Ducks vs Colorado Avalanche

After a grueling work shift at the job that pays the bills, I was greatly looking forward to ending my night at the rink.

With the Ducks looking to nab every point possible in a tight Western Conference race, a game against the bottom-dwelling Colorado Avalanche is a potential gift. Of course then, when you remember that the Ducks have a nasty habit of losing against teams they shouldn't lose to, you kinda get that lump in your throat.

Bottom-dweller or not, Ducks are gonna have to bring their game!


The Ponda makes a doozy of a margarita!

Best part of that margarita, you can buy it in the collectible shaker and then bring back the shaker for discounted refills! Unfortunately for me, multiple margaritas make for a very buzzed blogger. Luckily, most of the pictures were salvageable!


Bobby Ryan on one of many goal opportunities tonight

Ducks in the first period were nothing to write home about. They were looking flat-footed and uninspired. The Avalanche got two past goaltender Ray Emery, taking a 2-0 lead into the locker room at the 1st intermission.


Trying to get a fire lit under his teammates, George Parros lands a few haymakers on David Koci

The Ducks probably got a good talking to by coach Carlyle because they came out with a vengeance for the second. Passes were connecting, the forechecking presence was there, and the scoring lines put on the pressure. Finally, payoff.


Anaheim Ducks GOAAAAAALLLLLL!!!

The Ducks would score three goals (a Teemu Selanne goal sandwich with a bit of Jason Blake in the middle) during the second, before the Avs would answer back with a goal of their own. The score was 3-3 going into the 2nd intermission.


Just another milestone for the Finnish Flash

3rd period and a 20-minute hockey game between the Avs and the Ducks. Cam Fowler puts the Ducks up one early on in the period, himself recording a record nine goals in the season by a rookie defenseman. Five minutes in and the Ducks are awarded a power play for an Avs' "too many men on the ice" penalty. Everyone wanted to say it, "give the puck to Selanne!"

Apparently, the Ducks were saying it too.


Third goal and HAT TRICK for Teemu!

What a season for hat tricks! I've actually been in attendance for a record number this season, two for Corey Perry, one for Lubomir Visnovsky, and now one for Teemu Selanne. It's the 22nd of his career, but his first for me.

And this guy is thinking of retiring?!?!?

Avs get one more but are unable to equalize before the period ends. Ducks snatch another two points for the playoff race.


In this tight of a race, losing is just not an option


But the man of the hour is Teemu Selanne, 1st star of the game, and 40-year-old phenom

Ducks vs St. Louis Blues

This one wasn't pretty, but it was two points... and we'll take it.

I'll do the post just like the game: quick and dirty.

It was the obligatory St. Patty's Day game, even though it's actually 3/16.


The Ponda ice with an eerie green glow

Goaltender Dan Ellis' new Duck-themed pads and mask came in. He was sporting them during warmups.




Apparently, Ellis is going with a zombie Duck groove

Unfortunately, he wouldn't get a chance to try out the new gear tonight. Ray Emery started.


In his first game start in over a year, Emery held up well

He faced 31 shots, and stopped all but one. Not bad at all, but his rebounds do give me ulcers.

Jason Blake lit the lamp twice. One was a fluky bounce, the other was a sweet redirect off a slapper from Lubomir Visnovsky.

Otherwise, the game was fairly flat. Our boys didn't play a full 60 minutes, but they played enough to beat the Blues.


The boys celebrate a win with Emery


The Ducks break back into the top 8

Here's hoping we can stay there!

Ducks vs Detroit Red Wings

I have a coworker whose father's season seats are two rows behind the Anaheim Ducks bench. Earlier in the season, the coworker brought a list to work of games that were available for us to buy her father's season seats to, and I'd chosen one thinking, "Well, it'll be an awesome opportunity to get some really great pictures..."

So I bought a pair to one game.

Six months later, that game had finally arrived.

Going into this one, I wasn't too sure how I was going to feel. Our boys are fragile having tenuously broken a 5-game losing streak, missing their starting goaltender in Jonas Hiller, and having Saku Koivu still out with groin issues. The Western Conference is a veritable logjam, with less than five points separating 4th from 11th place.

And the Detroit Red Wings are hot right now. Two nights prior, they beat the pants off the Los Angeles Kings in a 7-4 contest. Ducks fans were happy to see the Kings beat, but it scared the bejeezus out of us to know we were, most likely, the Wings' next victim.

I told my seat partner, "We'll have awesome seats, but don't expect to see a win tonight." That was going to be my mindset for the game.


Holy seats, Batman!


I wonder what Teemu Selanne thinks about during the national anthem

The seats were indeed, awesome. If you've never been this close to the glass before, I can tell you that you get a real appreciation for the speed of the game at this distance. The players look huge, and the action is breathtaking. The hits sound harder and you can hear the players yell at one another on the ice. In terms of watching the game, you get to see the plays up close, but a lot of the action in the corners is lost.

