Game 82: Ducks vs. Oilers 4.11.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net

Game 79: Ducks vs. Kings 4.6.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net





POST GAME QUOTES:

"It seemed like we were on a roll and playing well," said Todd Marchant of a Ducks team that had won four of its last five to make a last dash for the postseason. "Even tonight, we had a lead. But we just couldn’t keep it. We sat back a little too much and they took advantage of that."

"Today was a game that was very similar to many that we played this year," said Scott Niedermayer. "It was disappointing to let it game away. It’s been tough year. We’re disappointed that we’re in this situation. We’re not happy at all."

Added Perry, "We stopped playing that forechecking game that got us up 4-1. Those things you have to bring every night and stop doing. Maybe we sat back a little bit too much tonight and it hurt us."

"It’s been five years now since some of us have had this feeling, and it’s not a lot of fun," Marchant said. "We gave up too many points and too many games early on in the year. It’s tough. This is an awful feeling. I’ve only had a handful of times in my career. It is definitely a bitter taste that sits in your mouth all summer."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

(Photo Source: http://ducks.nhl.com/club/gallerylanding.htm?id=15248)

Game 77: Ducks vs. Canucks 4.2.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net





POST GAME QUOTES:

"It’s a tough way to lose like that in a shootout," said Selanne, who had two goals on the night. "But what are you going to do? We played a pretty good game. A couple mistakes cost us a couple of goals. Overall, we had a chance to win. That is why it is a little hard to swallow this. That is how it goes."

"We came back and played well fighting to the end there," Koivu said "We needed two points, there is no doubt. Calgary won their game, so it’s a tough one. At this point, we have to forget this one as quick as possible."

"I’d rather not pass him and get these points to give us a chance," Selanne said. "What happened earlier in the season put us behind the eight ball. That is why we are where we are. We’ll just keep battling as long as we have a chance and see what happens. It’s tough to lose the one point tonight."

"Before this game, we had won seven out of nine, but the teams in front of us were winning as well," Koivu said. "Tonight was really the first one where we got some help. We’re trying to keep the focus on our game and our situation. We have to be realistic at this point. We can’t lose any points."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 02: (L-R) Teemu Sealanne #8, Saku Koivu #11, Corey Perry #10 and Lubomir Visnovsky #17 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate Selanne's 602nd career goal in the second period against the Vancouver Canucks at the Honda Center on April 2, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Game 75: Ducks vs. Stars 3.29.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net





POST GAME QUOTES:

"It’s incredible," Bonino said of the goal. "I’m happy I did at home and happy we got a win."

"When I get on this ice with Perry, Selanne, Niedermayer and Visnovsky out there, you really can’t do any wrong," Bonino said. "The puck just bounced to me. I was in the right place at the right time."

"He said he stills remembers his first goal," Bonino said of Selanne. "I told him I’d probably remember this one as long as I’m playing and as long as I live too."

Said Selanne, "The first NHL goal is always so memorable. I’m very happy he got it. You can already see what kind of skills he has. He is so calm. What amazes me these days about rookies, they are so ready right away."

"It’s been like this for a long time, chance after chance," Selanne said. "I really wanted to score, more so for Jari. He wanted to come here and see it happen. I was honored that he came. I’m so happy. It’s a long way [from Kurri's home in Finland,] but we’re good buddies."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 29: Nick Bonino (R) #63 of the Anaheim Ducks receives high fives from the bench after scoring his first NHL goal in the second period against the Dallas Stars at the Honda Center on March 29, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Game 71: Ducks vs. Avalanche 3.21.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net

Game 70: Ducks vs. Islanders 3.19.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net

Game 69: Ducks vs. Blackhawks 3.17.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net

Game 68: Ducks vs. Sharks 3.14.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net

Game 67: Ducks vs. Predators 3.12.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net

Game 66: Ducks vs. Blue Jackets 3.9.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net






