Ducks vs Chicago Blackhawks

A few observations from the game:

First period -

- Wayyyy too many chances for the Hawks. Hiller is doing great keeping pucks out of his net, but he's being tested too many times too early on for my taste.

- The birthday boy nets his first of the night, Bobby Ryan makes the first mark on the scoresheet.

- Lubomir Visnovsky, who came to the Ducks at the trade deadline from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for defenseman Ryan Whitney, is nothing short of awesome. Finally, we have another strong D-man who doesn't hesitate to unleash his rocket of a slapper from the blue line. Almost makes me forgive the original trade of Chris Kunitz for Whitney last season.

- Both teams with great energy. The goaltenders are getting a workout, facing nearly 20 shots on goal each in the first period.

Second period -

- It's getting ugly out here. Corey Perry takes a hit to the head from Brent Seabrook, who also takes a huge hit from James Wisniewski in retaliation.

- Crawford attempts a similar play to Hiller in which he comes way out of the net to head off an oncoming short-handed rush by the Ducks. But he fumbles the puck, and Kyle Chipchura assists Todd Marchant in burying that puck into the back of the net. Second goal of the game for Anaheim.

- Hiller still coming up big. The boy is definitely in the zone tonight.

Third period -

- Very entertaining game altogether, both clubs pulling out all the stops.

- Boiling over at the end, Bobby's empty netter seals a Duck win as well as prompting a livid Kris Versteeg to cross-check Marchant. Bobby jumps at Versteeg and a line brawl breaks out. Amongst the pushing and shoving, two sets of flying fists emerge: ex-Duck Nick Boynton (now with the Blackhawks) and Wiz. Yours truly found the matchup a bit surprising, especially considering how both parties looked like their hits were fueled by more than a good-natured fight.

Something tells me Nicky and Wiz weren't exactly friends when they were both Ducks.