Game 41: Ducks vs. Flyers 12.31.10

OPINION:
Happy New Year! It's a rare game from the Ducks when you see them use the full 60 minutes to play hockey, but we got that from them tonight. Once again I say, I think the meetings Randy Carlyle held before the Phoenix game could have been just what the doctor ordered. After a pretty rocky road trip they have played the past two games the way they need to keep playing for the 2nd half of the season.

Can you believe that this game wrapped up the first half of the season for the Ducks? It feels like it just started after a really long summer that took it's time ending, and yet here we are, half way through. Of course, there's only one other team who has made it to game 41, and that'd be the Atlanta Thrashers. With a top heavy first half, the Ducks players can look forward to a somewhat lighter back half. The fans can start looking for other teams to catch up with their games in hand, and the standings will start to look a little more real.

Can you also believe that this was the first time the Ducks have won a new years eve game? We FINALLY get to enter the new year on a happy note! Hello 2011. Be good to the Ducks, k?

POST GAME QUOTES:
"With Getzlaf out, it’s a huge hole for us to fill," Blake said. "We knew they played last night [7-4 win in Los Angeles] and we wanted to jump on them right away."

"I’m very happy to have 100 goals in my 10th season," Visnovsky said. "I look at the [game notes] paper before the games. Everybody knows how many games and how many goals you have. I knew two more goals and I would have 100. I’m very happy I scored them before the start of the New Year."

"Our guys battled back and got the goal back," said Ducks coach Randy Carlyle. "That was our mindset. We had to go out and win the third period. It didn’t matter what was happening, we had to win that period. That was what our goal was and we went out and did it."

GAME NOTES:
-The Ducks have improved their record at home this season to 12-6-1, earning 25 of a possible 38 points. Anaheim has posted a 5-2-0 record at Honda Center over the last seven contests.
-Tonight marked Jonas Hiller’s fourth career assist. His recorded his last assist on Mar. 17, 2010 vs. Chicago at Honda Center. --Over the last 11 games, Hiller has gone 6-3-1 with a 1.87 GAA (20 GA/643 MIN) and .945 SV% (345-of-365).
-With two assists in tonight’s contest, Teemu Selanne has moved to within one assist of a share of 55th in all-time assists (Bobby Smith, 679). In 1,218 career NHL games, Selanne has earned 616-676=1,294 points, now sitting just six points away from the 1,300-point marker. Selanne has 0-6=6 points over the last five contests.
-Lubomir Visnovsky’s second goal on the night was the 100th of his career (100-285=385). It was his first multi-goal game since Mar. 19, 2010 vs. the New York Islanders (2-0=2) and the seventh multi-goal game of his career. Visnovsky has 3-1=4 points in the last six contests and 4-6=10 points in the last 11.
-Tonight was Jason Blake’s first multi-goal game (2-0=2) since Dec. 3, 2009 with Toronto at Columbus. It was the 22nd multi-goal game of his career (has 6 career hat tricks). Blake is now just two goals away from the 200-goal milestone.
-With an assist in tonight’s game, Brandon McMillan has his first career point streak (0-2=2 over the last two games). In addition, McMillan has 1-3=4 points over the last five contests.

Source for Quotes & Game Day Notes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, center, of the Czech Republic, reacts with right wing Teemu Selanne (8), of Finland, after Visnovsky scored in the third period of an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., Friday, Dec. 31, 2010. Visnovsky scored his 100th career goal as the Ducks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2.(Photo by Yahoo Sports)

Game 40: Ducks @ Coyotes 12.28.10

OPINION:
After Coach Carlyle held one-on-one meetings with the players yesterday, they showed in the 1st period tonight that the message was received loud and clear. The first period was all the Ducks needed to clinch the 3-1 victory over the Coyotes. In the 2nd period Getzlaf got hit square in the face with a shot by Doan and left the ice immediately. Heaps of blood left behind on the ice. 10 stitches to the forehead later, he did not return to the game. A scary injury, and I hope he's not out for very long.

