Thursday, February 28, 2008
Thursday's Thirsty Thoughts
by Jes
Not only are the Anaheim Ducks a better team than the one you cheer for, but
they are also stylin' and profilin' like GQ models. Somewhere, Earl Sleek is drooling over his Jack&Coke.
"I'm too sexy for my stick
too sexy for my stick
so sexy, it's sick"
I'd have to give the nod to Teemu over Getzlag and Jiggy. Giguere is a distant third with an ugly blue shirt that makes him look a bit chubby and unathletic, and Getzlaf looks way too much like a security guard or businessman clone.
(Hat-tip to JP at Japers Rink for the linkage)
So, Dion Phaneuf was strutting into a Starbucks to grab an overpriced non-fat latte when somebody took off with his gas-guzzling SUV.
Does anyone feel sorry for the prick? I didn't think so.
Note to Dion, try buying a vehicle that is a little kinder to the environment, k? Not that I'd normally advocate the theft of a motor vehicle, but it's not as if Dion can't afford a new shaggin' wagon with his fat new contract extension.
Yes, I was totally cheering for Dustin Head (nice name) to win a cool $1mil last night. Apparently, so was Peter Forsberg.
Check out the video highlights over at FanHouse.
More FanHouse goodness: Greg Wyshynski found a story about a naughty little scandal involving high school hockey players in Nova Scotia.
Apparently, the head coach allowed some rather cheeky little comments to be part of the players' bios. A mistake or on purpose? Who knows ...
Crude, but hilarious. I can't believe those write-ups were actually allowed to go through.
I just wonder what Greg was searching for when he came upon that story O.o
Wayne, our Southern Correspondent asks:
A stat change: Shouldn't there be a stat for players who take penalties and their team gives up a goal while they're in the box?
The problem with that kind of stat is that there would be far too much un/luck involved.
Say Jarkko Ruutu takes 60 minor penalties in a season, but his team does a great job on the PK, and lets in only 6 goals.
Compare that to a guy like Pavol Demitra, who takes 20 minor penalties. What if his team gives up 6 goals in those 20 PKs? Then, Pavol would look far worse than Ruutu, despite the fact he took 40 less penalties. Clearly, a player cannot control what his teammates do when he is not on the ice.
The best thing would be a +/- for penalties taken/drawn (not including off-setting, of course), so we could see just who puts their team at a man-disadvantage the most.
they are also stylin' and profilin' like GQ models. Somewhere, Earl Sleek is drooling over his Jack&Coke.
too sexy for my stick
so sexy, it's sick"
But neither did the three dapper Ducks when event emcee and comedienne Cindy Burns asked them – "these hot, hot, hot guys," she called them – each to strike a pose.
Getzlaf turned to an audience of mostly women, some hooting with high pitches, and offered his best GQ-cover serious look before bursting out with laughter.
Giguere, who was introduced as "Gee-gahr," put his left foot forward, pushed back the tails on his dark Canali sportcoat, sunk his hands in pockets and vogued. (His fair cheeks turned pink as he probably was wishing he could just lower a goalie mask.)
Selanne, wearing a gray, herringbone Armani suit with a lavender shirt and handkerchief, happily played to the gallery's cat calls. When urged to model his apparel, the sly Selanne walked his fingers suggestively to his waist and – cue striptease music – raised a corner of his untucked shirt, exposing some torso for his wardrobe (mal)function.
I'd have to give the nod to Teemu over Getzlag and Jiggy. Giguere is a distant third with an ugly blue shirt that makes him look a bit chubby and unathletic, and Getzlaf looks way too much like a security guard or businessman clone.
(Hat-tip to JP at Japers Rink for the linkage)
Does anyone feel sorry for the prick? I didn't think so.
Note to Dion, try buying a vehicle that is a little kinder to the environment, k? Not that I'd normally advocate the theft of a motor vehicle, but it's not as if Dion can't afford a new shaggin' wagon with his fat new contract extension.
Check out the video highlights over at FanHouse.
Apparently, the head coach allowed some rather cheeky little comments to be part of the players' bios. A mistake or on purpose? Who knows ...
One player's bio says he enjoys "some meat between his buns." Another's says he likes hunting and fishing and warns women that he shares his bed with a huge weapon.
A third player's write-up says he "could be coming into your mouth sooner than you think as he seeks a profession in dental hygenics (sic) in the near future."
Another bio refers to a player's desire to visit pop singer Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch.
And another caption says a player wants to become a motivational speaker for the hearing impaired.
Crude, but hilarious. I can't believe those write-ups were actually allowed to go through.
I just wonder what Greg was searching for when he came upon that story O.o
A stat change: Shouldn't there be a stat for players who take penalties and their team gives up a goal while they're in the box?
The problem with that kind of stat is that there would be far too much un/luck involved.
Say Jarkko Ruutu takes 60 minor penalties in a season, but his team does a great job on the PK, and lets in only 6 goals.
Compare that to a guy like Pavol Demitra, who takes 20 minor penalties. What if his team gives up 6 goals in those 20 PKs? Then, Pavol would look far worse than Ruutu, despite the fact he took 40 less penalties. Clearly, a player cannot control what his teammates do when he is not on the ice.
The best thing would be a +/- for penalties taken/drawn (not including off-setting, of course), so we could see just who puts their team at a man-disadvantage the most.
Labels: ducks, Getzlaf, off-ice silliness, Phaneuf
Monday, October 29, 2007
What's Wrong with the Ducks?
by Jes
The Anaheim Ducks, defending cup champs, have opened up the new season in a horrible slump. Slumps are typical for clubs over the course of the year, but it is odd to see the likes of the Blue Jackets doing well while the Anaheim Ducks are looking up from the basement.
How is it that the Ducks are off to a 4-7-2 start? Here are some thoughts from a Canucks fan who doesn't mind that the Ducks are doing poorly. :)
1. Hits to the roster? Many people point the finger at the losses of Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer (a guy who takes 25 minutes to decide if he wants large fries with his Big Mac) as the prime reason the Ducks are losing more than the Washington Generals. Look, it's not as if Burke did nothing to stem the tide. Signing Todd Bertuzzi and Mathieu Schneider certainly proved that the Ducks weren't sitting idle, and both players certainly are talented. Going into the season, did anyone reasonably think the Ducks were a vastly weaker team?
2. Health concerns - We certainly can't discount the fatigue factor when talking about the Ducks slow start. A long Stanley Cup run, combined with a 2-game stint in England, has certainly had to have a real effect on the stamina of the Ducks, who like to play a physical brand of hockey. If we look at the performance of recent cup winners during the follow-up season, we can see a heavy drop in those teams' records. Just look at how the Canes missed the playoffs completely.
Let's not forget the injury bug has hit the Ducks, especially Mathieu Schneider, the prized signing who has yet to play a single game this season thanks to a broken ankle.
3. Discipline - While the Ducks ground-and-pound thug-life style was prized for helping them to win the cup, it's also causing them a whole lot of grief. Only the Toronto Maple Leafs have been shorthanded more times than the Ducks (68, overall), and the Ducks PK unit is struggling at 80.9%, 16th in the NHL. Last season, the roles were reversed, with the Ducks middle-of-the-road in shorthanded situations and near the top in PK efficiency. Obviously, the Ducks are shooting themselves in the webbed foot.
That said, there are quite a few players that have been playing well below expectations.
Todd Bertuzzi - 7 games, 2 points and a -2 before suffering another injury to his inflated ego. Bertuzzi was given the golden parachute by Brian Burke, and has nothing to motivate him into playing like the man-beast he was with the Canucks.
Andy McDonald - Many suggested that his huge spike in production had to do with playing on the same line with a rejuvenated Teemu Selanne. While I think both players meshed with each other very well, it's obvious that Andy Mac misses his old mentor. With just 7 points in 13 games, Andy's production has dropped a great deal from the point-a-game pace he established the past two seasons.
Rob Niedermayer, Todd Marchant, Samuel Pahlsson (is god) - I realize that their job is to be the defensive shutdown unit of the Ducks, but a combined one goal and five points in 13 games? That is truly terrible.
