Sharks sink the Ducks.....again

I've stopped keeping track of each individual game and reporting back after four or five games have been played because that's how I feel about the Ducks this season. Instead of being consistent with reports, I feel slightly unorganized, and noticing only glimpse of seasonal play. The last two games are worth mentioning because I went to one of them in Phoenix, and also because the Ducks were pummeled to just one point in both games combined. I'm not sure where who to blame anymore. I've been saying all along that if the Ducks are going to trade someone big like Scotty, well then do it. Coach Randy is going no where, and will most likely be replaced during the off season, rather than being unceremoniously dumped in the middle. So why doesn't Murray do something? One theory is that he is waiting to see what the options once the official mid season break occurs. Maybe he wants to give the Ducks a chance to make a second surge as they've done in the past. The team currently sits nine points out of the 8th playoff spot, but at one point were only three. Then again, a nine point lead can be the most difficult nowadays especially with the parity that exists in the NHL. The next thing I've been wondering is how big of an impact a goalie coach can make. I guess when your team loses one of the greats, its bound to reflect how you play. I had no idea it would render Jiggy and Hiller virtually invisible in goal! It's like a bad joke played on the Ducks, when all off season, everyone kept wondering who would start, or who would be number one.....and now the answer is "what difference does it make?" Goal tending has been such a big pain in the behind for the Ducks that now no lead (albeit rare) is safe!!

So whats on the horizon for these Ducks? Well I hope everyone that's injured gets healed. I then hope everyone else in the NHL gets injured during the Olympics. I am looking forward to the Vancouver games. I hope the Ducks make a smart move that not only does not gut the team, but something we can cash in on immediately. I hope Selanne scores more, Whitney keeps his feet moving, Sexton scores more, we trade Bobby Ryan or Scott Neidermayer for something BIG, and finally that the second half of the season is one all the hockey papers will be talking about with regard to the Ducks!
Go Ducks!

All I want for X-mas......less Teemu

Since last I wrote the Ducks have played 5 games and have managed a winning record of going 3 and 2. Currently they sit 12th in the west, 6 points out of the 8th spot (3 wins), but more importantly they are playing like a team with identity. The 4th line of Parros, Brown, and Noki have been playing beautifully. The top line is on fire and it seems like ever since Sexton joined the club the team has been excited about playing. So with all the positives, I have a few fears that I want to impress upon you the reader. I am scared of the fact that Teemu Selanne will return and take back his spot that Sexton took over and ruin the team chemistry. I know Teemu is the love of the town with novice fans, but this guy kills us with soft passes, and little to no puck control. The only way Teemu is great is if he gets to skate from one end to another with no one on the ice, and no whistles for offsides, and no team mates around to share the puck. In fact if the NHL ever goes to 1-1 games, Teemu will shine!!! For now, Teemu, maybe you can slam your finger on the car door, or hyper extended it at home, so you can give Sexton more playing time....what do you say?

Look on the bright side............

I have not blogged in the last three games because I was hoping I could help change the teams luck a bit, but alas to no avale! Since the Kings game, we've lost Selanne for over a month, but gained a new comer in Sexton, who single handed beat Dallas the other night by bringing the Ducks within one point of tying the game, then tying it so Saku Koivu could win it in OT! So what can be said about this team that I have not already said? Well, this is the ugliest start to season in a long while. Changes are coming, and they will be big, but the one thing that can be said is that this team has the talent to come back and win. The problem is taking alead and maintaining it. It's like the team is not motivated to play hard from the get go and need some adversity in order to get "up" for the game. This is not a good thing as it creates more work and leads to unnecessary injuries, as we have seen. So I'm trying to move past the previous four losses and focusing on the incredible come back last night, and hoping it motivates the team to get it in gear. We'll see what changes occur between now and the Olympic break, but one thing is for sure....they will be big changes.

Go Ducks!

Baby Steps!

Remember the 1991 movie, "What about Bob?" It's a hilarious comedy starring Richard Dreyfuss and Bill Murray. Murray plays a nutcase and Dreyfuss his psychiatrist. Anyway, the story is about Dreyfuss trying to rehabilitate Murray, before he drives him crazy, and the technique he used was called "baby steps".

Well, that's what I think JR (Jim Rutherford) and the Canes need to do right now, take baby steps.

First step was to stop the bleeding. After five straight losses, the Canes finally hit the win column yesterday afternoon with a 5-3 home win against the visiting Vancouver Canucks. The game was not the best effort by the Canes this year by any stretch, but they got it done. Perhaps most noteworthy was the success of the Canes #1 line; Eric Staal, Ray Whitney & Erik Cole. Cole potted three goals (doubled his season's output to six) and was effective throughout the game. Ray Whitney played one of his best games of the season, with a 3-point effort, including the tying goal, just 20 seconds after Vancouver had taken an early 1-0 lead. And, Eric Staal looked like he is starting to round into form, playing with energy and determination. If this line can start to produce on a regular basis, as it has in the past, the Canes fortunes will most assuredly improve.

I was impressed again with Matt Cullen, who has been one of the few Canes to bring it every night this year, and extended his personal point scoring streak to five games, with an assist. Brandon Sutter also continued to impress, playing over fifteen minutes and ending at 55% in the face-off circle, another solid, if unspectacular, performance by him. Unfortunately, his linemates, Chad Larose and Tom Kotsopoulos, are better suited to the fourth line and limit the offensive contribution for this line. Not sure what's happened to Larose, but his lack of confidence is obvious right now. Nonetheless, they work hard every shift. Although Sergei Samsonov scored a pretty goal in the 2nd period, I don't see a longterm future for him as a Cane. He plays too much on the periphery.

The fourth line, comprising Rod Brind'Amour, Stephan Yelle and Scott Walker, (nicknamed the "geritol" line) is long on experience and effort, but at $6.0M plus, is clearly the biggest ticket fourth line in the league and frankly, can't be justified given the Canes woeful performance to-date. The defensive corps got it done by committee. Nothing spectacular, but good enough for the win. This is an area the Canes will have to overhaul before next season. Manny Legace was solid in net again for the Canes, but the good news is that Cam Ward is set to return this week. 'Nuff said!