OPINION:
I held a funeral for my playoff hopes after the last game. Then this game happened, and I put those hopes under ground. They are not mathematically eliminated (yet) and of course the fan inside of my wants to hope that a miracle will happen, but then there's the realistic side of me that knows it's just not in the cards. I knew early in the season that the Ducks had likely shot themselves in the foot for the playoffs with the poor start they had. I remember how hard they had to fight just to make it in last year and I figured the chances of them pulling that off again this year were slim to none. But that was the beginning of the season and I really did hold out hope that I was wrong. That they'd make it in and I'd get to enjoy playoff fever once again. Now with one month left the reality is they're not making it. They, as a team, are not playing like the want to make it (as they did last year). There's the handful that have the drive to play hard every game -- Niedermayer, Marchant, Selanne, Sexton, Brown, and the like. And then there's the ego's that haven't missed the playoffs EVER in their career (I'm looking at you Getzlaf and Perry).

I think that by them missing out this year will be just the kick in the butt they need. I'm just severely disappointed it had to be this year which is likely the last for Niedermayer and Selanne (I am in denial about Selanne but I'm fairly certain Niedermayer wont want to put up with this crap again next season). Selanne missed this game with flu-like symptoms. I can't blame him. The way they've been playing lately has me sick to my stomach too.

POST GAME QUOTES:
"We seemed to be a very flat hockey club," said coach Randy Carlyle. "For whatever reason, we didn’t seem to be able to provide any energy for any extended period of time. Our execution level left a lot to be desired. Those are things that cost you in the hockey game in the end."

"You can’t come out of a break looking for a playoff run and then drop four straight," said Bobby Ryan. "It’s unacceptable. They were missing a couple of big guy in their lineup. It’s a missed opportunity is the best way to put it. It’s embarrassing."

"I wish I had an explanation," Getzlaf said. "We have to have a starting point. We’re going to start tomorrow in practice. It’s going to be on us and our responsibility as a group. We’re going to come to work tomorrow and get ready to go. We’re in a do-or-die situation. We definitely have to get things rolling and get playing the way we want to. We’ve all been in situations where we’ve lost a few in a row here and there. The easy thing is to give up and get down. That is what we’re trying to stop now and get our momentum going back the other way."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 09: Anton Stralman #6 of the Columbus Blue Jackets and his teammates celebrate the third-period goal of Antoine Vermette #50 as Scott Niedermayer #27 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during their NHL game at the Honda Center on March 9, 2010 in Anaheim, California. The Blue Jackets defeated the Ducks 5-2.(Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

Game 65: Ducks vs. Canadiens 3.7.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net






OPINION:
Yeah. No comment. *shakes head in disappointment*

POST GAME QUOTES:
"With the way we played early in the game, we should have been able to get these two points tonight," said Ducks captain Scott Niedermayer. "They just hung around and waited for a couple of mistakes. They took advantage of it."

"It was play where I thought Hillsy had it," said Niedermayer. "Then, once he goes to relax and thinks the play is over, it drops out. It’s unfortunate, but obviously we shouldn’t in that position either."

"I’m not happy with the outcome," said Saku Koivu, playing his first game against a Montreal team with which he spent his first 14 years in the league, 10 as team captain. "The way we came out in the first period, up 3-0, we were really confident that we could get the next goal and put the game away. They fought back and got two late goals. When you lose that way, it’s pretty disappointing, even though we got the one point. Especially for myself, I’ve waited for this game for quite awhile. I’m happy it’s done now, but I’m disappointed that we lost that point."

"It’s pretty disappointing right now," Niedermayer said. "We just need to prepare and compete as hard as we can in the next game."

Added Koivu, "After a big win or loss, you just have to be able to re-group, forget the past and get ready for the next one. Where we’re at in the standings right now and the points we need, we can’t lose any extra points here. We have to be ready for the next one. These next two weeks are going to be critical for us."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 09: Lubomir Visnovsky(notes) #17 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during warm-up prior to their NHL game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Honda Center on March 9, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

Game 63: Ducks vs. Avalanche 3.3.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net






OPINION:
Olympic Hangover? Brain Fart? Too much time off from the NHL? No. A temporarily depleted defense I think is what caused this loss. The Ducks picked up a great defenseman from Edmonton, Visnovski, in exchange for Whitney (cue the hallelujah music). Unfortunately he was unable to arrive in time for the game, so the Ducks played 5 d-man and it didn't work out so well. They managed to blow their 2-0 lead and it is what it is. A loss. The first home loss since 2010 started. Bummer. Not how any Ducks fan expected to start the NHL back up after the two week hiatus.

