innocent;

“I just hit him with my shoulder,” Brown said. “My elbow wasn’t up. My stick wasn’t up. It was just a clean hit. I wasn’t meaning to do any harm or anything. I was just playing physical. His head was down. I think they called it because he was cut and on the ice, but I think that was probably because of his visor. He had just gotten rid of the puck. It wasn’t late or anything.” OC Register

And of course, Jiri Hudler thinks it was dirty;

“I didn’t see him coming,” Hudler said. “It happened really quick. I didn’t have the puck for at least two seconds. It was kind of late, but there’s nothing I can do right now. Obviously, it’s a hit on the head. I don’t want to be out of line, but I hope (the League) will get a look at it and do the right thing.” From the Rink

And for a change, not every media personnel is kissing Detroit’s ass. Bob McKenzie from TSN;

“It’s really up to the National Hockey League to decide what is it that they want to do. I think the NHL is going to look at it and say it’s a five-minute major, it happened midway through the first period, Mike Brown is out of this game, there was no severe injury to Hudler other than the blood, he came back and he’s playing, and the Ducks had to play with 11 forwards the rest of the game. There may not be a suspension in this case.”Puck Daddy

My opinion? I think that the 5 minute major AND the game misconduct are more than enough. Late hit? A bit. However, a “bit” is more than enough and I’ll accept that. Hit to the head? NO. Malicious? NO. Where did the blood come from? HIS OWN VISOR! I honestly don’t think he deserves a suspension for the hit. Will they try and make this an example? Probably, even though it’s a poor case in my opinion. If the Ducks were on the other end would I want a suspension? In all honesty, even with my passionate dislike of the Red Wings, I’m going to say no. I’d like to think I have a good ability to step out of the box.

That’s my opinion. I want yours too…

Moving right along…

The Ducks lost this game because they were lazy in the final moments of the game. As much as I love Corey Perry and Bobby Effin Ryan, I’m sorry, but they failed me tonight. What were you boys doing STANDING AROUND?! There is no way you are going to win any games against Detroit if you’re busy hanging around waiting for them to make a mistake. It’s not going to happen. Instead, they waited for you to make a costly mistake in your own defensive end, and made you pay for it with less than 1 minute to go in the game. Maybe Effin doesn’t know what it’s like to see a goal in Joe Louis Arena with less than a minute to play, but Perry should remember that it’s those last minute ditch efforts that won him a cup 2 years ago.

The Ducks had their chances tonight. A few posts and shots gone wide…but again, I’ll refer you to this thought: It’s not how you play, it’s whether you win or lose. Those posts and wide misses are part of this game. You have to find a way to make those opportunities bounce in your favor. There was a huge spark of intensity from Teemu Selanne and his second linemates tonight. The chances for those guys are there. Andrew Ebbett, playing as hard as ever, taking hit after hit and still finding a way to get to the puck. Erik Christensen was right on the doorstep a few times tonight, and with a bounce here or there, the puck is in the back of the net. These guys are going to have to be the havoc makers in this series. I know Selanne can do it, the Ducks are just going to need a few more guys to step it up.

The Ducks have the ability to wear teams down. We saw that happen from time to time throughout this match up tonight and we saw it happen numerous times against San Jose. If they can continue to move the puck well, SKATE HARD and play smart defensive hockey, they can frustrate these Red Wings. I don’t think the Ducks played great tonight and in fact, I think we’ve seen them play BETTER here in the last few months. If you ask me…that’s a great sign. I think this means that a better game is on the way, and if that was Detroit’s best effort…well…

Anaheim fans have to remember one thing. This is definite bonus hockey for us. It looked like Anaheim wasn’t going to have a chance in hell at making the playoffs back in January. Had they made it…there seemed no way to get past the first round. Well, they’ve done BOTH of those things. We’re being treated to a special brand of bonus hockey and I think the team knows that. I don’t think this roster is going to give up without a fight.

And I kinda think they don’t like Detroit as much as the rest of us do.

GO DUCKS!!!

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Ducks in a Row…game 1.2

Posted on May 1, 2009
“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!!!

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Remember This Wings Fans?

Posted on April 30, 2009

My favorite game of the series against the Wings was Game 5. With the late goal by Scotty in the third off of Lidstrom’s stick and the impressive forechecking by Andy McDonald, Selanne was able to close out Game 5 in Overtime with this unforgettable goal against Hasek.

Selanne on Hasek

With Game 1 starting tomorrow in Detroit, as a bold Ducks fan I say Anaheim can win it in 6 just as they did two years ago. I think that the adrenaline of beating San Jose will carry over and the Wings will not be as prepared with an easy sweep of Columbus.

Anaheim will win one of those first two games in Detroit. They need to if they want to win the series at all.

The Ducks will close the series out on home ice at the Honda Center.

Getzlaf must continue to play his “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” style of play. Selanne needs to find the back of the net more often. Overall I am very pleased with our defenese, especially from Beauchemin and the newcomer James Wisniewski.

Detroit will be a great contender and by no means should be looked at as “just another huge ego” as many of us Ducks fans looked at San Jose. Many of those players know how to turn it on in the playoffs and will do so. I think that the lack of Draper will hurt them in Games 1 & 2, but only if people like Drew Miller, Todd Marchant and Andrew Ebbett can play similar to how they played in the series against the Sharks.

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Moving right along…

Posted on April 30, 2009
This will be my last statement about the San Jose Sharks and their first round loss to the Anaheim Ducks…I think.

This morning I was listening to XM 204 and they were talking about “what went wrong in San Jose?”

Here’s what I think about that very stupid question:

Nothing went wrong in San Jose. Nothing. A team that finishes the regular season 53-18-11 = 117 points and wins the Presidents Trophy…you did nothing wrong. Unfortunately you met up with a red hot Anaheim Ducks team and you couldn’t keep up. You paid for the Stanley Cup experienced roster in the previous off season and they helped to lead you through a regular season in an alarmingly fantastic manner. HOWEVER…your regular season pace was too slow for the post season. Now, you’re claiming injuries. Every team claims their injuries when they’ve been eliminated…no room for excuses there. I still believe that Bobby Ryan was injured in game 5. You play through those injuries in the post season.

I really wish that people would stop pointing blame at what the Sharks did wrong. Instead maybe someone will finally say…a really good team lost to a much better team. End of story.

—–

Enough of that madness, the Sharks are gone and the Ducks are moving on.

Tomorrow the puck drops on what will be a highly intense series in the NHL. Detroit hates Anaheim for the numerous upsets they have been dealt by the Ducks in the past and everyone else hates Detroit for being Detroit.

I won’t lie, they’re at the bottom of my list when it comes to opponents in the NHL. For various reasons that lie outside of their being the Yankees of hockey…I have to say one of those reasons is their fan base. I would LOVE to have a fan prove me wrong, and while yes, I can’t lump them all together…I’ve yet to meet a HUMBLE Red Wings fan. They apparently don’t posses the bone in their body that will allow them to say…hey, we lost because we didn’t play well. Or, yea…that team was better than ours. IF Detroit loses, the blame will always be on the opposing team or the refs.

So what does this mean to the Anaheim fan base? Look out. It doesn’t matter what you say about the Ducks or the Red Wings, you’re going to be wrong in their eyes. You can agree with them, and now you’re not a good enough Ducks fan. You can disagree, and they’ll be blaming YOU for the missed hooking call. You can be silent and sit back and watch and they’ll attack you for having no passion or pride in your team. It’s lose lose.

I suggest that the Anaheim fans do what they do best. Show up to games 3 and 4 and scream your ass off. Cheer like you’ve never cheered before. Wave your orange towel with pride. Suz Broughton and I will be doing just that during game 4…PROUDLY. I can’t wait!

I don’t care how many championships you’ve got. I don’t care that your fumbles in game 5 are the reasons for OUR cup. I care about tomorrow at 4pm (PACIFIC) when we meet you again in a classic battle of The NHL’s Untouchable Unicycle Wheel vs. The Always Underestimated Team that NO ONE Wants to Play.

Let the stress and the light-headedness begin!

GO DUCKS!!!

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Twitter Weekly Updates for TheDucksBlog.com

Posted on April 29, 2009
  • http://tinyurl.com/cudn3a #
  • ducks heading to the joe… curious to see what will happen with san jose… selanne scored the go ahead just like I said in my blog this AM #
  • I would like to see Ryan Getzlaf sing my like would suck without you tonight to Bobby Ryan after he gets the game winner. Thoughts? :) #
  • uuuughhhh…. ducks in 6…. #
  • So I came back in the room a few minutes later. Calmed down. Apologized to my wife for getting ticked. Then 5 minutes later we tie it. Wooho #
  • I was so mad when Setoguchi scored that I turned off the tv and left the room. My wife said “now they are in trouble” and I got ticked. #
  • And to think I turned the TV off and walked out of the room about 20 min ago after the SJ 2nd goal… my wife is patient with me… #
  • @sriggles you got that right… in reply to sriggles #
  • @SKeleven if you love ryan carter so much, why don’t you marry him? in reply to SKeleven #
  • WOO! Gotta love it! TIE GAME! #
  • my head & my heart say #Ducks win 4-2… but I really want to keep beating #San Jose. I am really enjoying it… I did call it in 6 tho… #
  • Am I a nerd because all of my external hard drives are named after Ducks players? Niedermayer, Pronger, Selanne, Perry, Giggiy, HIller. #
  • Retweeting @AnaheimDucks: Ducks Caravan for Game 5! Join us for the trip to San Jose! Meet tomorrow at 9am. Who’s in?! http://tr.im/jEOV #
  • Gotta love the game last night… will blog in next 24 hours on the victory, Bobby Ryan and not jumping the gun just yet… #

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Ducks Best The Best!

Posted on April 28, 2009
57303260Well, I am totally enjoying the rest that comes after winning a series. What a game!! Many things occurred that were a first for my eyes. First off the talk of today definitely has to be the Joe Thorton and Ryan Getzlaf tussle two seconds into the game. I read this morning that Joe had actually challenged Getz to fight in game five, but according to Getz he did not feel it was appropriate having a 3-1 lead in the series. God, you have to love hockey! This one of many reason why people should bee watching this more than any other sport. The little battles that are all part of the big picture! OK back to the game….the the big centers went at it and quickly set the tone for the rest of the night. I had said in game 5 that this type of game play was too intense for the Sharks to keep pace with and eventually they would run out of gas. I had hoped that would have happened in the 3rd period of game 5, but I’ll take game 6 any day!

Then it happened…a barrage of penalties against the good guys and the sharks go on one of 4 (I think) power plays eventually scoring first. the first thought that entered My mind was hearing Brian “Hazy” Hayward say that teams that score first in this series have gone on to win the game. So naturally I was not happy. Thankfully the Ducks struck back and scored before the end of the period and tied it up. That alone led me to believe that the Ducks were going to clamp down, tighten the vice grip (*LA) and shut the Guppies down like they did every team in 2007.

In the end there were many great moments; some comedic (Perry being dragged by the skates), others agonizing (Boyle breaking his stick realizing a goal went in off it), and also satisfying moments like Getz and Thorton hugging and shaking hands, JR spending extra time on the ice with Nieds and Hiller, and watching “Big Joe” slam his water bottle on the bench. We’ve been there before, specifically last season when we could not figure out the Stars to get past the first round, (I still have no0t forgotten you, Turco). Probably the one that hurt the most was when the OT goal in game 5 slowly etched it’s way over the line giving the Sharks the win, man! That sucked! What a series! (Oh, and there’s this uncomfortable moment I found for Sharks fans)

57302828

So now we play the Red Wings. The defending Stanley Cup Champions. As one of my friends put it; “I hope the Sharks beat the Ducks! We can’t beat the Ducks.” What i think is funny is that we went from being the forgotten team that just barely made it into the playoffs, to the team no one wants to face. How did that happen? I think everyone was secretly relieved when we had such a bad regular season, so much so that no one thought they even had to make plans to face the Ducks. Now, the Wings are no slouches, and I continue to give the respect that I give all opponents. I’m not here to make predictions or attack the Wings, all I am saying is that we need to play at the same level we played the Sharks. After all, the Sharks are still the best team in the NHL, as of last night.

What I love now are all the Wings fans coming out of the wood work with their anti-Ducks sentiment. It seems with each round and each opponent there is always trash talk that comes our way. I especially like this Detroit fan page that breaks down the reasons why we’ll lose by re-introducing us to key players on Detroit’s squad. I couldn’t help it but to comment at the bottom.

Well, let’s all relax for one day, because round 2 starts Friday! I love playoff hockey. Remember what I said from the beginning of the playoffs, I like our chances in a seven game series, because in the playoffs…..anything is possible! Go Ducks!

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