If I am Brian Burke ...
1. Have Rob Niedermayer call Scott Niedermeyer EVERY DAY and beg the All-Star defenseman to put the skates back on.
2. Tell the team to smarten the hell up. Bad penalties are killing the Ducks, and not allowing the team offensive stars to get going.
3. Hunt around for a goal-scoring winger. The Ducks need someone who can combine with Dandy Andy and put the puck in the net. There should be quite a few b-grade scorers out in the wilderness that Burke can get his hands on. Bertuzzi can't be counted on for many reasons, Jason King is a flop, and the Ducks have the assets to make a deal.
The Anaheim Ducks, defending cup champs, have opened up the new season in a horrible slump. Slumps are typical for clubs over the course of the year, but it is odd to see the likes of the Blue Jackets doing well while the Anaheim Ducks are looking up from the basement.
How is it that the Ducks are off to a 4-7-2 start? Here are some thoughts from a Canucks fan who doesn't mind that the Ducks are doing poorly. :)
1. Hits to the roster? Many people point the finger at the losses of Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer (a guy who takes 25 minutes to decide if he wants large fries with his Big Mac) as the prime reason the Ducks are losing more than the Washington Generals. Look, it's not as if Burke did nothing to stem the tide. Signing Todd Bertuzzi and Mathieu Schneider certainly proved that the Ducks weren't sitting idle, and both players certainly are talented. Going into the season, did anyone reasonably think the Ducks were a vastly weaker team?
2. Health concerns - We certainly can't discount the fatigue factor when talking about the Ducks slow start. A long Stanley Cup run, combined with a 2-game stint in England, has certainly had to have a real effect on the stamina of the Ducks, who like to play a physical brand of hockey. If we look at the performance of recent cup winners during the follow-up season, we can see a heavy drop in those teams' records. Just look at how the Canes missed the playoffs completely.
Let's not forget the injury bug has hit the Ducks, especially Mathieu Schneider, the prized signing who has yet to play a single game this season thanks to a broken ankle.
3. Discipline - While the Ducks ground-and-pound thug-life style was prized for helping them to win the cup, it's also causing them a whole lot of grief. Only the Toronto Maple Leafs have been shorthanded more times than the Ducks (68, overall), and the Ducks PK unit is struggling at 80.9%, 16th in the NHL. Last season, the roles were reversed, with the Ducks middle-of-the-road in shorthanded situations and near the top in PK efficiency. Obviously, the Ducks are shooting themselves in the webbed foot.
That said, there are quite a few players that have been playing well below expectations.
Todd Bertuzzi - 7 games, 2 points and a -2 before suffering another injury to his inflated ego. Bertuzzi was given the golden parachute by Brian Burke, and has nothing to motivate him into playing like the man-beast he was with the Canucks.
Andy McDonald - Many suggested that his huge spike in production had to do with playing on the same line with a rejuvenated Teemu Selanne. While I think both players meshed with each other very well, it's obvious that Andy Mac misses his old mentor. With just 7 points in 13 games, Andy's production has dropped a great deal from the point-a-game pace he established the past two seasons.
Rob Niedermayer, Todd Marchant, Samuel Pahlsson (is god) - I realize that their job is to be the defensive shutdown unit of the Ducks, but a combined one goal and five points in 13 games? That is truly terrible.
If I am Brian Burke ...
1. Have Rob Niedermayer call Scott Niedermeyer EVERY DAY and beg the All-Star defenseman to put the skates back on.
2. Tell the team to smarten the hell up. Bad penalties are killing the Ducks, and not allowing the team offensive stars to get going.
3. Hunt around for a goal-scoring winger. The Ducks need someone who can combine with Dandy Andy and put the puck in the net. There should be quite a few b-grade scorers out in the wilderness that Burke can get his hands on. Bertuzzi can't be counted on for many reasons, Jason King is a flop, and the Ducks have the assets to make a deal.
Labels: Brian Burke, ducks, musings, Todd Bertuzzi
Friday, September 14, 2007
An Off-Season Look at ... The Anaheim Ducks
by Jes
Being the Stanley Cup champs, the Anaheim Ducks were obviously in the spotlight a lot more than they are used to.
What should have been a quiet summer of celebration turned interesting with the whole Scott Niedermayer mess, the Dustin Penner fiasco, and the big ticket signings such as Todd Bertuzzi and Mathieu Schneider.
The Ducks are certainly big spenders, but Niedermayer's absence, combined with Selanne not showing up for camp, means that the Ducks are well under the salary cap, surprisingly.
Without a doubt, the Ducks aren't as good as they were a few months ago. Scheneider is an excellent Power Play defenseman, and a fine 2-way defender, but he's not quite Scott Niedermayer. That said, Schneider is generally underrated, and the downgrade is small. If Niedermayer comes back at all during the season (very likely), this D core will be the awesomest.
Few seem to know just how much of a positive contribution the renewed Teemu Selanne gave to the Ducks, and how much he pumped up line-mates Kunitz and McDonald. Those two players will not be nearly as effective as they were last season, and Bertuzzi won't give the Ducks anything but headaches and some 'decent' offensive production.
The Ducks will also face some trouble next summer, when Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf will have their contracts come up. Will we see some more free agent poachers?
Also, Kunitz will get a nice raise against the cap next season, and the Ducks won't have any big contracts coming off of the books until 2009.
That said, the Ducks are still a very powerful squad, and are certainly a favourite to take the West. I wonder just how much the Stanley Cup hangover will affect the squad, and I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't take the Conference crown. San Jose will provide stiff competition within their division, and Detroit will get a lot of easy wins over their divisional rivals. It's going to be an interesting 3-way race.
Ph33r the quack!
Being the Stanley Cup champs, the Anaheim Ducks were obviously in the spotlight a lot more than they are used to.
What should have been a quiet summer of celebration turned interesting with the whole Scott Niedermayer mess, the Dustin Penner fiasco, and the big ticket signings such as Todd Bertuzzi and Mathieu Schneider.
The Ducks are certainly big spenders, but Niedermayer's absence, combined with Selanne not showing up for camp, means that the Ducks are well under the salary cap, surprisingly.
Without a doubt, the Ducks aren't as good as they were a few months ago. Scheneider is an excellent Power Play defenseman, and a fine 2-way defender, but he's not quite Scott Niedermayer. That said, Schneider is generally underrated, and the downgrade is small. If Niedermayer comes back at all during the season (very likely), this D core will be the awesomest.
Few seem to know just how much of a positive contribution the renewed Teemu Selanne gave to the Ducks, and how much he pumped up line-mates Kunitz and McDonald. Those two players will not be nearly as effective as they were last season, and Bertuzzi won't give the Ducks anything but headaches and some 'decent' offensive production.
The Ducks will also face some trouble next summer, when Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf will have their contracts come up. Will we see some more free agent poachers?
Also, Kunitz will get a nice raise against the cap next season, and the Ducks won't have any big contracts coming off of the books until 2009.
That said, the Ducks are still a very powerful squad, and are certainly a favourite to take the West. I wonder just how much the Stanley Cup hangover will affect the squad, and I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't take the Conference crown. San Jose will provide stiff competition within their division, and Detroit will get a lot of easy wins over their divisional rivals. It's going to be an interesting 3-way race.
Ph33r the quack!
Labels: Chris Pronger, ducks, Off-Season Analysis, Scott Niedermayer
Friday, September 07, 2007
Pahlsson's Got a Hernia.
by Jes
It seems like that Scott Niedermayer inability to make a career decision wasn't the only bad news for the Quackers yesterday.
It turns out Samuel "Defensive God" Pahlsson will be out for awhile with a hernia.
Ouch.
Let's face it, any player (especially holdouts) who misses preseason and training camp tends to be way behind when they do get back. Combine that with an injury that is always in danger of hindering one's playing ability, and you've got a loss that could be bigger than it appears.
It seems like that Scott Niedermayer inability to make a career decision wasn't the only bad news for the Quackers yesterday.
It turns out Samuel "Defensive God" Pahlsson will be out for awhile with a hernia.