POST GAME QUOTES:
"We talked about some of the things we thought were grieving them and some of the things they thought were grieving us," Carlyle said. "We felt better today. Obviously the coaching staff makes the final decisions, but it doesn't hurt to get some feedback."

"We have to show that when we play well we can play with any team in the league," Hiller said. "Our problem is we haven't shown that every night."

"We can't do that," Carlyle said of the two-man advantages. "Those are things where we're very fortunate to get out of here with two points."

GAME NOTES:
Phoenix had one shot on their second, 37-second two-man advantage. The crowd also might have been boosted by a $1 beer promotion. Ryan Getzlaf took a puck to the face 4:31 into the second period and bled profusely before he was helped to the dressing room. Ducks personnel said Getzlaf had a laceration above the eye and was feeling better by the third period, but he didn't return. He will be evaluated Wednesday morning.

Source for Quotes & Game Day Notes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

Anaheim Ducks right winger Corey Perry (center) celebrates with teammates Ryan Getzlaf (left) and Matt Beleskey (39) after scoring a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010, in Glendale, Ariz.(Photo by Yahoo Sports)

Game 39: Ducks @ Kings 12.26.10

OPINION:
I showed up for this game. In enemy territory. The Ducks, on the other hand, did not. After a scoreless 1st period, the Ducks got lost in the 2nd period. The Kings got on the board first, but the Ducks (Belesky) answered right away with a tying goal. After that, they went to sleep and the Kings scored 3 more unanswered goals. With only tallying 3 shots on goal in the entire 3rd period, the Kings sailed to the victory. And when you're a Ducks fan in Kings territory when they win, you get quacked at. They think it's insulting, or something. I think it makes them look like morons. What can you do?

POST GAME QUOTES:
“We made too many critical mistakes with the puck," said Ducks coach Randy Carlyle. "We didn’t execute anywhere near our abilities and it seemed like we couldn’t get anything going.”

“It was a tough game," Hiller said. "The ice was bouncy, the pucks were bouncing. It was tough to control rebounds. The pucks were all over the place and it wasn’t easy to play tonight. We gave them way too many chances in our slot. I probably should have stopped some and no one would talk about it but it wasn’t good enough tonight.”

"It’s always deflating to see them get three goals in a row," Carlyle said. "We fumbled the puck and we should have had someone in position to recover it. They made a shot that nine times out of 10 our goalie would have stopped but he didn’t tonight."

GAME NOTES:
See "Game Log" in the link provided below.

Source for Quotes & Game Day Notes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

Los Angeles Kings left wing Kyle Clifford, left, and Anaheim Ducks right wing George Parros fight during the second period of their NHL hockey game, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010, in Los Angeles.(Photo by Yahoo Sports)

Game 38: Ducks @ Sabres 12.21.10

OPINION:
The only game this season not televised due to Versus exclusive broadcasting, so I don't have much of an opinion. The score makes the game actually look better than what it sounded like. Ducks got 2 toward the end so it wasn't a complete shamble but nonetheless it sounded like a game where we're glad it wasn't televised. I can't remember the last time the Ducks have sent their fans into Christmas with a win, so this one is nothing new. The follow up one of their best games of the season with one of the worst.

POST GAME QUOTES:
None.

GAME NOTES:
The Ducks recalled LW Josh Green from Syracuse of the AHL after C Nick Bonino injured a foot against Boston. He day-to-day. … Sabres C Tim Connolly missed the game due to a fractured nose sustained against Tampa Bay on Saturday. He will be out at least a week. … Rivet, Buffalo’s captain, returned after being a healthy scratch for 11 straight games. … Miller got engaged over the weekend to Noureen DeWulf. … Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf and Sabres C Cody McCormick fought immediately after the opening faceoff in the second period. Five seconds later, Anaheim’s Kyle Chipchura and Buffalo’s Paul Gaustad also fought.