POST GAME QUOTES:
"We played one period of hockey," said a disappointed Ducks coach Randy Caryle. "We didn’t play very well after the first period. They turned it up. We stopped doing what we needed to do and started getting quick. We played too soft around the puck and some individuals had bad nights."

"We were skating and taking care of the puck in the first period," Niedermayer said. "In the second, they came at us different and we started to turn it over. It just all the sudden seemed to their way. It’s disappointing when you come out like that and it comes out this way."

"Right now every game is important and the most important one was tonight," Hiller said. "It’s tough. We were close .We had a 2-0 lead and gave the game away. We have 19 games left and still have a lot of chances. We have to believe and play better next game."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 03: Teemu Selanne(notes) #8 of the Anaheim Ducks fends off John-Michael Liles(notes) #4 of the Colorado Avalanche in the third period at the Honda Center on March 3, 2010 in Anaheim, California. The Avalanche defeated the Ducks 4-3. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Game 60: Ducks vs. Oilers 2.10.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net






OPINION:
It wasn't a pretty win, but it was a win. You would think the Ducks would be able to dominate the Oilers who are the cellar dwellers of the NHL and pull off a win without having to work very hard, but such wasn't the case. The Ducks had to battle for the win. BOTH of Edmonton's goals were short handed goals. WHAT? yeah. They were. Tonight the Ducks just played sloppy hockey and managed to skate away with a win. I'll take it, because it puts them tied with Detroit at 65 points, and 2 points out of the 8th spot. 2 POINTS! The team in 8th right now? Calgary. The team the Ducks face next? Calgary. Beating Calgary would be HUGE. If you thought any of the previous games have been huge for the Ducks, this upcoming one in Calgary is the biggest thus far. So let's hope they don't play so sloppy on Saturday, because unlike Edmonton, Calgary will take advantage of it.

Oh and by the way: The Ducks win tonight set a franchise record of 11 straight home game wins! Keep it up Ducks! OUR HOUSE, OUR TEAM!

POST GAME QUOTES:
"Jonas kept us in early and made some big saves for us," Marchant said. "The penalty killing came up big tonight, especially late in the game there. We know we have to be better. We’ll take the win. We need the points and just have to keep moving up."

"We work on a drill in practice where we do the high tip," Marchant said. "I just happened to be the guy that went up there. Wiz made a great play. I just kept my stick on the ice and redirected it. It found its way through. It’s funny how the game goes sometimes. It could have easily gone the other way for them. Thankfully for us, it went our way."

"He passed it through quite a crowd," Ryan said. "It would have been wrong of me not to finish it for him."

"It’s all about getting points and it doesn’t matter how you get them," said Ducks coach Randy Carlyle. "Every game isn’t a picture of beauty and tonight wasn’t one of those beautiful games this year. But we won the hockey game. That is the most important thing. You have to find way to win in the NHL and that is not easy in this league."

"We’ve got two tough now back-to-back in Western Canada," Marchant said. "We have to play like we did against L.A., more so than the way we did tonight."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 10: (L-R) Bobby Ryan #9 and Petteri Nokelainen #17 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate Ryan's goal as goaltender Jeff Deslauries #38 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on in the second period at the Honda Center on February 10, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Game 59: Ducks vs. Kings 2.8.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net






OPINION:
Finally the Ducks get to play the Kings after getting rest instead of on the tail end of back to backs. And FINALLY they beat them. The Kings were first to score, but the Ducks were the ones to score more often. They controlled most of the game even after taking the blow of losing Getzlaf in the early minutes of the 2nd period to an ankle sprain. Perry usually seems lost without Getzlaf around but tonight he stepped it up and handled the loss quite well. Hiller stood on his head in the 3rd period where the Kings tried their best to tie the game up but couldn't get any past a strong Hiller. Sometimes it's nice to be able to get payback so soon after a loss to the same team. Okay who am I fooling? Did I say sometimes? I meant it's always nice. And while LA was looking (hoping) for 10 in a row, the Ducks were also looking for 10 in a row at home. They got to bring LA's win streak to an end and continue their home game win streak. Now, if only they could figure out how to be so dominant on the road. Then we fans wouldn't be so worried about a playoff spot.