Ouch.
Anaheim Ducks forward Samuel Pahlsson has undergone surgery to repair a sports hernia, team general manager Brian Burke announced Thursday.
He had the operation on Wednesday in Philadelphia, Burke said, and is expected to be sidelined for three to five weeks. Anaheim opens camp on Tuesday.
''We anticipate if he misses any regular-season time, it will not be a lot,'' Burke said.
Let's face it, any player (especially holdouts) who misses preseason and training camp tends to be way behind when they do get back. Combine that with an injury that is always in danger of hindering one's playing ability, and you've got a loss that could be bigger than it appears.
Labels: ducks, Samuel Pahlsson
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Canucks Acquire "Depth"
by Jes
In the real hockey encyclopedia, "Depth" would have a picture of Vernon Fiddler, and indicate a player that can barely make the NHL, but will pump up your NHL like Ah-nold.
So, colour me unexcited with the Canucks, after an uninspiring draft effort, picked up some of that low-frequency 'depth' that some people jism over.
Better start planning the parade route through Yaletown, right?
OK, maybe I should try and see the good side of this.
1. Jason King, who is a bigger idiot than the average voter, was of no use to the Canucks as he was too busy frolicking around in Europe. King has a decent spurt to start his NHL career, but then got a big head (aka Anson Carteritis) and thought he was the shit. Well, he is 'shit' and good on the Canucks for getting more than a used "Chyna" Playboy. *Shudder*
2. Players named Jesse always suck, so the Canucks did themselves a favour by getting rid of Schultz.
Now, maybe Greg can fill me in on this Sharrow guy before I fall asleep.
Rysn Shannon? He's 5'9" and lighter than air. Given the Canucks bad luck with smurfs (Brandon Reid, Steve Kariya, Herbert Vasiljevs, Lubo Vaic), the odds that this guy is an effective NHL producer are as slim as Angelie Jolie suddenly is. (and WTF is up with that?)
Yes, Shannon's AHL totals have been impressive of late (97 points in 85 games), but just 11 points in 53 games? Yoikes.
Unlike Reid, Shannon's defense doesn't blow...but the Canucks don't need another defensive winger who can't score.
At least Moose fans ought to be thrilled. I'm sure not.
In the real hockey encyclopedia, "Depth" would have a picture of Vernon Fiddler, and indicate a player that can barely make the NHL, but will pump up your NHL like Ah-nold.
So, colour me unexcited with the Canucks, after an uninspiring draft effort, picked up some of that low-frequency 'depth' that some people jism over.
The Canucks acquired centre Ryan Shannon from Anaheim and defenceman Jim Sharrow from Atlanta, sending forward Jesse Schultz to the Thrashers and the rights to left-winger Jason King and a conditional draft pick to Anaheim.
Better start planning the parade route through Yaletown, right?
OK, maybe I should try and see the good side of this.
1. Jason King, who is a bigger idiot than the average voter, was of no use to the Canucks as he was too busy frolicking around in Europe. King has a decent spurt to start his NHL career, but then got a big head (aka Anson Carteritis) and thought he was the shit. Well, he is 'shit' and good on the Canucks for getting more than a used "Chyna" Playboy. *Shudder*
2. Players named Jesse always suck, so the Canucks did themselves a favour by getting rid of Schultz.
Now, maybe Greg can fill me in on this Sharrow guy before I fall asleep.
Rysn Shannon? He's 5'9" and lighter than air. Given the Canucks bad luck with smurfs (Brandon Reid, Steve Kariya, Herbert Vasiljevs, Lubo Vaic), the odds that this guy is an effective NHL producer are as slim as Angelie Jolie suddenly is. (and WTF is up with that?)
Yes, Shannon's AHL totals have been impressive of late (97 points in 85 games), but just 11 points in 53 games? Yoikes.
Unlike Reid, Shannon's defense doesn't blow...but the Canucks don't need another defensive winger who can't score.
At least Moose fans ought to be thrilled. I'm sure not.
Labels: Canucks, ducks, Jesse Schultz, Ryan Shannon, Ryan Sharrow, thrashers, trades
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Photo of the Day: Ducks Damage the Cup
by Jes
I know the Stanley Cup has been beat up more than a GW Bush piñata at Osama Bin Laden’s 50th birthday bash, but can’t these teams show a little more respect and care for the holy chalice?
What damaged the cup so badly?
1. Chris Pronger’s elbow
2. Brad May’s right fist
3. A Chris Kunitz cross-check
4. Sweden
In other Ducks news, how about the rumours that Scott Niedermayer is thinking of retirement? That ought to give Ducks fans cardiac arrest, or at least mild indigestion.
I know the Stanley Cup has been beat up more than a GW Bush piñata at Osama Bin Laden’s 50th birthday bash, but can’t these teams show a little more respect and care for the holy chalice?
What damaged the cup so badly?
1. Chris Pronger’s elbow
2. Brad May’s right fist
3. A Chris Kunitz cross-check
4. Sweden
In other Ducks news, how about the rumours that Scott Niedermayer is thinking of retirement? That ought to give Ducks fans cardiac arrest, or at least mild indigestion.
Labels: ducks, photo of the day, Scott Niedermayer, stanley cup
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Odds and Ends
by Greg
First off, a belated note of congratulations to the Anaheim Ducks and their fans. While I was rooting for the Sens, I didn't feel much of a sense of loss when Anaheim won, and the sight of Selanne and, yes, Pronger carrying the Cup was pretty sweet. Let's hear it for non-traditional markets -- keep the Cup south of Chicago 'til 2050!
* * *
Sort of got lost in my e-mail, but for those who haven't heard about it yet -- Blue Jackets bloggers Drew (End of the Bench) and Michael (Army of the Ohio) are organizing a draft gathering on June 22nd in Columbus. More details here. I lacked the foresight to think about going anywhere for the draft, so I'll be somewhere in the mountains of Colorado, trying to get a cell phone signal to find out who the Thrashers got in the fifth round.
First off, a belated note of congratulations to the Anaheim Ducks and their fans. While I was rooting for the Sens, I didn't feel much of a sense of loss when Anaheim won, and the sight of Selanne and, yes, Pronger carrying the Cup was pretty sweet. Let's hear it for non-traditional markets -- keep the Cup south of Chicago 'til 2050!
* * *
Sort of got lost in my e-mail, but for those who haven't heard about it yet -- Blue Jackets bloggers Drew (End of the Bench) and Michael (Army of the Ohio) are organizing a draft gathering on June 22nd in Columbus. More details here. I lacked the foresight to think about going anywhere for the draft, so I'll be somewhere in the mountains of Colorado, trying to get a cell phone signal to find out who the Thrashers got in the fifth round.
Labels: ducks, Entry Draft, non-traditional markets, stanley cup
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Anaheim Ducks, 2007 Stanley Cup Champions
by Jes
(c) Getty Images
Congratulations to the Anaheim Ducks for winning the 2007 Stanley Cup over the Ottawa Senators in 5 games.
It wasn't a terribly memorable and pretty Stanley Cup for most hockey fans, and it certainly wasn't the best, but it was a lesson in how to play tough, defensive hockey the Canadian way.
Once again, a Southern-based US team beats a Canadian team and crushes the hopes and dreams of fans from cities that actually about the sport. Welcome to Gary's NHL.
Good on the NHL for not letting the family and friends onto the ice until the players skated around with the cup. Do we need the ice cluttered with a bunch of blonde bimbos and their spoiled kids? Let the players have their on-ice party.
Scott Niedermayer is not a bad Conn Smythe choice. Chris Pronger had it in the bag until his stupid second suspension. JS Giguere was good, but would have been the cop-out choice, in my awesome opinion.
Ducks fans suck. What the hell was this with cheering Gary Bettman? WTF??!?! If a Canadian team won the cup in a Canadian city, Gary would have to come out surrounded by police officers, Vince MacMahon style.
Yes, that was one f'ugly goal by Chris Phillips into his own net. No, he is not Steve Smith and he didn't cost his team the series. I still feel sorry for the guy, though. He'll always have that on his resume.