Jussi Jokinen, one of the more effective Canes this year, was a late scratch, but when he returns to the line-up, the Canes will be able to re-jig their lines. And, hopefully, we'll see newly-acquired Jiri Tlusty in a Canes uniform soon. The challenge remains for JR to shed the team of some of the "tired" veterans to make way for the new wave. I have to wonder if he has another deal, like the Tlusty deal, looming to strengthen the D. That would help immensely, particularly with Joe Corvo on the shelf for most of the season. Tlusty figures to be part of the re-build along with River Rats' Zach Boychuk, Drayson Bowman, Jamie McBain, and Brett Carson. We will probably see all of them at some point this year.

So, some of the pieces are coming together. Both Brandon Sutter and Bryan Rodney have shown they are ready for the "show". Although Rodney was returned to Albany after the game for more seasoning, he has impressed me with his on-ice demeanor. And, you can expect JR to grab another young stud or two at the trade deadline.

Like I said before, it's all about "baby steps."

Ducks Lose: The Dunce Trick

I don't know who to be more upset at? Randy Carlyle, or Art-uken? First of all I think Randy should have let Jiggy start in tonight's game due to his recent performance on the ice. Jiggy brings a desire to win right now that the team needs to gain some ground. Even though the team posted a 4-1-1 record over the home stand, tonight's loss was a major bump in the road.

Art-uken (Don't bother me about the spelling) was just standing around like a sack of garbage. He was a spectator in tonight's game and should have been given a striped shirt to wear, since he looked more like one of the officials. That being said, why all the penalties from this guy tonight? Something must have been eating the Russian nightmare (in a bad way) because he kept getting penalized left and right. Infact he scored another form of a hat trick tonight, 3 penalties by one player, or what I now refer to as the DUNCE TRICK!!

Well, it seems the verdict came in faster than it took me to write this blog....tonight's blame is the Dunce Trick Russian. Thanks Dunce-tuken!

Go Ducks!

3 out of 4 points ain't bad.

Well after a fantastic game against a red hot Chicago team where the Ducks shut them out 3-0, the Phoenix Yotes came to town and stole one in over time from the Anaheim crew. Although the team can not afford to give up points to Pacific Division rivals, I always say that 1 point is better than no points. I must be honest that when I heard Kyle Calder was going to be out due to an eye injury, I did not expect to win tonight. It has taken so long for this team to click, and then all of the sudden....BAM! eye injury to Calder. The good news, is that we've managed to get a point in a all of our games except 1 in the last six games. The next game continues to be just as important as the Ducks take on the freeway rivals, Los Angeles Kings. Every point is as crucial as the last one, and it is definitely better not to let the other team get one. I will say I am happy with the way Jiggy is playing as of late (trade news might have gotten back to him), and I do like the Russian Monster, Koivu, Seleane line. Perry continues to mystify with his point streak which is now up to 18, and I still can not help it but to rave about Brown, Marchant, Getz, Calder and the Wiz. I hope things only get better as soon as Lupul can get rid of his back spasm (what a sissy), and Calder heals up his eye ball. We'll have to wait and see.

Go DUCKS!!!

Ducks win 2!!!

wow, it sure feels nice to write about two Duck wins in a row! Unfortunately, the wins have not come easy as we Duck fans are getting accustomed to "scary wins." That being said, the Ducks were able to hold on for a shootout victory against Calgary, and a regulation win over Carolina. The Carolina game may not have been such an impressive win, given their luck as of late, but the Calgary game was nothing to be ashamed of. The Ducks seemed to be getting somewhat of a groove as of late, albeit a messy one, but for now the slow and steady climb has been a long time coming. With the other Pacific teams losing as of late, the Ducks are slowly closing the gap between last place and anything that comes next! It does not get any easier, as the Ducks face Chicago the day after Thanksgiving, so hopefully the team does not stuff themselves too much!

Go Ducks!!

Sharks Devour The Ducks

Well, I'd like to say that I am angry at the Ducks for not playing to their potential, but something strange happened tonight. They actually played a really good game. Sure there were things here and there that could have been done a little better, but there comes a point when you start playing the way you're suppose to an you still can not win. That's what happened to the Ducks on this night. They played well, and scored goals and Perry even continued his scoring streak, but the Ducks still lost. The Sharks are a tough team and are in first place of a challenging division (who knew the Kings and Phoenix would be contenders the same year?). So now enters Bob Murray into the picture. Something will change; you can bet good money on it. Players will be moved, and it will be someone big for a huge return. I am even considering buying up the Scott Niedermayer souvenirs as he is most definitely the one I think Murray will trade away for the biggest return. Am I giving up on this season? No way! Things happen all the time that change the face of the game with a snap of a finger. I think something big happens before the Olympic break and then we'll see a second half surge reminiscent of last year....or maybe not. Whatever the case may be, the Ducks will be a different looking team come the Olympic break.

Go Ducks!!!!

Things are looking up!

If you have followed the last couple of games for the Hurricanes, you have to be cautiously optimistic that the Canes are finally over the early season jitters that led to fourteen games without a win.

There have been a number of things to feel good about. Clearly, their confidence is returning and it shows in their overall play. The offence has finally started to come-to-life and Manny Legace has been a calming influence in goal.

What a game against the Leafs! The Canes showed their resiliency, much like the play-offs last year, and pulled out some last minute heroics to earn the two points in a must-win game. It was great to see the Canes tough it out and not give-up when the Leafs' Ian White scored with less than thirty seconds remaining. It would have been easy to close up the tent. But, they didn't. And it was great to see Erik Cole finally contribute offensively. Many nights this season, Cole has been persona non grata. Absolutely invisible. With Eric Staal still on-the-shelf, it is up to players like Cole and Ray Whitney, to step-up and fill the void. Tuomo Ruutu certainly did his part. How about this performance - four assists, seven hits, the game winning goal in the shoot-out, and a plus-three on the night. Not a bad night's work, wouldn't you say? Jussi Jokinen also played a solid game for the Canes, scoring yet another shoot-out goal. Both he and linemate Matt Cullen were plus-two, giving that line a composite plus-seven in this game.