POST GAME QUOTES:
"When you’re at home, you need to go out and make the place a war zone out there," said Corey Perry, who had a goal and two assists. "It should be hard place for the other team to come in and play."

"We didn’t have a great game up there in L.A. the other night," Perry said. "We had a couple of days off. We rested and skated yesterday. We were full of energy and wanted to prove that we can play with top teams."

"We knew we had to play better than the last game," Hiller said, noting the four days without games after that loss in L.A. "We had a lot of energy. Those three days without a game were definitely good for us. We tried to put pressure on them and not let them get in the game."

"We know we have to win as many as possible," Hiller said. "For us right now, the goal is the playoffs."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Saku Koivu(notes) #11 and Teemu Selanne(notes) #8 of the Anaheim Ducks skate by the bench to celebrate Koivu's second period goal against the Los Angeles Kings during their NHL game at the Honda Center on February 8, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

Game 57: Ducks vs. Wings 2.3.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net






OPINION:
The Ducks didn't waste any time setting the tone for this game. While the Wings fan behind me was yelling for his team to "put it in the net" the Ducks just so happened to listen to him. It went in the net, for the good guys. The first period was just an all around solid effort. The second period was a little chippy, a little more sloppy, which is par for the course but they also grabbed a goal in that period too, unfortunately so did the Wings, which snapped Hiller's shutout streak. Which is fine, you can't expect a shutout every game, that's just crazy talk. It was the only goal Hiller (the "insert any other team here" Killer) would allow and the Ducks cruised to the 3-1 victory. It might also have helped that Detroit was on the 2nd end of a back to back and had to play the Sharks last night, but that's up to them to make the excuses, I don't really care. The 2 points grabbed tonight got the Ducks within 3 of the coveted 8th spot that it feels like everyone is in a battle for... and if they win tomorrow they could be within 1 precious point. The team that gets to play part in this decision is unfortunately one that would love nothing more than to spoil these hopes. The LA Kings are the Ducks' next opponent x2. The Ducks are 0-2 against them, so let's just hope for the best tomorrow and that the Ducks snap that record. And then hope that on Monday they even it up at 2-2.

POST GAME QUOTES:
"It’s fun to play if you get a lot of shots, but it’s also a little tiring," Hiller said. "We found a way to win tonight."

"They are a great team no matter where they are at in the standings," said forward Jason Blake, playing his second game with the Ducks after coming over in a trade that sent J.S. Giguere to Toronto. "They always seem to be in the thick of things all year long. It was a great night by our goaltender. He played outstanding. It was a great team effort. That is all you can ask for."

"We had a good start and that gave us a lot of confidence," Hiller said.

"We gave ourselves a good start and built on that," Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. "We did a lot of things that we needed to. It’s all about getting points right now. We understand the situation we’re in. We’re looking up at a few teams. We’d like to climb into that other group to give ourselves a chance."

"The whole team is playing really well defensively,: Hiller said. "Even if I have rebounds, we’re clearing them. Everybody is fighting hard, blocking shots and doing everything back there. I hope we can keep it on ... We have another really important coming up tomorrow."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 03: Kyle Chipchura #28 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates his goal with teammates Todd Marchant #22, Steve Eminger #7 and Troy Bodie #50 for a 2-0 lead against the Detroit Red Wings during the first period at the Honda Center on February 3, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Game 50: Ducks vs. Sabres 1.19.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net