Speaking of Gary, did you notice that he was trying to hold on to the cup for a cheesy photo-op while Scott Niedermayer was trying to yank the mug away from him. GIVE HIM THE DAMN THING!!!
To sum it all up, here's a comment that one fan left in one of my NHL Fanhouse posts just after the game ended.
(c) Getty Images
Congratulations to the Anaheim Ducks for winning the 2007 Stanley Cup over the Ottawa Senators in 5 games.
It wasn't a terribly memorable and pretty Stanley Cup for most hockey fans, and it certainly wasn't the best, but it was a lesson in how to play tough, defensive hockey the Canadian way.
Once again, a Southern-based US team beats a Canadian team and crushes the hopes and dreams of fans from cities that actually about the sport. Welcome to Gary's NHL.
Hello Teemu Selanne, My name is Brad Skinner and i am from
Winnipeg,Manitoba, the place where you started your amazing career, the rookie season was unbelieveable with 76 goals in 82 games and 132 points, that will never be broken by an rookie. congradualtions on winning the stanley cup after 15 amazing years you truly do deserve it. i am a big fan of you!!
when you came to winnipeg for the last game at the old Winnipeg Arena you shook my hand and signed my Winnipeg jets jersey of you, i was so happy i almost cried when this amazing moment happened.
i can not explaine in words how much i look up to you. I hope that you return to Winnipeg sometime soon and if you brought the Cup that would be amazing but even for you to just come back to winnipeg would be unbelievebale. congrats on an amazing
15 years and on winning lord Standley\'s Cup, many great years ahead, and who knows if nashville moves to winnipeg, maybe you could end your career there. take care and celerbrate because you deserve it!! hope to see you in the City where you started your amazing carreer, Winnipeg,Manitoba,Canada.
take care,
Brad Skinner, age 16, a teenager who looks up to you.
Labels: ducks, Scott Niedermayer, senators, stanley cup
Monday, June 04, 2007
Wak Wak Wak Wak Wak Wak
by Jes
Oooh, yer such a gangster!
OK, so Chris Pronger did get the star treatment and was suspended for a whopping ONE GAME for his shot to Dean McAmmond's noggin.
What better way to send a clear and decisive message to the rest of the league than a one game suspension for a repeat offender. *eyeroll*
The Ducks are crying poor. Anyone surprised?
In the 'WTF' files, Eric over at The Fanhouse uncovers the fact that Al-Jazeera, the mouthpiece of terrorism disguised as a legitimate news network, actually applied for NHL press credentials.
ORLY? 0.o
Many US newspapers don't bother sending some schlep to cover the Finals, but Al-Jazeera wants to?
This is most likely the network attempting to gain a 'legitimate' status by covering different events in North America.
Thankfully, the NHL realized it was more trouble than it was worth and said 'NO'
Really, does the NHL really benefit from having 3 Iranian guys and their 21 wives watching Daniel Alfredsson give away the puck for the third time in one game?
---
WAYNE'S WORLD!!!
Our favourite hockey fan from Alabama shares his thoughts on Game Three:
I'd think Kris Draper has that copyright.
It's funny to see how American fans are reacting to Donald S. Cherry.
Up here? We're so used to his loud suits and personality that it's more shocking when he wears something that doesn't scream "I NEED ATTENTION"
At least Don has some personality. In a sea of boring and generic suits, Don shows that he doesn't give a rat's ass about high fashion.
Well, if the Yanks don't appreciate our game, then it is their own damn fault.
If you guys really want to watch NASCAR, NFL and poker, then knock yourself out.
Well, from my previous trips to the US of A, I can pretty much shrug and say "Isn't it always like that?"
The Rangers could win the Stanley Cup, and the NY Times would have a front page story on what colour Alex Rodriguez is now using for his lipstick.
OK, so Chris Pronger did get the star treatment and was suspended for a whopping ONE GAME for his shot to Dean McAmmond's noggin.
What better way to send a clear and decisive message to the rest of the league than a one game suspension for a repeat offender. *eyeroll*
The Ducks are crying poor. Anyone surprised?
In the 'WTF' files, Eric over at The Fanhouse uncovers the fact that Al-Jazeera, the mouthpiece of terrorism disguised as a legitimate news network, actually applied for NHL press credentials.
ORLY? 0.o
Many US newspapers don't bother sending some schlep to cover the Finals, but Al-Jazeera wants to?
This is most likely the network attempting to gain a 'legitimate' status by covering different events in North America.
Thankfully, the NHL realized it was more trouble than it was worth and said 'NO'
Really, does the NHL really benefit from having 3 Iranian guys and their 21 wives watching Daniel Alfredsson give away the puck for the third time in one game?
---
WAYNE'S WORLD!!!
Our favourite hockey fan from Alabama shares his thoughts on Game Three:
Did anyone see Don Cherry's wardrobe on Saturday night??? (NBC aired a still picture of it.) I can't any sane man (hetero or gay) would ever be caught wearing that...The ultimate definition of a "wardrobe malfunction"...Worst. Jacket. Ever. Grapes should change his nickname to "Drapes"...
I'd think Kris Draper has that copyright.
It's funny to see how American fans are reacting to Donald S. Cherry.
Up here? We're so used to his loud suits and personality that it's more shocking when he wears something that doesn't scream "I NEED ATTENTION"
At least Don has some personality. In a sea of boring and generic suits, Don shows that he doesn't give a rat's ass about high fashion.
According to an article in the Toronto Star, NBC got a 1.5 in the overnights for Saturday's game 3...But, hey, they're not paying rights fees, are they?
Well, if the Yanks don't appreciate our game, then it is their own damn fault.
If you guys really want to watch NASCAR, NFL and poker, then knock yourself out.
Finally, the Ducks just can't get no love...The Quacks make the final, and what is the leading sports story in L.A.? Kobe just can't make up his damn mind where he wants to play next season...
Well, from my previous trips to the US of A, I can pretty much shrug and say "Isn't it always like that?"
The Rangers could win the Stanley Cup, and the NY Times would have a front page story on what colour Alex Rodriguez is now using for his lipstick.
Labels: Al-Jazeera, ducks, rants, Wayne's World
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Game Three Thoughts: Go Role Players!
by Jes
The Dark Lord is pleased!
See? The Sens DO need their support players to step up and can win without The Top Line (tm) doing all of the scoring.
Last night?
The Top Line(tm): 1 goal, 0 assists, +1
All other players: 4 goals, 8 assists, +9
Guys like Dean McAmmond, Chris Neil, and Mike Fisher have skill and need to use it. While the Ducks do all they can to shut down The Top Line, and do it well, it leaves opportunities for the superior forward depth of the Sens to make a difference.
Oh, Chris Pronger was at it again. Care to guess the suspension?
I am hoping that the NHL sends a message with a suspension and gives Pronger at least two games. This is his second offense in two series and it was clearly a purposeful intent to injure.
Look, if the NHL continues to go soft on the stars of the game, what kind of message does it send to the rest of the league? Is this the NBA?
Francois Beauchemin? -3! Ouch!
It's kind of strange to see that the line of Marchant-Pahlsson-R.Niedermayer looks so dangerous offensively while they are doing their defensive duties.
Overall, it's nice to see we've got a real series developing.
The Dark Lord is pleased!
See? The Sens DO need their support players to step up and can win without The Top Line (tm) doing all of the scoring.
Last night?
The Top Line(tm): 1 goal, 0 assists, +1
All other players: 4 goals, 8 assists, +9
Guys like Dean McAmmond, Chris Neil, and Mike Fisher have skill and need to use it. While the Ducks do all they can to shut down The Top Line, and do it well, it leaves opportunities for the superior forward depth of the Sens to make a difference.
Oh, Chris Pronger was at it again. Care to guess the suspension?
I am hoping that the NHL sends a message with a suspension and gives Pronger at least two games. This is his second offense in two series and it was clearly a purposeful intent to injure.
Look, if the NHL continues to go soft on the stars of the game, what kind of message does it send to the rest of the league? Is this the NBA?
Francois Beauchemin? -3! Ouch!