And how about Tim Gleason! This was Tim's first two-goal game in the bigs as he was effective at both ends of the rink, loggong almost five minutes of powerplay time, and ending at a plus-one in over 24 minutes total playing time. Defence partner Joe Corvo logged over thirty-three minutes and also ended at a plus-one. These guys are really starting to come around.

A couple of other things caught my attention. Manny Legace, although somewhat inconsistent in regulation time, was outstanding in the shoot-out when he had to be. And Brandon Sutter just continues to do it all, playing a solid twenty three minutes in this one. I don't think anyone would have expected the level of improvement he's shown thus far. The Canes game with Southeast conference rival Tampa Bay was perhaps their best outing of the year. They outperformed the Lightning in virtually all aspects of the game and came out with a well-deserved 3-1 victory. Manny Legace had a strong outing, continues to fill in admirably for injured Cam Ward and has given the rest of the Canes the confidence to play their game.

The line of Cullen-Ruutu-Jokinen is clearly the Canes best right now. Both Ruutu and Jokinen scored key goals for the Canes and Cullen played a solid sixteen minutes of plus hockey. It was also encouraging to see Chad Larose finally get the monkey off his back with his first goal this season, scoring the insurance goal with just over four minutes remaining to seal-the-deal.

But, this night belonged to Joni Pitkanen. He played an outstanding game, leading countless rushes for the Canes, firing six shots, while playing over 23 minutes of plus-one hockey. His impact on the offence is huge and changes the dynamic of this team in a major way. Interestingly, he was partnered with Niclas Wallin, who I thought played his best game of the season. The Pitkanen-Wallin pair along with the resurgent Corvo-Gleason tandem gives the Canes two solid defence pairs. Improvement is still needed on the third pairing and hopefully, the Canes will have some more options when Staal returns. Bryan Rodney's return would help.

Speaking of Staal. He has returned to practise and should be ready in about a week. That will make things interesting for the Canes. With Brandon Sutter improving every game and with Matt Cullen starting to hit stride, the Canes should be set a center. You have to believe that Staal will be re-united with Ray Whitney and Erik Cole to form the top trio and the Cullen-Ruutu-Jokinen troika will line-up number two. That will leave Sutter to head the third unit, most likely with Sergei Samsonov manning the left side. Chad Larose probably earned the right wing following his strong showing against Tampa.

I guess the million-dollar question these days is what to do with Rod Brind'amour. He is a shadow of his former self and, other than his solid face-off contribution (56%), he has been largely ineffective with a team-high minus 18 on the season and a meagre two goals. His ice-time continues to decline and his role diminish. So, what are the Canes options? Continue to play him on the fourth line, move him to the wing on the third line, trade him (no way that will happen), or simply ask him to hang them up. This is a tough one for sure. There's no question that when Brindy is playing his game, he is a key cog in this Canes machine. But how long can the Canes wait? This situation will be an interesting one to watch in the days and weeks to come.

Next up for the Canes, a brief two-game western tour, with Dallas kicking-it-off tomorrow night.

Scott Niedermayer causes a riot at Honda Center!!!

Good news; Bad news Ducks fans.....

First the bad news, the Ducks were shown the door against the Detroit Red Wings as well as Cup champion Penguins in a game that was horrible. It seems like the Ducks are stuck on reverse, because no matter how many things they do well, they take two steps back literally! One thing I've noticed is that in both loses, the Ducks would have some sort of control for a limited amount of time before imploding drastically. That brings me to the good news: The Ducks Won last night! The only highlights from the game are Cory Perry maintaining his scoring streak and unfortunately, Scott Niedermayer. I say this begrudgingly because there were reportedly six scouts at last nights game, and since Scott was clutch as usual, I fear that his days in a Ducks uniform are coming to an end. See, if the Ducks weren't in the conference basement, I wouldn't be having this conversation right now. As time passes, and as the Olympic break gets closer though, the Ducks do not look like playoff team this early in the season. So, I can Bob Murray pulling the trigger on a deal that would build for next season. The good news, is that the Ducks have alot of young talent signed for the next year or two, or three. So that makes us a contending team for that long. So, either make futile effort (based on the teams' inconsistency) to make the playoffs, or get the most out of a Scotty or Jiggy, or Koivu, or Teemy trade. I for one am a Ducks fan to the end, so I always say, "Don't worry, we'll be OK as long as we make it to the playoffs!" As of this writing though, I say pull the trigger, Bob....we need some fresh blood!
Go Ducks!!

Can you believe this?

Well, with the loss to the Islanders in overtime on Friday night, the Canes have now gone a staggering fourteen games without a win. That's right, fourteen, count 'em.

Hard to believe, isn't it...particularly when you realize that much of the team that went to the conference finals last year is back.

Jim Rutherford (JR) surely must be scratching his head right now. His thinking in the off-season was clear. Sign all of the free agents form last year's team and add a few key pieces to take the team to the next level. He inked Jussi Jokinen, a revelation in the play-offs, Chad Larose, who had a break-out season and strong play-off, and Erik Cole, who had a point-a-game run after rejoining the Canes from the Oilers at the trade deadline, all to long-term contracts. He added newcomer forwards, Stephane Yelle, and Chris Kotsopoulos, seemingly both upgrades to our fourth line. He then added solid defensive defensemen Aaron Ward, another returnee to the Canes, and Andrew Alberts, a mobile D with size. The thought being that the biggest reason we failed against Pittsburgh was our lack of toughness on the D. Pittsburgh's shutdown pair of Hal Gill and Rob Scuderi were instrumental in the Pens win. So, why not try a similar approach. After all, our guys were totally ineffective against the Pens' Malkin and Crosby.