Source for Quotes & Game Day Notes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

Buffalo Sabres' Tyler Myers (57) battles for the puck with Anaheim Ducks' Ryan Getzlaf (15) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010. The Sabres won 5-2.(Photo by Yahoo Sports)

Game 37: Ducks @ Bruins 12.20.10

OPINION:
One of the better games we have seen from the Ducks this year. Easy to say when they shutout a team like the Bruins, but it's true. Of course, it could have just been one of the worst for the Bruins. Either way, I'll take it. Take wins any way you can get them.

POST GAME QUOTES:
"If we play like that every single game, with guys out there blocking shots, we've got a good chance to win," [Jonas Hiller] said Monday night after stopping 45 shots to lead the Ducks to a 3-0 victory over the Boston Bruins.

"Jonas was in a zone and really stole the show," Ducks forward Bobby Ryan said.

GAME NOTES:
NOTES: McMillan was sent down to Syracuse on Nov. 22 and recalled from the AHL two days later. ... The Bruins have beaten Anaheim in regulation just once in their last nine games. ... Anaheim D Andreas Lilja played in his 500th game, and Ryan Getzlaf played in game No. 400. ... Ducks D Toni Lydman got hit in the face with a shot late in the first period, but he was back for the second. ... Referee Dan O'Halloran was knocked to the ice when he got caught in the middle of a big Bruins hit. He was able to continue.

Source for Quotes & Game Day Notes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

Anaheim Ducks center Brandon McMillan, right, celebrates his goal during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Boston, Monday, Dec. 20, 2010. At left is Boston Bruins left wing Daniel Paille and at center is defenseman Dennis Seidenberg.(Photo by Yahoo Sports)

Game 36: Ducks @ Canes 12.18.10

OPINION:
One of those "made ya look" moments, but in reality, it wasn't that great. Getzlaf actually did start the scoring for the game just minutes into the game. But that was about all he could do (for at least until later, where he realizes if he wants to win, it's up to him). After the Ducks got the early lead that mislead fans to believe "maybe this won't be that bad of a game, we stand a chance" they just slapped Ducks fans silly with reality. There's a certain player over there in Hurricane land who answers to the name of Staal. Careful you got the right one, because there are quite a few Staal brother's out there playing in the NHL. It gets a bit confusing. So here in Hurricane land, Staal the captain decided this night would be a great night to go for the NATURAL Hat Trick. I mean let's not sit here and disagree with his abilities. He's fantastic which is why he's the Captain of the Hurricane's squad. He knows exactly what he's doing.

Anyhow, within the last 2 minutes of the game that is when it decided it would get interesting. Let me set up the scene-- The Ducks enter the 3rd in a posistion where they normally make their opponents enter into. They were up against the dreaded, cursed, damned, what have you 2-goal lead. And they actually came inches close to proving why it's so deadly. But apparently that only happens when it's AGAINST the Ducks. So for our team, I'd prefer them to go for the lead and then, oh I don't know, defend it and hold onto it for the win.

POST GAME QUOTES:
The opportunities were definitely there, and Cam (Ward) played the way he can," Getzlaf said.

"We have to play that strong forecheck game, and we had it after we got motivated," Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. "But we were down two goals, and then we got one back, and we had numerous chances, but just didn't get it across the line."


GAME NOTES:
Carolina is 6-0 when scoring at least two power-play goals. ... The Hurricanes are 8-4-2 against the Western Conference, the best record among Southeast Division teams. ... RW Teemu Selanne was back in the lineup for Anaheim after missing four games and nine of 13 with a strained groin. ... The Ducks sent RW Dan Sexton to Syracuse of the AHL.

Source for Quotes & Game Day Notes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

Anaheim Ducks' Corey Perry (10) and Ryan Getzlaf celebrate Getzlaf's goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010, in Raleigh, N.C.(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Game 35: Ducks @ Islanders 12.16.10

OPINION:
What is there to say when you lose to the Islanders? I'm pretty speechless right now, along with embarrassed.
Third time this year the Ducks have lost to the worst team in the NHL. Maybe they'll learn to stop underestimating their opponent? Or maybe not.