It's kind of strange to see that the line of Marchant-Pahlsson-R.Niedermayer looks so dangerous offensively while they are doing their defensive duties.
Overall, it's nice to see we've got a real series developing.
Labels: ducks, senators, stanley cup
Thursday, May 31, 2007
The Senators Aren't Hungry Enough
by Jes
How can you explain getting less than 40 shots in 2 games? The Sens are sleepwalking, turning over the puck like it's the new fashion, and pissing away a great opportunity.
Perhaps some of my inspired recipes will generate some hunger in these fools.
You know, Bryan Murray has done a great job with his team up until this series, but I can't help myself to think that he's 'choking' again. Murray has a history of sucking in the playoffs, and now the Sens are being outcoached, outplayed, outhustled, and out-whatever.
When your weakness, Ray Emery, is your best player, then it's either a wasted opportunity, and/or the sign of the rest of the team sucking.
For all of the talk about how the top line has been nullified, how about the supporting cast? Where are they? Spezza/Alfie/Heatley should be shoulder the entire blame when the others on the team aren't lighting the lamp, either.
As for the Ducks, they are simply playing their aggressive style to a 'T'. The Eastern Conference is definitely not nearly as physical as the Western Conference, and the Sens are having troubles with the Ducks physical mosh-pit style of hockey.
How can you explain getting less than 40 shots in 2 games? The Sens are sleepwalking, turning over the puck like it's the new fashion, and pissing away a great opportunity.
Perhaps some of my inspired recipes will generate some hunger in these fools.
You know, Bryan Murray has done a great job with his team up until this series, but I can't help myself to think that he's 'choking' again. Murray has a history of sucking in the playoffs, and now the Sens are being outcoached, outplayed, outhustled, and out-whatever.
When your weakness, Ray Emery, is your best player, then it's either a wasted opportunity, and/or the sign of the rest of the team sucking.
For all of the talk about how the top line has been nullified, how about the supporting cast? Where are they? Spezza/Alfie/Heatley should be shoulder the entire blame when the others on the team aren't lighting the lamp, either.
As for the Ducks, they are simply playing their aggressive style to a 'T'. The Eastern Conference is definitely not nearly as physical as the Western Conference, and the Sens are having troubles with the Ducks physical mosh-pit style of hockey.
Labels: ducks, recipes, senators, stanley cup
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Sartorial Slam: Anaheim Ducks
(This is the first in a mini-series analyzing team uniforms, logos, colours, and other fashion items.)
The Anaheim Ducks underwent a radical facelift this off-season, which is how we do things in the OC, bitch!
Gone was the 'Mighty' from their name. Gone was the duck-mask logo and teal/purple uniforms. Gone was the backwards nature of their name (Mighty Ducks of Anaheim). Gone was the Disney ownership and constant reminder that the team was named after a horrible movie.
Today's Ducks have a sleeker, cleaner, and modern look to them. While the old uniforms stood out (good or bad, depending on your point of view), the new uniforms don't leave much room for one to look at them with utter disgust.
In going to their new logo and uniform, its as if the Ducks were ashamed of their past and their nickname. Do you notice that there is no actual duck in their logo? Without completely changing the name, the Ducks have become a whole new team with very little 'duck' to them.
The uniforms? They are clean, but also tremendous bland and boring. The colouring, font, and style are uninspired and don't give the Ducks much of a unique look. The Ducks were so afraid of looking bad that they went 180 degrees in the opposite direction to appeal to the LA-Anaheim crowd. It's as if they took the easy way out.
How does a Ducks fan see the change? Well, I asked Earl Sleek from Battle of California, a noted Patrick Swayne Fan and Microsoft Paint Extraordinaire, for his thoughts:
My blogging partner Greg, to my surprise, presented a contrary view:
Overall, the Ducks went from wild and gaudy to clean and boring. Given how the Ducks play the trap and play a very "Canadian" crash and bang game, perhaps the new uniforms are reflective of their very cold and brutal personality.
The Anaheim Ducks underwent a radical facelift this off-season, which is how we do things in the OC, bitch!
Gone was the 'Mighty' from their name. Gone was the duck-mask logo and teal/purple uniforms. Gone was the backwards nature of their name (Mighty Ducks of Anaheim). Gone was the Disney ownership and constant reminder that the team was named after a horrible movie.
Today's Ducks have a sleeker, cleaner, and modern look to them. While the old uniforms stood out (good or bad, depending on your point of view), the new uniforms don't leave much room for one to look at them with utter disgust.
In going to their new logo and uniform, its as if the Ducks were ashamed of their past and their nickname. Do you notice that there is no actual duck in their logo? Without completely changing the name, the Ducks have become a whole new team with very little 'duck' to them.
The uniforms? They are clean, but also tremendous bland and boring. The colouring, font, and style are uninspired and don't give the Ducks much of a unique look. The Ducks were so afraid of looking bad that they went 180 degrees in the opposite direction to appeal to the LA-Anaheim crowd. It's as if they took the easy way out.
How does a Ducks fan see the change? Well, I asked Earl Sleek from Battle of California, a noted Patrick Swayne Fan and Microsoft Paint Extraordinaire, for his thoughts:
I hate our new logos, not so much the actual design itself, but I hate that we were pressured to change. I hate the timidness and the cowardice and the resulting blandness of the whole process.
The Disney Duck wasn't demeaning (to me, at least). It had nothing to do with the movie any more--this was a forged identity by players on the ice. Mighty Ducks were an NHL team, and shame on you if you still mocked the logo; that just means it will hurt a lot more later when they eliminate your team.
Anyway, as for the "design" there's nothing terrible about it, but it is awfully bland. It's one step above putting the team name in COURIER font or something. Pretty much I assume this is from the same desire not to be offensive to league purists, but there's not even really a logo.
My blogging partner Greg, to my surprise, presented a contrary view:
I like them. I think -- along with the Wild's third jerseys -- they represent a slightly more traditional outlook, without just aping old school fashions. It's the pendulum traveling the other way after the sins of the '90s (the first Ducks uniform, the Lightning, the Sharks, the Stars uterus, the Bruins and Predators alternates) -- realizing that restrained does not mean boring.
It's not my favorite uniform, but it doesn't make me wince. There's a lot of good things going on with the Ducks.
Overall, the Ducks went from wild and gaudy to clean and boring. Given how the Ducks play the trap and play a very "Canadian" crash and bang game, perhaps the new uniforms are reflective of their very cold and brutal personality.
Labels: ducks, Sartorial Slam, uniforms
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Game One Ramblings: Ducks, Wings, and Pigs
by Jes
If Games 2-4 and perhaps 5,6,7 are as good as Game 1, then this series is gonna rock more than the Dschinghis Khan reunion concert in Moscow.
While I don't have a dog, or duck, in this fight, I am still watching the games and was pleased to be well entertained by the action on the ice.
Some random thoughts
1. Does CBC hate hockey fans? It's bad enough that we get the stale Leafs-homer Harry Neale and dinosaur Bob Cole in the booth, but why is Greg Millen(!) the third man in the booth?
Does CBC not listen to the fans? Does CBC not surf the internets? How could they not know that Millen is the most despised colour commentator in this country?
Is this a conscious decision, or are they simply trying to milk their sunken investment in the guy? Ugh. Millen was definitely at his best/worst last night.
2. Note to self: If you have a kid, make sure s/he befriends a super-rich and generous athlete when they are young.
Teemu Selanne kept a promised and flew 16 of his childhood friends to Anaheim to watch him and the Ducks smack around the Sens.
Yeah, what a guy!
I got the full dealio over at The NHL Fanhouse.
3. Red Wings fans are a classy bunch, eh?
If you ever wanted a fine example of male chauvinism and pig-headedness, check out Helene Elliot's article on what happens when a female reporter dares to not pick the Wings to advance.
Here are some of the samples of the fine writing Red Wings fans are capable of ...
Ahh, the anonymity of the internet lets people show their true colours with no fear or retribution.
Helene Elliot has always been a classy, intelligent, award-winning writer who has shown NO inkling of being a 'puck bunny'. Why she has to put up with crap like this is beyond me. Does being female preclude one from having an intelligent perspective on the game of hockey? Of course not!
I'm going to resist calling Wings fans a bunch of spoiled pigs. We know they are spoiled, but these kind of comments could have come from the fans of any hockey club. It's pretty sad that some male fans feel threatened that a female might actually *gasp* know more about the game of hockey than they do.
Anyway, Helene goes on to point out that Wings' fan anger should be rightfully pointed at owner Mike Ilitch, who priced tickets so outrageously that the average commoner could not afford to attend. The Wings have also been notoriously media-unfriendly and fan-unfriendly, for what it's worth.
(hat tip to Wayne for the story pointer)
If Games 2-4 and perhaps 5,6,7 are as good as Game 1, then this series is gonna rock more than the Dschinghis Khan reunion concert in Moscow.
While I don't have a dog, or duck, in this fight, I am still watching the games and was pleased to be well entertained by the action on the ice.
Some random thoughts
1. Does CBC hate hockey fans? It's bad enough that we get the stale Leafs-homer Harry Neale and dinosaur Bob Cole in the booth, but why is Greg Millen(!) the third man in the booth?
Does CBC not listen to the fans? Does CBC not surf the internets? How could they not know that Millen is the most despised colour commentator in this country?
Is this a conscious decision, or are they simply trying to milk their sunken investment in the guy? Ugh. Millen was definitely at his best/worst last night.
2. Note to self: If you have a kid, make sure s/he befriends a super-rich and generous athlete when they are young.
Teemu Selanne kept a promised and flew 16 of his childhood friends to Anaheim to watch him and the Ducks smack around the Sens.
Yeah, what a guy!
I got the full dealio over at The NHL Fanhouse.
3. Red Wings fans are a classy bunch, eh?
If you ever wanted a fine example of male chauvinism and pig-headedness, check out Helene Elliot's article on what happens when a female reporter dares to not pick the Wings to advance.
Here are some of the samples of the fine writing Red Wings fans are capable of ...
"If Detroit wins, your gonna be gettiing a [ton] more emails from me you [prostitute]. Why don't you report on your own teams from now on. Like the Kings, where are they? Or the Lakers? Women should stick to writing articles about cooking and homemaking and NOT sports, cuz its obvious you have no idea what....you are talking about, [Don Imus word]."
"You have no idea what your baby ducks are in for! A woman writing about hockey in southern California! Leave the hockey to us sweetheart!"
"You are one cocky writer. I am going to remember that damn story and if the wings win the series, I'm gonna laugh in your face via e-mail. If there's one kind of writer I have no respect for, it's a writer exactly like you who writes worthless … like that.
"I'm surprised your man let you out of the kitchen long enough to write this article. You don't know much about sports, so you should stick to cleaning the house."
"Of course what do women know about hockey anyway. Go back to the kitchen and make me something to eat."
Ahh, the anonymity of the internet lets people show their true colours with no fear or retribution.
Helene Elliot has always been a classy, intelligent, award-winning writer who has shown NO inkling of being a 'puck bunny'. Why she has to put up with crap like this is beyond me. Does being female preclude one from having an intelligent perspective on the game of hockey? Of course not!
I'm going to resist calling Wings fans a bunch of spoiled pigs. We know they are spoiled, but these kind of comments could have come from the fans of any hockey club. It's pretty sad that some male fans feel threatened that a female might actually *gasp* know more about the game of hockey than they do.
Anyway, Helene goes on to point out that Wings' fan anger should be rightfully pointed at owner Mike Ilitch, who priced tickets so outrageously that the average commoner could not afford to attend. The Wings have also been notoriously media-unfriendly and fan-unfriendly, for what it's worth.
(hat tip to Wayne for the story pointer)
Labels: ducks, Females in hockey, musings, Red Wings, Selanne, stanley cup
Monday, May 28, 2007
Ducks vs. Senators Series Preview Post Thingy
by Jes
Just because every blogger is obligated to have their series preview in by 5PM EST, I might as well post mine before I get smacked with a farmed salmon.
I went 2-for-2 in Round 3, giving me a 12-for-14 record overall (86%). Greg is at like 21% or something.
Of all the bloggers and writers, I am the bestest!
Here's the shakedown, kiddo.
Goaltending
Ray Emery: 15GP 12-3 1.95GAA 91.9SV%
J-S Giguere: 13GP 9-3 1.87GAA 93.1SV%
Sugar Ray Emery (oooh, what an original nickname) was rather ordinary in the first two series, but was just fine in the semi-finals. His SV% is actually in the lower half of playoff goalies, for what is it worth. The Sens play great defense in front of him, and he is their biggest weakness.
Obviously, Giguere is the better of the two and has the experience Emery does not. At least Emery is no Patrick Lalime, and Sens fans aren't nervous about his potential performance.
Edge: ANAHEIM
Defence
Anaheim: 10 goals, 23 assists, +14
Ottawa: 8 goals, 24 assists, +22
I'll take the Big 3 + the unsung Sean O'Donnell over the Senators group any day of the week (even Wednesdays).
The Sens, to their credit, are playing way more than the sum of their individual parts. Wade Redden is a fairly nice chip (even though he looks like a big puss), and "The Butcher "Meszaros is a fine young cannibal, but the Sens should almost be not playing as well as they are, given how ordinary their D looks on paper.
I just feel that the Ducks physical forwards will have their way with the likes of Schubert, Corvo, and Preissing.
Edge: ANAHEIM
Forwards
The Sens are known as a 1-line team, but that one line kicks some serious ass and the players are #1, #2, and #4 in playoff scoring. The Ducks' top forward scorer is Ryan Getzlaf with 13 points in 16 games.
Guys like Andy MacDonald, Dustin Penner, and Chris Kunitz have been rather disappointing. The Sens can throw out Mike "The Brick" Comrie, Mean Dean McAmmond, Chris "The Real Deal" Neil, Peter Schaeffer and Antoine Vermette if they want some secondary scoring.
Sens depth > Ducks Depth
EDGE: OTTAWA
Special Teams
Anaheim: PP = 15.3% (7th), PK = 87.5% (6th)
Ottawa: PP = 20.0% (2nd), PK = 88.6% (4th)
Anaheim also averages a league-high 6 shorthanded opportunities against per game, while the Sens are more disciplined at 5.27.
Edge: OTTAWA
Slovaks
Anaheim = None. Bastards!
Ottawa = Andrej Meszaros.
Edge: OTTAWA
Greg picked ... Ottawa
Edge: ANAHEIM
Overall prediction: Anaheim Ducks in 7.
Just because every blogger is obligated to have their series preview in by 5PM EST, I might as well post mine before I get smacked with a farmed salmon.
I went 2-for-2 in Round 3, giving me a 12-for-14 record overall (86%). Greg is at like 21% or something.
Of all the bloggers and writers, I am the bestest!
Here's the shakedown, kiddo.
Goaltending
Ray Emery: 15GP 12-3 1.95GAA 91.9SV%
J-S Giguere: 13GP 9-3 1.87GAA 93.1SV%
Sugar Ray Emery (oooh, what an original nickname) was rather ordinary in the first two series, but was just fine in the semi-finals. His SV% is actually in the lower half of playoff goalies, for what is it worth. The Sens play great defense in front of him, and he is their biggest weakness.
Obviously, Giguere is the better of the two and has the experience Emery does not. At least Emery is no Patrick Lalime, and Sens fans aren't nervous about his potential performance.
Edge: ANAHEIM
Defence
Anaheim: 10 goals, 23 assists, +14
Ottawa: 8 goals, 24 assists, +22
I'll take the Big 3 + the unsung Sean O'Donnell over the Senators group any day of the week (even Wednesdays).
The Sens, to their credit, are playing way more than the sum of their individual parts. Wade Redden is a fairly nice chip (even though he looks like a big puss), and "The Butcher "Meszaros is a fine young cannibal, but the Sens should almost be not playing as well as they are, given how ordinary their D looks on paper.
I just feel that the Ducks physical forwards will have their way with the likes of Schubert, Corvo, and Preissing.
Edge: ANAHEIM
Forwards
The Sens are known as a 1-line team, but that one line kicks some serious ass and the players are #1, #2, and #4 in playoff scoring. The Ducks' top forward scorer is Ryan Getzlaf with 13 points in 16 games.
Guys like Andy MacDonald, Dustin Penner, and Chris Kunitz have been rather disappointing. The Sens can throw out Mike "The Brick" Comrie, Mean Dean McAmmond, Chris "The Real Deal" Neil, Peter Schaeffer and Antoine Vermette if they want some secondary scoring.
Sens depth > Ducks Depth
EDGE: OTTAWA
Special Teams
Anaheim: PP = 15.3% (7th), PK = 87.5% (6th)
Ottawa: PP = 20.0% (2nd), PK = 88.6% (4th)
Anaheim also averages a league-high 6 shorthanded opportunities against per game, while the Sens are more disciplined at 5.27.
Edge: OTTAWA
Slovaks
Anaheim = None. Bastards!
Ottawa = Andrej Meszaros.
Edge: OTTAWA
Greg picked ... Ottawa
Edge: ANAHEIM
Overall prediction: Anaheim Ducks in 7.
Labels: ducks, predictions, senators, stanley cup
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Chelios: Explain Thyself!
by Jes
When Chris Chelios skipped the post-series handshake line at the conclusion of the Wings/Ducks series, his enemies in the hockey world used this as fodder for their Anti-Chelios stance. Certainly, I was thinking "Typical Chelios" after I heard the news.
Chelios, known as one dirty old guy, was an easy target for those who "respect the fine traditions of the game."
Well, Chelios gave his side of the story.
Reasonable? Yeah, I think it certainly is. (Fanhouse Link)
Chelios will spear you if he ever gets the chance, but he never struck me at the kind of guy who would act like a spoiled brat on purpose. Chelios never usually dodges the issue, so to speak.
Still ...
When Chris Chelios skipped the post-series handshake line at the conclusion of the Wings/Ducks series, his enemies in the hockey world used this as fodder for their Anti-Chelios stance. Certainly, I was thinking "Typical Chelios" after I heard the news.
Chelios, known as one dirty old guy, was an easy target for those who "respect the fine traditions of the game."
Well, Chelios gave his side of the story.
Reasonable? Yeah, I think it certainly is. (Fanhouse Link)
Chelios will spear you if he ever gets the chance, but he never struck me at the kind of guy who would act like a spoiled brat on purpose. Chelios never usually dodges the issue, so to speak.
Still ...
Labels: Chelios, ducks, Red Wings, third round
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Photo of the Day: Payback is a Bitch
by Jes
You'd think I'd learn from the example of a particular blogger and not make stupid bets.
Well, I got brave and made a bet with Earl Sleek, aka "Patrick Swayze's #1 Fan", and lost ... no thanks to the stupid Canucks Power Play.
So, here is the last shred of my dignity flying away to the Galapagos Islands...
You'd think I'd learn from the example of a particular blogger and not make stupid bets.
Well, I got brave and made a bet with Earl Sleek, aka "Patrick Swayze's #1 Fan", and lost ... no thanks to the stupid Canucks Power Play.
So, here is the last shred of my dignity flying away to the Galapagos Islands...
Labels: bets, ducks, Jes is an idiot, photo of the day, Samuel Pahlsson
Gőlbez's Third Round Predictions
by Jes
So, I was 4-for-4 in the 2nd Round while Greg was 2-for-4. Obviously, this makes me twice as good as Greg. HA!
In the 1st Round, Greg was 50% (4-for-8) and is 6-for-12 overall. Moi? I went 6-for-8 and am now 10-for-12 (83%).
You may now lick the jam from in between my toes.
Now, let's ramble about Round Three.
---
I see a total lack of Cinderella teams, as all the semi-finalists are strong contenders for the cup with very deep rosters and a lot of talent. It's been awhile since we could say that.
Buffalo vs. Ottawa
Two high-powered offensive squads go head-to-head in what should be a fun series to watch.
Ray Emery has not been bad for the Senators, but his 91.9SV% is actually the lowest, by far, of the Final Four goalies. Ryan Miller has been spectacular thus far, and has answered the critics with strong play against some offensively talented Islanders and Rangers squads.
The Senators have been relying heavily on the Heatley-Alfredsson-Spezza trio, while the Sabres have spread out their scoring like a good peanut butter. If the Sabres can hold off the Sens' top line, they'll be well on their way back to the Finals.
One point against the Sabres is their woeful 79.6 PK% in the playoffs. They weren't all that good during the regular season, either. The Sens have the 2nd best playoff PP% at 22.7%.
While the Sens have played like a steamroller, the Sabres have looked rather shaky, despite the fact they've lost only 3 games. There is always the though that the Sabres could play better, but it could be just the fact that their team isn't packed with the same defensive presence up front that other teams have.
Prediction: Senators in 7. I'm going Canadian.
Detroit vs. Anaheim
Two very nice contrasts: the mechanical, finesse, euro-heavy Red Wings vs. the crash-and-bang, in-your-face, euro-light Anaheim Ducks.
Dominik Hasek is back to his old self with a 93.0SV% and a bit of goofiness in the crease. J-S Giguere has a eye-popping 95.2SV%, albeit built up against the Canucks' pathetic offence.
After years of playoff suckiness, Pavel Datsyuk is now 2nd on his team with 11 points in 12 games. The amazing Nick Lidstrom is first, and is controlling games just as well as he ever has. The rest of the offence hasn't been spectacular. The Wings have actually generated the most shots on goal, by far, with 445, but have a low 7% conversion rate. Unless Bertuzzi and Holmstrom can generate more chaos in front of the net, Giguere won't have a tough time handling outside shots, just like he did against the Canucks.
For the Ducks, they kind of have the same issue. Chris Pronger leads the team in scoring, and Samuel F. Pahlsson (!) is second on the team with 7 points. The Ducks' big guns (MacDonald, Selanne, Getzlaf) are capable of more.
The Wings PP was bad during the regular season, but has been effective in the playoffs. With the Ducks tendency to take some undisciplined penalties (they lead the NHL with 191 playoff PIMs), the Wings will have to do what the Canucks couldn't, and score Power Play goals. According to Yahoo!, the Ducks have a 94.6% success rate on penalty kills, and are also more effective with the man advantage.
Given the Ducks amazing defence, goaltending, and superior special teams, I'm going to have to call this series in their favour. That, and the Red Wings suck!
Prediction: Ducks in 6.
So, I was 4-for-4 in the 2nd Round while Greg was 2-for-4. Obviously, this makes me twice as good as Greg. HA!
In the 1st Round, Greg was 50% (4-for-8) and is 6-for-12 overall. Moi? I went 6-for-8 and am now 10-for-12 (83%).
You may now lick the jam from in between my toes.
Now, let's ramble about Round Three.
---
I see a total lack of Cinderella teams, as all the semi-finalists are strong contenders for the cup with very deep rosters and a lot of talent. It's been awhile since we could say that.
Buffalo vs. Ottawa
Two high-powered offensive squads go head-to-head in what should be a fun series to watch.
Ray Emery has not been bad for the Senators, but his 91.9SV% is actually the lowest, by far, of the Final Four goalies. Ryan Miller has been spectacular thus far, and has answered the critics with strong play against some offensively talented Islanders and Rangers squads.
The Senators have been relying heavily on the Heatley-Alfredsson-Spezza trio, while the Sabres have spread out their scoring like a good peanut butter. If the Sabres can hold off the Sens' top line, they'll be well on their way back to the Finals.
One point against the Sabres is their woeful 79.6 PK% in the playoffs. They weren't all that good during the regular season, either. The Sens have the 2nd best playoff PP% at 22.7%.
While the Sens have played like a steamroller, the Sabres have looked rather shaky, despite the fact they've lost only 3 games. There is always the though that the Sabres could play better, but it could be just the fact that their team isn't packed with the same defensive presence up front that other teams have.