But in doing so, he let some key offensive guys go, Frantisek Kaberle, Dennis Seidenberg, and Anton Babchuk. Seidenberg was a horse on the D, averaging well over twenty minutes a game most nights, and all Babchuk did was score sixteen goals, eighth best in the league for a defenseman. You are probably thinking, “how could a few changes on the D make such a difference?” Ward and Alberts aren't that bad are they? Heck, every game we watched the Bruins play, Ward played great alongside his partner, Zdeno Chara. And, all reports were that Alberts had a solid turnaround season with the Flyers.

But here's the problem. This team was built by Pater Laviolette. His style was to push offence from the D. The forwards were small by comparison to other teams, but fast and aggressive. With the defence adding significantly to the offence, the system worked. Sure, they needed a course correction when Paul Maurice took over the reins, but that was only a minor tweak. The D really drove the offence. Now, that dimension is no longer there and the team is struggling.

Add to this, the loss of Ray Whitney, Eric Staal, and Cam Ward, for extended periods, and you're in a world of hurt. No wonder the Canes are struggling.

I guess it's easy to look back and second guess JR's moves this past summer. I promoted a number of different moves on my blog, which may have helped. I wanted Babchuk and Seidenberg back. I also considered Alberts, who was a low-cost depth signing, so that made sense. On the other hand, Aaron Ward just didn't make sense. Too old and too slow. I wanted a running mate for Staal, but that was outside of our budget range. So then, I was looking at Manny Molhotra to take the third line center spot, we got Stephane Yelle, recently put on waivers. I suggested Maxim Afinogenov. We didn't sign any offensive forwards. He signed with Atlanta for peanuts and has looked great. (17 points in 17 games!) Ok, what's done is done. We can't change that.

So, what should JR do? He can't fire Paul Maurice again. That would be too weird. Plus, I don't think that will change much. I still have faith in our coaching staff. Ron Francis, Tommy Rowe, Tom Barasso, and Kevin McCarthy are a solid group for sure. So what can he do, then? Trades of any significance are almost impossible under the current economic conditions. He has virtually no cap room, so that makes it even tougher. So, his hands are tied.

He made a good move in signing Manny Legace as a short-term replacement for the injured Cam Ward. Unfortunately, Michael Leighton has just not shown the ability to step in on a regular basis. Of course, success in the NHL starts with good goaltending, so the lack of consistent play from our goalies has been a key contributor to our troubles. A combination of a healthy Cam Ward when he returns, and Manny Legace should fix that.

Now, what to do on the D. I think they have taken a step in the right direction with the recent recall of Bryan Rodney. He is a definite improvement and is adding that offensive dimension, we so desperately need. It's a good time to audition more of the young talent in the system. Brett Carson looked ready last year and he would bring size, mobility, and more offence to the D. Probably want to leave Wisconsin phenom, Jamie McBain, in Albany for now, but he may be a consideration later in the year. And, on the front side, Brandon Sutter has been a great addition, thus far, and Zach Boychuk looked good in his short tour earlier this month.

Players like Aaron Ward, Stephane Yelle, Scott Walker, and Rod Brind'Amour, would be great play-off guys but they aren't what we need right now. Perhaps we will be able to move some of them, along with a Ray Whitney or Joe Corvo, at trade deadline time. I think the oft-rumored Whitney to Montreal for the Kostitsyn brothers deal would be a step in the right direction, but I doubt it will happen. We need to give the younger players the opportunity to get their feet wet in the bigs. So, here's the line-up I would like to see on the Canes when Staal and Ward return, barring any deals.

Ruuutu-Staal-Cole

Whitney-Cullen-Larose

Samsonov-Sutter-Jokinen

Kotsopoulos-Brind'Amour-Walker

Gleason-Corvo

Pitkanen -Carson

Alberts-Rodney

Ward-Legace

It is only a matter of time before the Canes win a game. And, who knows, with some renewed confidence, they may even start to compete again. But the reality is, with the team twelve points out of eighth place already, the Canes are unlikely to make the play-offs this year, and need to start looking at the future.

Looks like it is going to be a long season.

Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CanesTR

Yahoo: List of NHL injuries is a long one!

Yahoo has a list of injuries that's pretty long! Considering it's an Olympic year, it will be interesting to see the impact the injuries have on the Vancouver games!

Anaheim Ducks
Saku Koivu C Nov 11, 2009 Day-to-Day Lower-body Injury

Atlanta Thrashers
Bryan Little RW Nov 14, 2009 Day-to-Day Groin
Boris Valabik D Oct 5, 2009 Injured Reserve High Right Ankle Sprain
Matt Siddall RW Oct 1, 2009 Injured Reserve Undisclosed Injury
Noah Welch D Oct 1, 2009 Injured Reserve Right Knee
Kari Lehtonen G Sep 14, 2009 Injured Reserve Back Surgery

Boston Bruins
Marc Savard C Oct 21, 2009 Injured Reserve Broken Left Foot
Milan Lucic LW Oct 17, 2009 Injured Reserve Broken Right Index Finger
Levi Nelson C Oct 1, 2009 Injured Reserve Undisclosed Injury

Buffalo Sabres
Mike Grier RW Nov 11, 2009 Day-to-Day Left Game - Groin
Toni Lydman D Oct 24, 2009 Injured Reserve Groin

Calgary Flames
John Armstrong C Sep 17, 2009 Injured Reserve Undisclosed Injury

Carolina Hurricanes
Cam Ward G Nov 8, 2009 Injured Reserve Leg Laceration
Michael Ryan LW Sep 22, 2009 Injured Reserve Concussion

Chicago Blackhawks
Dave Bolland C Nov 6, 2009 Injured Reserve Back Surgery
Adam Burish RW Sep 22, 2009 Injured Reserve Torn Right ACL
Marian Hossa RW Sep 14, 2009 Injured Reserve Right Shoulder Surgery