OPINION:
Getzlaf Scores. Artyukhin Scores. Brown Scores. Ryan Scores. All in just over half of the 1st period. You wouldn't think that the Ducks would need Bodie to score in the 3rd to hold on to the victory, but they did. Bodie's goal was the game winner against a tough Miller, who was in net replacing Lalime who got pulled after Anaheim's 4th goal. The 1st period was 100% all Ducks, Buffalo had no business being in that 1st period. The 2nd period was 100% all Buffalo, with them coming within 1 goal of the Ducks 4-0 lead. The 3rd period was a battle of the goal tenders, Hiller and Miller. In the end the Ducks had just enough in them to skate away with the win. They handed Buffalo their first regulation loss since December 23rd. Also their first loss this season to a Western Conference team. The Ducks, on the other hand, came away with their 8th straight home win and 2 major major points. It puts them in 11th, tied with Dallas with 53 points; however, Dallas has a game in hand so they get 10th and we get 11th. It leaves them only 4 points out of the 8th spot that they have been desperately trying to get into since they're rough start to the season and both Detroit and the Kings lost tonight, making it that much sweeter. So while it wasn't exactly a pretty win on the ice, it's a very pretty win where it counts-- the standings.


POST GAME QUOTES:
"If you have four goals, it can be dangerous," Hiller said. "They knew they had to do something. They scored two quick goals and were back in the game. At the end, we have to take the positives. We found a way to win. That is what it important right now."

"Bodie got a huge goal for us there late in the third period," Getzlaf said. "Those are things that we need to win hockey games. Tonight wasn’t the prettiest effort throughout the whole game, but we were able to get that early lead and hold it."

"We’ve played pretty well at home lately," Hiller said. "At least we got the points and found ways to win. We have to do the same thing on the road now. We have that confidence that we can win every game. We have to keep going. It’s not going to come by itself. We have to work hard, especially if we can start like tonight and play 60 minutes."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

Anaheim Ducks right wing Troy Bodie, right celebrates scoring a goal against the Buffalo Sabres with teammate Anaheim Ducks center Todd Marchant (22) in the third period during an NHL hockey game, in Anaheim, Calif., Tuesday, Jan., 19, 2010. Ducks won 5-4. (Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports)

Game 49: Ducks vs. Flames 1.17.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net





OPINION:
What an emotional roller coaster this game was! Ducks go down 1-0, turn around and make it 3-1, Calgary comes back within a goal at 3-2. And that was all just in the 1st period. 2nd period hasn't been a strong point for the Ducks this season and it showed because they left the 2nd without their lead, trailing 4-3. Going into the 3rd period Calgary was 20-0-1 when leading after 2. However, the Ducks have their own special record. Calgary hasn't beaten Anaheim IN Anaheim since BEFORE the lockout in January of 2004. Needless to say Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan helped the Ducks keep that record alive, a franchise record of 11 games at home beating Calgary. So Calgary's cute little record of 20-0-1 when leading after 2, is now 20-1-1. You're welcome. Bobby Ryan's goal was huge because the game was tied at 4-4 until he scored, and he just took the chance he had and ran with it with a beautiful goal that only a pure goal scorer could pull off. It's not often that a team who scores 3 goals all on break away chances will lose the game (3 of Calgary's 4 goals were from break away opportunities) but it happened tonight. The Ducks had no quit in them or in their vocabulary. Absolutely fantastic game.


POST GAME QUOTES:
"It’s one of those things where we have guys who are big parts of our lineup and different guys just have to step up," Perry said. "We got that tonight."

"Both were firsts," Bodie said of the goal and the hit. "I’ve never dumped anyone in there like that (on dumping Adam Pardy into the Ducks bench during the game). But the goal takes the cake. It’s good that we have everyone contributing. That is what you need. It was a good team game."

"It was nip and tuck, every inch and every bounce," said Ducks coach Randy Carlyle. "It was one those games where in the beginning I thought it might be a 6-5 or 8-7 game. We found a way. Once we got settled down in the third, our big guys delivered for us."