Prediction: Senators in 7. I'm going Canadian.
Detroit vs. Anaheim
Two very nice contrasts: the mechanical, finesse, euro-heavy Red Wings vs. the crash-and-bang, in-your-face, euro-light Anaheim Ducks.
Dominik Hasek is back to his old self with a 93.0SV% and a bit of goofiness in the crease. J-S Giguere has a eye-popping 95.2SV%, albeit built up against the Canucks' pathetic offence.
After years of playoff suckiness, Pavel Datsyuk is now 2nd on his team with 11 points in 12 games. The amazing Nick Lidstrom is first, and is controlling games just as well as he ever has. The rest of the offence hasn't been spectacular. The Wings have actually generated the most shots on goal, by far, with 445, but have a low 7% conversion rate. Unless Bertuzzi and Holmstrom can generate more chaos in front of the net, Giguere won't have a tough time handling outside shots, just like he did against the Canucks.
For the Ducks, they kind of have the same issue. Chris Pronger leads the team in scoring, and Samuel F. Pahlsson (!) is second on the team with 7 points. The Ducks' big guns (MacDonald, Selanne, Getzlaf) are capable of more.
The Wings PP was bad during the regular season, but has been effective in the playoffs. With the Ducks tendency to take some undisciplined penalties (they lead the NHL with 191 playoff PIMs), the Wings will have to do what the Canucks couldn't, and score Power Play goals. According to Yahoo!, the Ducks have a 94.6% success rate on penalty kills, and are also more effective with the man advantage.
Given the Ducks amazing defence, goaltending, and superior special teams, I'm going to have to call this series in their favour. That, and the Red Wings suck!
Prediction: Ducks in 6.
Labels: ducks, playoffs, Red Wings, sabres, senators, third round
Friday, May 04, 2007
Canucks = Duck Pooped
That's it. That's all. The Vancouver Canucks are out like George Takei.
Last night's loss pretty much summed up the Canucks playoffs: Sedin's couldn't score, the Power Play sucked, Luongo was awesome, Ducks are just too good.
Before the season, I predicted the Canucks just to squeak into the playoffs. Given how they finished the season, I'd say it was a successful one for the franchise.
"What if Bieksa, Salo, Cooke, Kesler, and Fitzpatrick didn't suffer injuries?"
It's too easy to ask "What if?", but I don't see how a healthy Canucks lineup would necessarily just leapfrog a Ducks squad that just has more talent and more will.
The Ducks? Part of me doesn't like them at all because they are very thuggish. It's obvious that guys like Brad May are out there to simply hurt and injure people. The Ducks took a lot of bad penalties, but the Canucks weren't the ones to make them pay.
Yet, I have to realize that the Ducks have superb PK, a well-rounded club, and a lot of speed to go with that beef. Unlike the Canucks, who have many forwards who can't score, the Ducks can throw out at least two complete units that can bury the puck at any time.
It's disappointing to see the Canucks promising season end in such a frustrating way. We get the feeling that the Canucks could have done more if they could score a Power Play goal, or had less injury problems, or got a decent effort from the Sedinbots. It didn't help that most of the Canucks played Game 5 as if they wanted to be golfing the next day.
Still, when all is said and done, I can say that I'm happy with how the season went. With the exception of a couple of players, the team played exceptionally well and banded together like the Crawford-era Canucks never would.
Now that my hometown team is out of the running, I can relax and just watch the games without the potential for cardiac arrest. I'd prefer the pain, but I'll take relief, anyway. Just as long as the Wings or Rangers don't win, all will be fine.
Labels: Canucks, ducks, second round
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Vancouver's Daily Double
by Jes
Just one look, and I knew ...
You would make everything clear ...
Make all the clouds disappear.
Put all your fears to rest.
Who do I love the best?"
Ahhh... I love it when the Giants and Canucks both win in the same night.
Yep, lost in the Canucks double-OT win was the fact that the Vancouver Giants beat up on the Prince George Cougars to advance to the WHL finals. Go figure that they did it in 5 games, just as they did to Seattle and Chilliwack. They are off to Medicine Hat to face the Tigers, giving them a fourth chance to make an animal extinct (Bruins, Thunderbirds, Cougars... go Giants!)
Racey Wacey Rabbit was on frickin fire in this series, scoring six times and adding two assists in the five games. Is he gonna make the NHL? probably not, but that doesn't mean he isn't kickin some butt in the junior ranks.
Most of the other Canucks bloggers (and that drunken Duck blogger) have had their say on last night's win over the Ducks, so I don't need to ramble on too long. Most of what I had to say is over at The NHL Fanhouse. If you don't visit that site thrice a day, you better start, lest I get Jan Bulis on your ass.
Trevor Linden is, after Roberto Luongo, THE MAN. No, not the one that oppresses you, but the one who is clutch in the playoffs. While the Sedin's are snoozing away, Linden sets up OT winners and works his ass off. The Canucks better bring him back next season.
Nice pass by Chris Pronger on the Naslund goal.
Jeff Cowan is an uber streaky scorer. He goes like 3 months without a goal, and then scores a whole bunch during a week-long stretch. Does this coincide with moon phases?
How about them Thrashers? *snicker*
The Canucks couldn't bury chances, couldn't score on the Power Play, took bad penalties, kept giving up good chances, and still won the game!! If you don't watch the Canucks much, then you probably don't realize that they win 95% of their games like this. Somehow, the Canucks just find ways to win despite looking about as co-ordinated as Chris Wells in a puck control relay.
(Bonus points if anyone gets that reference)
The Canucks NEEDED this win. I'm sorry, but there is no way this Canucks team comes back from a 2-0 deficit against a team like the Ducks. They needed this split like Carole James needs a personality.
Just one look, and I knew ...
You would make everything clear ...
Make all the clouds disappear.
Put all your fears to rest.
Who do I love the best?"
Ahhh... I love it when the Giants and Canucks both win in the same night.
Yep, lost in the Canucks double-OT win was the fact that the Vancouver Giants beat up on the Prince George Cougars to advance to the WHL finals. Go figure that they did it in 5 games, just as they did to Seattle and Chilliwack. They are off to Medicine Hat to face the Tigers, giving them a fourth chance to make an animal extinct (Bruins, Thunderbirds, Cougars... go Giants!)
Racey Wacey Rabbit was on frickin fire in this series, scoring six times and adding two assists in the five games. Is he gonna make the NHL? probably not, but that doesn't mean he isn't kickin some butt in the junior ranks.
Most of the other Canucks bloggers (and that drunken Duck blogger) have had their say on last night's win over the Ducks, so I don't need to ramble on too long. Most of what I had to say is over at The NHL Fanhouse. If you don't visit that site thrice a day, you better start, lest I get Jan Bulis on your ass.
(Bonus points if anyone gets that reference)
Labels: Canucks, ducks, second round, Vancouver Giants
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Duck L'Orange?
I got an email from a reader with a very valid question about Anaheim Ducks fans. Maybe one of you quackers can answer it?
---
I was watching last night's 'Nucks/Ducks game and noticed a lot of Anaheim fans dressed in ORANGE...I don't get it; I mean orange is not one of the Ducks' colors. Furthermore:
In America, only prisoners wear orange
1. Orange is usually worn by hunters, the enemy of ducks
2. Wouldn't orange be better for the opposing fans?
Wayne...Tuskegee, Alabama
---
Maybe there are just a lot of Dutch people in Anaheim?
I don't have much more to say about last night's debacle other than what I wrote at The NHL Fanhouse.
---
I was watching last night's 'Nucks/Ducks game and noticed a lot of Anaheim fans dressed in ORANGE...I don't get it; I mean orange is not one of the Ducks' colors. Furthermore:
In America, only prisoners wear orange
1. Orange is usually worn by hunters, the enemy of ducks
2. Wouldn't orange be better for the opposing fans?
Wayne...Tuskegee, Alabama
---
Maybe there are just a lot of Dutch people in Anaheim?
I don't have much more to say about last night's debacle other than what I wrote at The NHL Fanhouse.
Labels: ducks, reader mail