Colorado Avalanche
T.J. Galiardi LW Oct 30, 2009 Injured Reserve Ankle
Ruslan Salei D Oct 9, 2009 Injured Reserve Back
Brandon Yip RW Oct 1, 2009 Injured Reserve Undisclosed Injury

Columbus Blue Jackets
Raffi Torres LW Nov 13, 2009 Injured Reserve Mouth
Andrew Murray C Oct 22, 2009 Injured Reserve Torn Muscle, Shoulder
Fredrik Modin LW Sep 29, 2009 Injured Reserve Sprained Right MCL

Dallas Stars
Fabian Brunnstrom LW Nov 12, 2009 Day-to-Day Upper-body Injury

Detroit Red Wings
Kirk Maltby LW Nov 12, 2009 Day-to-Day Flu
Chris Osgood G Nov 12, 2009 Day-to-Day Flu
Jason Williams RW Nov 7, 2009 Injured Reserve Fractured Right Fibula
Valtteri Filppula C Oct 30, 2009 Injured Reserve Broken Right Wrist
Johan Franzen RW Oct 9, 2009 Injured Reserve Torn Left ACL
Andreas Lilja D Sep 14, 2009 Injured Reserve Concussion

Edmonton Oilers
Liam Reddox LW Nov 12, 2009 Day-to-Day Wrist
Robert Nilsson LW Nov 10, 2009 Day-to-Day Head
Taylor Chorney D Nov 10, 2009 Day-to-Day Ankle
Jean-Francois Jacques LW Nov 5, 2009 Injured Reserve Back
Shawn Horcoff C Nov 4, 2009 Injured Reserve Shoulder
Ryan Stone C Oct 22, 2009 Injured Reserve Knee
Sheldon Souray D Oct 9, 2009 Injured Reserve Concussion
Marc Pouliot C Sep 30, 2009 Injured Reserve Sports Hernia Surgery

Florida Panthers
David Booth LW Oct 25, 2009 Injured Reserve Concussion
Nick Tarnasky LW Sep 26, 2009 Injured Reserve Broken Orbital Bone

Los Angeles Kings
Rob Scuderi D Nov 14, 2009 Day-to-Day Left Game - Lower-body Injury
Alec Martinez D Oct 6, 2009 Injured Reserve Ankle

Minnesota Wild
Chuck Kobasew RW Nov 13, 2009 Day-to-Day Upper-body Injury
Petr Sykora RW Nov 9, 2009 Day-to-Day Concussion
Pierre-Marc Bouchard LW Oct 6, 2009 Injured Reserve Headaches

Montreal Canadiens
Georges Laraque RW Nov 5, 2009 Injured Reserve Upper-body Injury
Hal Gill D Nov 3, 2009 Injured Reserve Fractured Foot
Matt D'Agostini RW Oct 31, 2009 Injured Reserve Concussion
Ryan O'Byrne D Oct 5, 2009 Injured Reserve Knee
Andrei Markov D Oct 2, 2009 Injured Reserve Lacerated Tendon, Ankle
Olivier Fortier C Sep 21, 2009 Injured Reserve Shoulder

Nashville Predators
Colin Wilson C Nov 2, 2009 Injured Reserve Groin

New Jersey Devils
Dean McAmmond LW Nov 6, 2009 Injured Reserve Undisclosed Illness
Rob Niedermayer C Nov 5, 2009 Injured Reserve Upper-body Injury
Johnny Oduya D Oct 30, 2009 Injured Reserve Lower-body Injury
Paul Martin D Oct 26, 2009 Injured Reserve Broken Left Arm
Jay Pandolfo LW Oct 26, 2009 Injured Reserve Separated Right Shoulder

New York Islanders
Mark Flood D Sep 30, 2009 Injured Reserve Lower-body Injury
Jeremy Reich LW Sep 29, 2009 Injured Reserve Broken Wrist
Rick DiPietro G Sep 14, 2009 Injured Reserve Knee Surgery

New York Rangers
No injuries reported

Ottawa Senators
Anton Volchenkov D Oct 29, 2009 Injured Reserve Elbow

Philadelphia Flyers
Simon Gagne LW Oct 26, 2009 Injured Reserve Sports Hernias Surgery, Right Groin
Mike Rathje D Sep 14, 2009 Injured Reserve Back

Phoenix Coyotes
Zbynek Michalek D Nov 5, 2009 Injured Reserve Lower-body Injury
Kurt Sauer D Oct 7, 2009 Injured Reserve Headaches

Pittsburgh Penguins
Brooks Orpik D Nov 11, 2009 Day-to-Day Lower-body Injury
Kris Letang D Nov 8, 2009 Injured Reserve Right Shoulder Contusion
Sergei Gonchar D Oct 21, 2009 Injured Reserve Broken Wrist
Max Talbot C Sep 14, 2009 Injured Reserve Left Shoulder Surgery

San Jose Sharks
Rob Blake D Nov 5, 2009 Injured Reserve Upper-body Injury
Torrey Mitchell C Oct 1, 2009 Injured Reserve Left Knee

St. Louis Blues
David Backes RW Nov 14, 2009 Day-to-Day Left Game - Upper-body Injury
D.J. King LW Oct 25, 2009 Injured Reserve Fractured/dislocated Right Hand
Alexander Steen C Oct 16, 2009 Injured Reserve Broken Right Wrist

Tampa Bay Lightning
No injuries reported

Toronto Maple Leafs
Mike Komisarek D Nov 11, 2009 Injured Reserve Quadriceps
Mike Van Ryn D Sep 30, 2009 Injured Reserve Left Knee Surgery
Tim Brent C Sep 30, 2009 Injured Reserve Undisclosed Injury

Vancouver Canucks
Michael Grabner RW Nov 1, 2009 Injured Reserve Fractured Ankle
Alexandre Bolduc C Oct 30, 2009 Injured Reserve Shoulder
Daniel Sedin LW Oct 10, 2009 Injured Reserve Broken Left Foot
Pavol Demitra C Sep 14, 2009 Injured Reserve Torn Left Rotator Cuff

Washington Capitals
Mike Knuble RW Nov 13, 2009 Day-to-Day Broken Finger
Alex Ovechkin LW Nov 2, 2009 Injured Reserve Upper-body Strain

Ducks news and updates

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This video comes from the "we can't get a break" file. The Leafs were playing the Black hawks and on the verge of scoring a goal to cut the Hawks lead in half, when this happened. Watch the video and see Ron Wilson smile for the first time during a game...and it's not because he's tickled silly either.

