~*~Olympic Break~*~

Best of luck to all the NHL Olympians but most of all best of luck to the Ducks Olympians!

Scott Niedermayer
Ryan Getzlaf
Corey Perry
Teemu Selanne
Saku Koivu
Jonas Hiller
Bobby Ryan
Ryan Whitney
Luca Sbisa

Be safe, have fun, win medals.

Game 62: Ducks @ Oilers 2.14.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net






OPINION:
No, your eyes do not deceive you, the Ducks... the same Ducks that could only score just 1 goal last night, scored a total of 7 goals. SEVEN. 2 of them belonging to who other than Ryan Getzlaf, who was a game time decision to play! If he went into the game hoping to make a statement to Yzerman about if he's capable of playing for Team Canada in the olympics, he got his wish. He made a huge statement with 2 goals and 2 assists on the night. I think he's more than capable of taking on Team Canada, and I personally never had a shadow of a doubt that he would be playing in the olympic games. If you know Getzlaf, you know he's a beast. He's the guy who gets a puck straight to the noggin, goes to the locker room to get stitched up, and is back playing the next shift. Unless something in his lower body is broken, he plays. There's no stopping him, and a sprained ankle definitely wouldn't stop him. The Ducks took no mercy on the leagues cellar dwellers and pummeled 7 goals to the net. It's always exciting to watch your team get 7 goals in a game no matter who their playing, whether it should be that way or not. 7 goals is 7 goals. The Ducks go into the Olympic break on a HUGE win, sitting 3 points out of the 8th spot. There will be 20 games remaining in the final stretch for their push for the playoffs.

POST GAME QUOTES:
"I haven't had to make many decisions like this. Obviously this one I have to pull back and make sure I'm doing what's right for (the Ducks) and myself as well," Getzlaf added. "If my ankle's fine in the morning, it won't be a hard decision for me."

"He's a very skilled player," said Carlyle. "There's a reason he was selected to Team Canada. He went out and proved he's quite capable of playing to a high level, and he's to be commended. To think he would play in this game after reviewing the injury...it's just amazing. It was all up to him."

"(Carter and I), we haven't talked yet," chuckled Getzlaf when asked if he's received a text from the Flyer."His situation, it's a tough one and so is mine. We're good friends and I'm sure it'll be perfectly fine no matter how it turns out."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

Edmonton Oilers goalie Jeff Deslauriers fails to prevent a score on a shot by Anaheim Ducks' Ryan Getzlaf, not shown, during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Edmonton, Alberta, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010. (Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports)

Game 61: Ducks @ Flames 2.13.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net






OPINION:
For reasons beyond my control, the Ducks just can't figure out road games. I can't explain it, obviously they can't or road games wouldn't be so difficult for them. Tonight it probably didn't help with Getzlaf being out with his sprained ankle. They looked slow, tired, confused, lost, and helpless. The only goal they got this game happened to be a goal nobody even saw happen at first. It took a call to Toronto to confirm that Scott Niedermayer's wicked shot and the deflection from Bodie resulted in a wicked fast goal that had the puck go in and out of the net before you could blink. The good news is they face Edmonton tomorrow, which is a great opportunity for them to go into the Olympic break on a win. The Oilers want to do their best to be SpOilers though, so we'll wait and see.

POST GAME QUOTES:
"Anytime you're not in the goalie's face and screening him and getting those second and third opportunities, then he's having an easy night," Carlyle said. "You're not going to score on many NHL goalies from the blue line if he can see the puck all the time."

"Nobody on our team played to their best level - me included," Hiller said. "I could have stopped at least one of the goals that they scored."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

Anaheim Ducks' Mike Brown, back, collides with Calgary Flames' Curtis Glencross during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Calgary, Alberta, on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010. (Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports)

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 58: Ducks @ Kings 2.4.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net






OPINION:
Gotta hand it to those Kings. They are, begrudgingly, a good team. I also have to hand it to the Ducks who did their best to hang in there. They went into the 3rd down by 2 goals, the Kings scored almost right away in the 3rd to make their deficit to 3 goals, and they came back and tied it up. That was about all they could manage though because the Kings didn't panic at that and grabbed 2 more goals. It wasn't the best of games for Jonas Hiller, but he had a pretty good game in spite of being in back to back and facing the Red Wings the night before. It baffles me that all 3 games played in L.A. are the 2nd in back to back games while L.A. has the fresh legs for them. I hate the schedule makers for that. The Ducks face them AGAIN on Monday, only this time it'll be at home in Anaheim and after 3 days of rest. For the love of hockey I just want them to win. L.A. is 3-0 against us this season and it makes me sick to my stomach.

POST GAME QUOTES:
“We can’t win hockey games giving up six goals. It’s as simple as that,” coach Randy Carlyle said. “We worked hard, but we just seemed like we ran out of gas at the end. That’s the sign of a tired group. We came off a 13-day road trip and played last night against Detroit and then came in here.”

“We just seemed to have moments where we didn’t play the way we needed to and we made mistakes with the puck,” Anaheim captain Scott Niedermayer said. “The Kings probably felt that they did, too, but not as many as us—and that was the difference.”