Also pretty amusing (in the I'm not so amused, way) is it took all of 99 seconds for the Islanders to win the game. 3 goals, in 99 seconds to be exact. And it was only their 2nd win in a span of 22 games. Tell me you're not embarrassed....

POST GAME QUOTES:
"Tonight, things were tough around here," Blake said. "We have to forget about it and move on."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 16: The Anaheim Ducks sit on the bench during a time out as an ice girls cleans the ice during the game against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on December 16, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Ducks 3-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Game 34: Ducks @ Capitals 12.15.10

OPINION:
It's always nice when the Ducks win. It's nicer when they win on the road. It's even better when it's against one of the best teams out there. Yes, the Capitals were on a 6 game losing streak before this game, but losing streaks happen to everyone and does not measure what kind of team you have. Unless it becomes a habit. I'll save my witty snipe at the Islanders because of what happened the next night and I'm updating this post late.

POST GAME QUOTES:
"We just (have) to keep scratching and clawing," Getzlaf said. "We're not going to blow anybody out. Tonight, we had to take an extra five minutes, but we were able to get it done."

"It was definitely not our best period (1st)," Hiller said. "They put a lot of pressure on us. We gave them way too many turnovers and chances."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 15: Jonas Hiller #1 of the Anaheim Ducks defends the goal against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on December 15, 2010 in Washington, DC. The Ducks won the game 2-1. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Game 33: Ducks vs. Wild 12.12.10

OPINION:
This was by far the most exciting game I have been to as a regular season game in years. I don't know how often you get to see a penalty shot, AND a hat trick in ONE game, but that was the greatest thing ever. Even more so because Perry actually scored on his penalty shot, and it was Perry who got the hat trick. And let's not forget, Getzlaf was on his way to his own hat trick as well. That would have seriously been awesome. And then you get Bobby Ryan scoring with Koivu's stick. No, not Saku! It was Mikko's stick! In an awkward moment where Koivu grabbed Bobby's stick out of his hands, Bobby found Koivu's on the ice and seconds after, he scored with it into a wide open net. Even stranger was Koivu's stick is for lefty and Bobby is a righty! It was a big night for the Ducks who wont be returning to their home building until New Years Eve, to take on the Flyers. It was a great send off for the fans who now have no where to go for two weeks. Or maybe that's just me.

POST GAME QUOTES:
"It was just a matter of finding that groove and going with it," Perry said about the win. "Everything was going our way tonight. Hopefully, we can continue to play that way."

"It’s been a long time coming and it is pretty special," Perry said. "When you have a lot of two-goal games, that hat trick feels nice. There were a lot of guys in here that helped with that tonight. It’s something I won’t forget. That is for sure."

"It’s been awhile since we’ve had one where we had a three-goal lead and we didn’t make it interesting in the hockey game," said Ducks coach Randy Carlyle. Minnesota played last night in L.A. and won a big hockey game. They exhausted a lot of energy in that and then they were short-staffed. They didn’t have Madden or Cullen. We had a lot of energy tonight."

"There was some kind of tangle up in the corner. I looked down and saw my own stick," Ryan said. "I knew I wasn’t holding it. I wasn’t quite sure what to do. The puck came out and I just picked up the first thing that was there. It was (Koivu’s) and the puck came right to me. The only ref I talked to at center ice was also talking to Havlat. He said he had no idea and never had seen anything like it. As far as he was aware, there was no rule against it. I will take them any way they come right now."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) watches hats fly onto the ice after he scores his first career hat trick against the Minnesota Wild in an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010. Ducks won the game 6-2.(Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports)

Game 32: Ducks vs. Flames 12.10.10

Game 31: Ducks @ Canucks 12.8.10