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Devils send the Ducks to hell!!

The Devils are a team that I have a personal grudge ever since 2003. That's the year when the Devils stood in the way of winning the first Stanley Cup in Ducks history. In fact the Ducks got so close, they went seven games and the final score was 3-0! To this day, every time the Ducks play New Jersey, I always watch in the hopes of handing them a defeat, and maybe even hurting one or two of their players along the way. So it goes without saying that every loss, is another jab at the Ducks for the 2003 playoffs. I know the Ducks won the cup in 2007, but they could have won in 2003, and that's all that matters. So you would think the Ducks were just as fired up about beating the Devils as I am writing about 2003, right? Wrong. New Jersey instead beats the Ducks (get this) 3-1. Damn you Devils!!
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Bluejackets best the Ducks in OT!

Well, the only bright side to this game was the great hockey played by both sides, and the one point the Ducks get for going into overtime. Jiggy was in goal, obviously showing off to scouts in the stands, and did an OK job, but didn't fair too good in the shootout.

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Time to roll the dice on #'s 35 and 27!!

Jiggy
So what's the story with this cat? One minute he's great, the next minute he's mediocre. One minute he's crying about how he wants to bee traded, or retire if he can't start (OK he didn't say trade), then next minute he's taking back his comments saying he wants to stay in Anaheim and start. I think Jiggy is a man with many things on his mind these days. I think he knows that his days are numbered and is making some waves so people know where he stands. Here are the facts: Hiller is making 1.3 Million right now and will get a raise for sure, but not Jiggy numbers which were inflated for nostalgic reasons. Jiggy is making $12 million the next two years, and is worth only half of that. Somethings got to give. I think Jiggy should bee looking into what cities have great medical universities because his son will need the best care possible somewhere outside of Anaheim

Scotty

Bob Murry could not have made it any more clear than we he said that Scott would retire a Duck. My thought on the matter is this: Trade Nieds and get a huge return for him. We need to dump Jiggy and Nieds and cash in these two giant chips for players that could push us not only back into the playoffs picture, but maybe into the finals as well!

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Samuelis are back!

The good thing about the Ducks owners being back is now they can open their pocket books and see exactly what we can spend in order to put this team over the top. I say look out Ducks fans, this next month or two is going to be filled with new and old players headed through the turnstile! Troops are on the way!
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OK I'm out for now....Go Ducks!!

Ducks barely beat the Yotes!

This post is short and sweet. The Ducks played well as the team they can be on occasion. The Ducks also almost gave up a lead and the game by sitting back on their heels and getting careless towards the end. What also sucked was that Hiller has a shut out going for a while, and at one point had 110 minutes of shut out hockey on the line, only to have his team mates blow it. In the end the Ducks hold on to win, and now must endure a long roadtrip. If they can split the road trip or better, it would be a tremdous boost of confidence for a team that needs it bad.

GO

DUCKS!!

Ducks wins some, then lose some.

Pens Ice The Ducks
Well the the bad news is that the ducks are 1 and 1 in their last two games. The good news? They've progressively played better as a team. The loss came at the hands of the Stanley Cup champion Penguins in a game that had all the makings and feel of a playoff match up. In fact, that game reminded me of what might have been in 2007 if the Ducks would have faced the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres looked every bit like the Penguins of today with a fast style of skating, and a young, hungry goal tender. I digress...The Pens and Ducks traded goals back and forth until the final score read 3-4. The game was so exciting, the loss was almost bearable. I've always said if a team gets beat, at least go down swinging, which is what the Ducks did on this night.

Ducks Hunt Down The Predators!

The Ducks were in fine form tonight as was Jonas Hiller as they pounce the Pred 4-0 tonight in a game that was a long time coming! For one thing Corey Perry continues to be the bright light on the team, in a proverbial tunnel that seemed to be getting darker and darker. Saku Koivu looks to be getting into his groove, as he and his fellow country man ThreeMU teamed for some points in tonight's game. The Penalties continued to be a familiar thorn for the Ducks, but what the heck...this is hockey! all in all, the game was very fun to watch (as long as the Ducks are winning). What I could not help to think was the following:

How long will the Kings continue their winning ways?
Ditto for the Phoenix Coyotes.
It would be cool for another all Western Division 1st round Playoffs...except that would mean the Ducks need to be in the top three

Up next for the Ducks, Phoenix and round 2 of the Shane Doan vs The Wiz!!
Go Ducks!

Coyotes Bite The Ducks!

The yotes played like a contender last night and you would not even know that their franchise was in trouble. The only franchise that was in trouble last night was the Shane Doan after he got clobbered by a Duck in the first period. The hit was huge and left Doan looking like the coyote I remembered from all those cartoons on Saturday morning, with stars around his head. In the end the Ducks managed to steal 1point, in what I thought was a decent game, except for the miscue that allowed a goal to be scored on us. This game should never have gone extra frames. Oh well, on to the next one! Next up, the Stanley Cup Champs, Penguins come to Anaheim!
Go Ducks!

***Update***

Looks like the NHL decided to suspend Wiz after his hit on Doan, conveniently after they assumed ownership of the Yotes. Hmmmmmm

GO DUCKS!!

Nothing Better Than a Big Hockey Hit!

Ducks Beat The Nucks!