Source for Quotes: Yahoo! Sports

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 04: Jason Blake #33 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates after scoring a goal against Jonathan Quick #32 of the Los Angeles Kings during the period of the NHL hockey game on February 4, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/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 56: Ducks @ Panthers 2.1.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net






OPINION:
Hard to have an opinion on a game that you couldn't see happening. Thanks to Versus and their "exclusive window" on Monday nights, the Ducks/Panthers game wasn't allowed to be televised. This doesn't include Canadian teams, so while there were 4 games last night-- the Penguins game on Versus (as the NHL continues to shove the Pens and Crosby down everyone's throat), and two games that contained Canadian teams, and then the Ducks/Panthers game, the Ducks and Panthers fans were the only ones who got screwed on the Versus exclusive window deal.

We got the lovely radio. I have nothing against our radio broadcasters, they're good. I just have beef with the radio. Hockey has to be one of the hardest games to follow through a radio. So from what it SOUNDED like, the Ducks put forth a solid game. They played the full 60 minutes. The Getzlaf goal was a thing of beauty. Teemu's goal that came with 1/2 a second left in the 2nd period was indeed over the line with half a second left, and Hiller stood on his head to earn his 2nd shutout of the season.


POST GAME QUOTES:
"I felt good out there," Hiller said. "I had good legs and I felt comfortable. I think we did a real good job with penalty kill. They had a lot of chances."

"I thought we played more of the type of hockey that's going to be required in the last two games, both here and Tampa," Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle said. "We have to play tight, have to grind the type of hockey that is required to have success, if we can get a little more offense."

"He did what he had to do," Carlyle said of Hiller. "He wasn't called upon to make a lot of big stops, but the defense buckled down for him in the third period."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 1: Goaltender Jonas Hiller #1 of the Anaheim Ducks drops his stick but makes a save with his blocker against the Florida Panthers on February 1, 2010 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Ducks defeated the Panthers 3-0. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

And in the end, it's a business.

In short: Giguere has been traded to Toronto for Toskala and Blake. The rookie with all the heart and passion this season has seen, Dan Sexton, got sent down. And yesterday Hiller got a 4 year contract worth 18 million. (This part was posted yesterday, 1.31.10... the following was updated today 2.1.10...)

I took time to collect my thoughts on the Giguere trade because in the words of Adam Brady "it was like a bolt of lightning-- you could see it coming from a mile away, but it still surprises you." I was expecting him to be moved after the team re-signed Hiller to 4 years. I just wasn't expecting it to be the very next day. I feel as though I wont be able to put things into the proper words that are deserved, but I'm going to try...

I've been a Ducks fan since 1997-98. That means that aside from Guy Hebert, J.S. Giguere has been the only #1 goalie I have known. He's been, by far, the best Ducks goalie to ever don the uniform. And just like that, the NHL reminds you why you should never be so quite attached to a single player. In an instant they can be on a completely different team, in a completely different country, on the complete opposite coast.

Ducks fans will remember him for being the sole reason the Ducks came within 1 game of the Stanley Cup in 2003. They will remember how heart breaking yet satisfying it was to see him win the Conn Smythe trophy that year. That image is engraved in my brain. They'll remember him throwing his gloves off like he couldn't get them off fast enough in 2007 as the clock wound down and the Ducks became the Stanley Cup Champions. And they'll remember him for making the Ducks who they were for 10 solid years.

I wish Jiggy nothing but the best in his new adventure in Toronto. He's back with his goalie coach Allaire, and he's back under Burke's wing. I hope Toronto fans get to know him for his dedication and passion to the game. I hope they understand soon what they got. I hope they learn to love him. Trades always bring a fan back to reality -- it's a business. And in this business, some shoes..or skates... are harder to fill than others.

So long, Giguere! I hope to someday see you retire your number here in Anaheim. Raise 35 to the rafters. Thank You, for the memories. Thank You, for everything.

Game 55: Ducks @ Lightning 12.29.10

Graphic Credit: BuckyHermit @ duckscentral.net





OPINION:
For a game that was "pull your hair out, strand by strand" boring, it sure did get a little interesting at the end. Tampa Bay is a team that should be beaten with ease, but knowing the Ducks, they can never make their nights that easy. They had to bring Tampa to OT and a shootout, just to spice things up. They're never one to shy away from the dramatics. And who other than Wisniewski to save the day, again?! He's the new Anaheim shootout Guru. He was also the only one to have a goal for the Ducks in regulation too. Who would have known it? I'm glad he's being so clutch recently because I like him and he's been starting to get some flack for not producing. Well, he's producing now-- and in key moments.

POST GAME QUOTES:
"Miracles happen," injured Anaheim right wing Teemu Selanne said while Wisniewski talked with reporters.

"Thanks Teemu," Wisniewski responded. "I would say something else, but you have 595 goals."

"We might have to stick with him," Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. "The guy won the last one for us, so if it's not broken, don't try and fix it."

"Both teams were playing pretty solid in the defensive zone," Hiller said. "It's fun to play that way. As a goalie, you'd rather have a 1-1 game than like a 7-7 game."

Source for Quotes: ducks.nhl.com

PHOTO OF THE GAME:

Anaheim Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski (34) fires the game-winner past Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Antero Nittymaki during a shoot out in an NHL hockey game Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 in Tampa, Fla.(Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports)