RIP Brendan Burke

The world of hockey was devastated to hear the news about the tragic death of Brendan Burke, son of Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke. It was Friday night, and I was just finishing up a crisis call I was dispatched to. I had to tend to a family that just lost a love one to a heart attack, and witnesses their heartache for about two hours. As I sat there, holding back my own tears, I then saw a message sent to my phone breaking the news of Brendan’s death. In an instant, I felt complete sadness. To say I was shocked was an understatement. The article that was written about Brandon was still fresh in my mind, and I was just talking about how proud Brian Burke must be to walk in the opening ceremonies as the proud American he’s always professed to be. I then started wondering, why is it people have huge highs in life, only to then have complete and utter lows.
I could not help it but to think of my father who died over 10 years ago, and like a fresh cut, I could feel my wound open up. I thought back to the days when Burke was in Anaheim and how he made it known he had to leave to be with his family. I thought Burke was a great father for making that his main priority. I thought about how close I was with my father, and how he always worried about my safety. Details of Brendan’s death were still sketchy and there was not much information until the next morning. Apparently Brendan died in an auto accident when the car he was driving slid into oncoming traffic due to snowy conditions. I remembered one time when I crashed in high school. I called my father to the scene to pick me up, and when he got there all I could think of was how mad he was going to be. When he arrived on scene, he walked right up to me, and as I formed the words to say I was sorry, he grabbed me and hugged me and said he was scared something bad had happened to me. I realized then and there, that my father actually got scared for the first time. I cannot begin to imagine Brian Burke’s reaction to the news of his son’s passing. It is a parent’s worse nightmare, and one that Brian Burke and his family are experiencing.
This weekend, the world of hockey stood together in solidarity for a family member. And forgive me for forgetting where I read this, but someone else came up with this and said that today, every team removes their logos from their chests, and puts down the hockey sticks in honor of Brendan Burke. I could not agree more. I would like to dedicate this Sunday’s column to Brendan Burke and his bravery as a human being, and as a loving son. May you rest in peace forever.

Most Memorable Jiggy Moments.

Everyone seems to be doing tributes for J.S. ever since being traded to Toronto. There are many moments that make up who Jiggy is today. I could list the 2007 Cup championship as one, but that's too easy. Instead I'll chime in with mine. I have quite a few but I think I'll just highlight five of them for the sake of time.

5. Jiggy's Father passes away- As having gone through this, I know how hard it is when someone dies, to have the spirit to want to do things right away. A person hits a low when a parent dies, and the human heart almost feels weakened by the loss. This is Jiggy's 5th most memorable moment because even though the Ducks did not achieve success by NHL standards, the mere fact that he could finish the season with respectable numbers is huge.

4.Mighty Ducks Sweep The Wild - 02/03 Playoffs R3 GM4
Once more, Jiggy helps the Mighty Ducks sweep a strong Minnesota team, and as you watch the video, look how exhausted Jiggy was at the end of the game. They always say sometimes you have to fight until you can't fight any more, and sometimes when you fight that hard, something breaks. 2003 may have been the year that broke Jiggy. It may be the year he left it all on the ice for the team. In 2007 he has an incredibly talented team in from of him, making the cup win inevitable, but in '03, it was Jiggy all by himself. I'll never forget being at this game and cheering like it was the Cup final! Nothing compared to the feeling I had on this night. Nothing would make up for it, except for the Cup winning game in 2007. And yes, you heard correctly...the announcer says Jiggy stops 122 out of 123 shots in the series.

3. Mighty Ducks 5-OT Goal vs. Stars - 02/03 Playoffs - R2 GM1
This game went to five over times! think about it. That's 2 and half games!! More amazing is the fact that in order for the team to get to that point, it took quite a performance from its goalie. In this game, you had two greats battling one another. On one side, Marty Turco, and on the other, J.S. Giguere. Watch the video as the stunned crowed quietly makes its way out of the Dallas arena!

2. Jiggy Melt Down- this game took place in 2006, when the Oilers were taking on the Ducks at home. The Ducks were frustrated by the antics of goal tender Dwayne Roloson and then Oiler Chris Pronger. In fact Pronger got under Jiggy's skin so much, that he finally cracked and was assessed a slashing penalty, and then got into a scrum with Pronger. As the whistle blew, Jiggy continued to mouth of at Pronger and then began punching Pronger in the kisser! Jiggy was received a double minor, which allowed the Oilers to score and add insult to injury. The Oilers that year eliminated the Ducks from the Western Conference Final, but it was worth it to see such raw emotion come from Jiggy. I don't have video of this, but I've attached a video having a melt down on the bench recently.

1. Triple Over Time- when the Ducks faced off against the Detroit Red Wings in the opening round of the 2003 playoffs, many felt it was merely a warm up for the defending champion Wings. Since 1952, history was on the side of the defending champions, as there has not been a first round elimination of a returning champion since that year. What transpired what a goalie clinic, in which J.S. stopped 63 shots in one game (or technically 2, depending how you look at things.) The game was loaded with drama and excitement as David took on Goliath, with the Ducks coming out on top in a memorable game.

Finally, here is a video tribute, one of many, that hit the net once Jiggy was traded. Its by Roochfan20 on YouTube, and I thought it summed up Jiggy nicely.

Good luck Jiggy. Toronto is embracing you with open arms. The move is going to be good for you to shake off some old skeletons, so you can give Canada a little taste of what it was like in Anaheim the last 10 years.

"I would give that one up to get the other one. The other one is much nicer and much bigger," he said. "My thought goes to all my teammates. They worked so hard in front of me and I couldn't do anything without them. This is something we'll hopefully share as a team." -J.S. Giguere 2003 after winning the Con Smyth Trophy in a loss to New Jersey Devils.

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!

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!!!!

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!!

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!

Nothing Better Than a Big Hockey Hit!