The Ducks made a rare appearance last night at Honda Center when they pummeled the Vancouver Canucks 7-2 in a game that had me on my feet cheering! Bobby Ryan, Corey Perry, Mike Brown, even George Parros were in fine form as the Ducks skated like there was no tomorrow. An considering their place in the standings, well...there really is no tomorrow! I had a great time because the team was playing the way they should be with all that great talent on the ice. Koivu and Lupul were darting in and out of the zones moving their feet and throwing their bodies everywhere. I'll be Damned if they didn't look like a playoff team. The game started off a bit scary when the Nucks scored twice within the first five minutes, and even my guests looked at me asking "what the hell just happened?" (He was actually drunk, so that might have played a bit in his verbiage). In the end we were all happy to leave a coupon for a free Del Taco classic taco, the ability to print out an Oggi's Pizza cheese stick coupon, free wings from Hooters, and most importantly a W in the column.

Go Ducks!!

Code Blue: Leafs Wake Up to Thump Ducks!!!

I was prepared to talk about our victory today and how it would help to build morale, and how it must suck for Burke to come to Anaheim and lose with the Leafs...like I said, I was preparing for that. Instead, I sat in class as the updates were being sent to my phone, and saw one by one, as the Ducks kept sinking. I saw text messages that read 3-2 Leafs at the 2ND intermission. Then 4-2, then 5-2, then I read "Hat Trick!" Finally the leafs got 6 goals off the Ducks. All I could do was smile and think of course we lost.


It made sense that we would lose to a team that is fighting to find it's identity, because we are a team that has lost its own. A few years ago, the Ducks were Stanley Cup champions. This year, we would be lucky if we finish 10Th in our conference. The Ducks are in a state of crisis right now, and I do not know what is causing this. I read someone made a comment somewhere that the Ducks seem to be thinking of the Olympics and have forgotten about the NHL. Maybe. When a team has so much talent as the Ducks do and aren't performing to their full potential, something is wrong. Bob Murray has to play detective once again, and must find the source of the bleeding and stop it before the Ducks go from critical, to terminally ill. I'm a Duck fan to the end, I just did not expect to the get this close to the end...so fast.

Go Ducks!

1993

While it is comforting to see Les Glorieux win another game, the fact that they have only won two games in regulation is cause for concern. True, they are 4-0 in overtime (shades of their Cup run in 1993?) they need to dominate teams. They desperately need Markov back.

But then again, perhaps the Forum Ghosts have awakened from their slumber and will guide their beloved team to some unexpected riches this year.

Ducks Can't Get Passed the Jackets!

I just got back from Vegas and after 4 hours of driving on the road, I was looking forward to sitting in a chilled arena enjoying NHL hockey! I had a great time, except for the fact that the Ducks once again failed to pull out a victory at home, giving us a recent home record off one and four.

I will admit that Columbus looks great and Nash was a monster on the ice the entire night, but the Ducks are missing something. Once again something just is not right, and a change has to be made similar to the one made at the deadline last year. The obvious culprit is Jiggy. I was surprised to see him in net the past two nights, exotically after the news reported that he had suffered some sort of injury at practice. I had a feeling that maybe the Ducks were playing him dude to another team wanting to have a look at him. *cough* Burke *cough*. With news coming out of Toronto at the obvious displeasure the Leafs have with Toskala, it seems Jiggy is destined to go to Toronto...it's just a matter of when? I also see that Lucas Sbisa is all but done in the NHL for this season. According to the Ducks website, the team reassigned him to play in the lower level, because according to Randy Carlyle, "there's too much pressure for him to play, considering the position the Ducks are in right now." In the OC register, Scott Niedermeyer goes further and says, "I think [the team] let him down."

The positives from last nights game are the same. Saku Koivu is showing the Left Coasters what we've been missing by having him in the East Coast all those years. He is truly a player that plays with everything he's got!

Lupul is scoring the way he should be with his talent and ability.

The Ducks have the ability to play hockey when they want to. So now it's just trying to figure out how to make them play like that every game.

Well, Toronto comes to town Monday, so it will be interesting to see if maybe Jiggy packs a duffel bag and leafs Anaheim on Air Canada or not.

Go Ducks!

203 Days

Habs Win! Habs Win! First time at home in 203 days!

Munchkins

The days of the Flying Frenchmen are long gone. This year's edition of the Montreal Canadiens seems to consist of little men skating like munchkins. My boss went to the Vancouver-Montreal game two weeks ago and he said that the Habs' forward lines must be the shortest in height of anyone he's known. Maybe it's best that I live in Vancouver because I'd hate to think what they're feeling in Montreal now. 2-5 is unacceptable. Changes will have to be made and soon.

Game 7:Ducks are Blanked and Blue 5-0

something embarrassing happened at tonight's game. it was so bad, that i found myself more interested in the Angels Yankees game playing on a different channel. that's sad! that was how bad things got for the Ducks as the Blues crushed Anaheim 5-0! I am not sure what happened last night except for the obvious fact that the Ducks were not scoring. Defensive was horrible as evident by the numbers. one has to ask the question, is Anaheim bad? Something is obviously in the water right now that is not right as you look at the standings. Teams like Colorado, Los Angeles and Phoenix are at the top of the ranks while Anaheim, Detroit and others are at the bottom. Anyhow, much like the Angel's baseball game, the night was a disappointment for the Ducks. Well in the words of Mike Scioscia, it's time to turn the page and look forward to the next game.

Nothing exciting but two points for Canucks

It wasn’t pretty, but it was exactly what the Canucks needed. Coming off yet another disappointing performance against their #1 rival in Calgary, the Canucks returned to GM Place looking for answers. The performance they turned in against a very weak Minnesota team is a blueprint for success for this Daniel Sedin-less team- they stood tall in front of Roberto Luongo, clogged the neutral zone and threw pucks at the net all night long. The “top” line of Henrik, Burrows and Samuelsson played well and generated chances. Henrik stills looks a little lost without his twin brother, but he continues to make plays and work hard in the corners. The second line of Kessler, Raymond and Grabner combined for 17 shots and the most exciting plays of the night. Finish continues to be an issue for this team, but this is not the team that will compete for top spot in the Western Conference. This is the team that has to keep the Canucks in contention while Daniel Sedin, Sami Salo and Pavol Demitra heal up and Luongo comes through his annual slow start. The always elusive second tier scores are proving they can make plays and get chances, the defense is looking tighter and more responsible. For the next few weeks the Canucks have to be a boring team. Good forechecking, tight defensive coverage and getting pucks on net will be key. The Canucks do not have a sniper or a game breaker that will steal points, they will win low scoring games decided on deflections and second chance goals- just like tonight.