"We knew what was at stake," Perry said. "We’re looking at the standings and we know what is going on. It’s up to us. We have to go out and get every point we can. Those two points are huge for us. It was one of those games where we had to find a way to win."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

Anaheim Ducks' Corey Perry, left, celebrates his goal as Calgary Flames' Eric Nystrom skates off during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010. The Ducks won 5-4. (Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports)

Game 47: Ducks vs. Bruins 1.13.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net





OPINION:
What a game! It was high intensity the whole way through and a nail biter until the very end. It showcased some fights which is always fun for hockey fans new and old. It was also a very bittersweet win. Yes, a bittersweet one. Why? The Ducks had JUST gotten Teemu Selanne back and toward the end of the 3rd he got nailed by the puck from a re-directed slapshot from Ryan Whitney. He went down flailing in obvious pain and every Ducks fan in the arena had wide eyes and the look of disbelief and fear in them. I'm not going to lie, if I got hit with that puck it probably would have knocked me out cold and as soon as I regained consciousness, I'd cry like a newborn baby. It looked so extremely painful and Teemu skated off the ice on his own. Yikes. The end result is a fractured jaw bone and it's unclear at this time how long he'll be out. The general time line is usually 4-6 weeks. So while the Ducks fought hard and earned every ounce of this win (their 5th straight win!), they are again without Teemu Selanne. Pardon the pun, but the poor guy just can't catch a break this year.


POST GAME QUOTES:
"It was a great game coming back from being down 3-2 after two periods," said Jonas Hiller, who turned in another solid night. "It was not easy to come back after the second, which was tough not getting a lot of shots and getting scored on three times. At the end, you add up the 60 minutes, that is what counts and we found a way to win."

"I was definitely happy with my game in the third period," Hiller said.

"I’m definitely happy about it," Eminger said of his goal. "My last one was the last game of last season. It’s been awhile. The main thing was keeping the streak alive. It’s five in a row now. That is a big streak for us coming into the second half of the season here. I’m excited to be part of it and have a game-winner".

"It shows that we’ve gained some confidence over the last couple of games," Hiller said. "We’re not giving up and the team is not falling apart. Our guys are stepping up. We know we have to play 60 minutes at our best to have a chance. The next time is tomorrow night."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 13: Tuuka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins can't stop a shot by Matt Beleskey(not pictured) of the Anaheim Ducks in the second period at the Honda Center on January 13, 2010 in Anaheim, California. The Ducks defeated the Bruins 4-3. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Game 44: Ducks vs. Blues 1.7.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net





OPINION:
Of course there is a short handed goal involved where the team didn't win right after I point out how the team that gets one usually wins. Of course that would happen. Luckily, it's because the Ducks made it that way. The Ducks went down 1-0 early on a short handed goal, but they didn't let it get to them. It was a hard fought game and a nail biter until the Ducks grabbed their first lead in the 3rd and kept it. This was a huge win too, because coming into the night the Ducks were tied with St. Louis in points but still fell below them in the standings because St. Louis has played less games. But tonight the Ducks sit in 12th, 2 points ahead of St. Louis. It's frustrating for them to win games and not move up in the standings, but if they find some sort of consistency they'll start moving up and up. There's still hope, after all.


POST GAME QUOTES:
"The room is confident right now," Ryan said. "This group is one that has everything. All the tools are put in place for us. We’re going to and continue to roll with it. It’s going to be a couple of tough buildings on the road coming up here."

"For me, it was huge," Ryan said.. "I had some shots earlier in the game. For me to get that one, it was a huge morale boost. It gives you a second wind, it really does. Brewer had his stick out there. I thought let’s get it through his legs and hope for the best. I never saw the puck go in. I knew where I was shooting and luckily hit it."

"It’s really helping playing with them," Beleskey said of his pairing with Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. "They control the play down low almost every shift, so if I get to the net, there is a good chance there is going to be a rebound or something lying around.""It was one of those tough games to grind out," said Ducks coach Randy Carlyle. "At times, it wasn’t a pretty hockey game, but we found a way to win. That is the most encouraging thing for us because we found a way to lose these hockey games before. This time we found a way to win it."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10), left, congratulates left wing Matt Beleskey on Beleskey's game winning goal against the St. Louis Blues in the third period of an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010. (Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports)