Thanks for the memories.......now let's play hockey.

It was just a matter of time, and could not come any sooner. J.S. Giguere, long time goal tender and most popular member of the Ducks, has been traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in return for Vessa Toskala and Jason Blake. Toronto awoke to Brian Burke shaking the foundations of the Leafs organization. In true Burke fashion, he made moves that has sparked new hope into the Toronto franchise, while causing some Anaheim fans to shed bitter sweet tears. It comes with the territory of being a professional athlete. There were reports that as recent as the last morning skate the Ducks had on the road, Giggy was told to go back to the hotel because he was being traded to the Leafs. He apparently hugged some of the coaches goodbye, and left. It was obvious that Giggy was headed north after the Ducks re-signed Hiller to a four year deal cementing him as the number one goalie in Anaheim. As a fan of the Ducks, I also hope this move breaths in new life to the Ducks organization. It was probably a good thing all of this occurs right before the Olympic break, so there is enough time for the dust to settle. The Ducks made headlines last season when they traded half the team in a move that had some experts shaking their heads. In the end, the moves were enough for the Ducks to make it to the playoffs and upset the number one team in the NHL, San Jose Sharks.

Kings too much for Ducks

Not too shabby! After racking up a five game winning streak the Ducks got toasted by the Kings 4-0 last night at the Staples Center. One thing that was obvious about last nights game was that it was indeed physical, and already there is talk about some of the Ducks players getting fines or suspensions. Plus Koivu left the game injured with a lower body injury on top of the news that Teemu would be out 2- 4 weeks. When it rains it pours. That being said, the Ducks are still looking good in the rankings, being tied with Dallas, and still 6 points out the 8th spot. I suppose it could be worse. At least the Olympics are coming up to give the team 4 weeks off, and so that some of the guys can rest their injuries (although who knows about Koivu now?) Just like every other season (including the cup winning year), the Ducks somehow get it together even if it doesn't look pretty. For now, the Ducks look to start up a new streak Sunday against the Flames, and hopefully go into the break gaining some ground.
Go Ducks!!!

Ducks win again!

The Ducks played tonight and last night the way they were destined to play at the start of the season. Tonight Hiller stood on his head blocking 42 shots on goals, and shutting down the "hottest team in the NHL." I like what I continue to see in Koivu, Ryan, Getz, Brown, Sexton....heck even Teemu looks like he's 10 years younger! It's amazing what happens to a player when their job is threatened by hungry, younger players. The Ducks played exceptionally well tonight and have managed to win their first four game win streak in a long time! The Ducks express train continues to roll into Anaheim next week to play the eastern giants, Boston Bruins.
Go Ducks!!

Preds who?? Oh yea, the Olympics!

After tonight's horrible loss to the Preds, I would like to just focus on a positive here for a second and say congrats to all the Duck players that are representing their respective countries in the 2010 Olympic games!
Go Ducks!!!

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!