Game 6: The Corey Perry Show

I've always said that every time Perry is on the ice, it turns into the Corey Perry Show, well that was the case last night as the Ducks got revenge on the Wild for stealing their last game, with a win tonight! Perry scored fast and early as he put in 2 goals within 8 minutes of first period. From there the Ducks held on with another goal by Carter, and then an empty goal/extra attacker in the third period to win the game 3-2. It was a great display of the PK unit as the Wild had 4 attempts and only one shot on goal the entire time! Let's hope this trend continues!

Go Ducks!

Game 5: Ducks Couldn't Make It In New York

Well, the Ducks were layed to rest when they crawled into New York. They were obviously exhausted from the road trip, and although I do not want to make excuses, I guess that's about all that can be said about the team. Jiggy did as well as he could do with no support from the team, so no complaints there. I am hoping the Ducks bounce back with these few days of rest and come back strong Saturday! I will say this, New York looked tough and should have a fun season run this year!

Go Ducks!

NYR Blog 10/12/09

A MAN WHO NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION...

Well I am going to do an introduction anyway. Hello fellow hockey fans and blog readers. My name is John Z and you guessed it I am a blogger. As a hockey fan for my whole life. I worked up quite a resume and known to be a fanatic when It comes the coolest sport on earth literally. Well maybe besides curling but I am not going to get into that. I am a big ranger fan who is a season ticket holder for 12 seasons now in Section 341. I play ice hockey since I was 3 years old and a little bit of roller hockey. I have met and play with NHLers such as Higgins and Raffi Torres. I am a rumor freak when it comes to Free Agency and Trade Deadline. I always stay on top on the rangers and always look for answers. Anywho enough about me. *clears throat* and the moment we all been waiting for. My first blog and here...we..go!

CAN I GET THE SAFFRON DEL ZOTTO...

Do we have a puck moving defenseman finally? Well by the looks of it MDZ, 19 years old, is making a statement already in the NHL. In 5 games, Del Zotto already has 2 goals, 3 assists and 4 pp points. If he keeps this up John Tavares Calder Trophy hopes can be kissed goodbye. It has been said the rangers would keep him up for 9 games and send him back to juniors to avoid a cap hit but Del Zotto has a say in it and hes showing on the ice. From being drafted two years ago almost making the team last year and Turning heads this year, you only have to think all good things about him. He has speed and great puck moving skills on the power play and everyone knows Rangers need help in that Department. Your blueline always will reflect on the Power Play. And now the rangers are scoring on the PP must mean one thing. Michael Del Zotto is the man( or boy) making it happen. Kudos to the youngster.

THE LINE IN THE SAND...

That line has been crossed so many time by Roszival in a short amount of time. From personal experience talking to the guy, very nice guy to talk to but I dont watch this team to make friends, I want hockey players. Torts system is way too fast for him and when he hears poke check, he shakes in his skates. Tortorella already sat him in the Caps games for the turnover by Semin which led into a goal. Tortorella will not put up with any bull Roszival will pull this year. If he keeps this up, the hour glass is almost up.

ITS A POWER PLAY GOAL???

Well the words us ranger fans all been waiting for..."Its a Power Play goal!!!" Why you say? As I said in the Del Zotto piece, the blueline dictates the PP. Look at Pittsburgh, Malkin, Gonchar, Letang. Look at Detroit, Lidstrom, Rafalski. 9 times out of 10 all these players are involve with a PP goal is scored. Now the rangers PP is working the same reason all good PP's work. Kotalik's slap shot helps alot to get the puck to the net. Del Zotto and Gilroy puck moving skills runs smoothly and they keep it in the zone. Girardi's smart hockey skills also give the PP a strong point. We can mention the offense with Gaborik Drury, Higgins, etc. In the end the Blueline is the most important on the Power Play.

Hope you enjoyed my blog. Send any questions to nyrjz341@yahoo.com.

Game 4: DUCKS WIN; SPECIAL CAMEO BY THREE-MU SELANNE

It's not often when I apologize for something, so why start now! The Ducks walked into Philly and stole 2 points, and quite frankly that's what they should do everywhere they go. I wasn't sitting in front of a TV watching the game, but every now and then I'd sneak a peek to see what was going on. All I remember thinking was that at the 2nd intermission it said Philly 2-0 and I thought "it's over." To my surprise I later heard they tied it then another update said they won! I could not believe my ears.

Five hours later, I sat down and watched the game on my DVR and noticed something odd about every goal the Ducks scored....they were all done by TEEMU! That's when the symptoms set in; my hands and feet got cold....I broke out in a cold sweat...and felt nauseous...I thought I was going to die, then I realized what was wrong: I was in shock because TEEMU showed up to play!

It's a strange phenomenon that's caused by severe distress and unfamiliarity to an event that only happens once in a blue moon (referred to as a miraculous event).I looked up the medical and psychological encyclopedias to get a more accurate name for what I was experiencing and then I found it: Faulty Finnish-itis. In other words, TEEMU (who happens to be from Finland) has a faulty connection in his playing skills that prevents him from playing this good everyday. So, the viewing audience is held captive waiting for the "good" TEEMU to appear and put up a hockey clinic like he did against Philly.

In the end who cares, I now have a diagnosis and the Ducks won. Who could ask for anything more? At least now I know not to expect TEEMU to be this good in the next game, and count the days before I see the "good" TEEMU appear again, or as I now refer to him :THREE-MU SELANNE!

GO DUCKS!!