Especially if you're short.




Corey Perry: "Can I tell Datsyuk he's gonna get it?"

I spent the better part of the first period just taking pictures. Our Ducks came out strong and hard, hopefully they could keep that up. For a team on the road, the Red Wings also came out hard. But then again, what else do you expect from them?


Luca Sbisa finishes a big hit

Both teams had good chances at goals, but luck and good goaltending kept pucks out of each net through the first.




Doin' work for the Ducks during Jonas Hiller's absence, Dan Ellis


Coach Carlyle reviewing plays during a TV timeout

The score was 0-0 going into the 1st intermission.

Before the second started up, I was still snapping shots of the players trickling out onto the ice. Bobby Ryan stood facing the glass, chatting with a few other players who were sitting on the bench. He caught my gaze and winked. Dan Sexton also gave me a smile as he took his seat on the bench.



At that point I'd pretty much decided, win or lose, my night had been made.


The Red Wings only goal that night, courtesy of number 13, Pavel Datsyuk

Five minutes into the second, Datsyuk breaks the stalemate on a power play. Speaking of power plays, the Wings ended up getting nine opportunities tonight to our Ducks' four. Lopsided much?

Try as they might, the Ducks couldn't find that equalizer during the next 15 minutes of play. But not for a lack of chances! Bobby, Teemu Selanne, Cam Fowler, and Corey Perry all had opportunities. Wings' goaltender Jimmy Howard came up big each time.


Captain Ryan Getzlaf in the faceoff


Go defense: Lubomir Visnovsky, Cam Fowler, and (sitting) Toni Lydman

Our defense also came up big. Despite constant pressure from the Wings (honestly, neither team had a lacking period this game), Ducks defense was good. I noticed the younger guys making offensive-minded plays. Fowler taking slap shots from the blue line, Sbisa launching a perfect cross-ice bid from Selanne towards the net, Lydman keeping distances between himself and the Wing offense small and not letting anyone get a shot lined up... it was intense.

This, folks, was playoff hockey.





Early in the third, a surprise shot from Jason Blake near the blue line goes over Howard's shoulder and into the net. Ducks tie it up, 1-1.


Blake with the equalizer

Play continued back and forth, both Howard and Dan Ellis acting the stone wall. If Ellis is trying to prove his worth to his new team, I've gotta say he's putting up a great argument.





I also have to give tremendous kudos to our penalty kill. They were completely resilient in eight of those nine Red Wing power plays, including a heart-pounding 3-on-5 and a 'too many men on the ice' Duck penalty with only 15 seconds left in regulation.




Do or die, Ducks

Talk about a heart attack. Ducks go into the 4-on-4 overtime period with only three men on the ice. Somehow, somehow, we get through that penalty intact. I notice Ryan Getzlaf dawdling with the puck in the defensive zone. The clock reads 2:55 left in overtime. C'mon boys... don't waste time!

Suddenly, he whips a perfect stretch pass out to Bobby who's leaving the neutral zone. On a breakaway, Ruslan Salei takes a hooking penalty as he gets his stick blade caught in Bobby's skate. Bobby goes down and, to the roar of the crowd, is awarded a penalty shot.


This special moment brought to you by numbers 15 and 9

Everyone had to stand for this one. Bobby's first NHL career penalty shot. I'm sure I wasn't alone, my heart pounding in my chest, watching him head down the ice towards Howard. I couldn't see exactly what was happening, but you didn't have to see. The roar of the crowd as the puck flew past Howard and into the net was all that was needed. Bobby also yelled in celebration and slammed himself into the glass right before he was mobbed by his teammates from the bench.


Ducks celebrating Bobby's penalty shot goal, winning the game


Bobby being interviewed as the game's First Star

This one would go down as Bobby's first career OT winner and only the fourth penalty shot overtime goal in club history.

A lot of screaming was done that night. That and high-fiving strangers, dancing in the stands and parking lot, and watching fans clad in red hurry from the premises.

It was beautiful. And if you were there for this game, you witnessed a little piece of Anaheim Ducks history.

Ducks vs New Jersey Devils

As a hockey fan in general, it’s always fun to have an Eastern Conference visitor. You get to see star players that you might not have ever seen live on the ice before, and may not see again for some time. You also feel a little less pressure knowing that two points are up for grabs but, if you don’t get them, they aren’t falling into the hands of division rivals.


Let’s also not forget the surprising fan showing that almost always presents itself at the Ponda. Look at all those Devils’ jerseys

Myself, I was thrilled to have an opportunity to see "winningest" goaltender Martin Brodeur. Not exactly a spring chicken anymore, Brodeur might possibly be hanging up the skates soon. I wanted to be sure to get some good shots of him beforehand.


Almost as if he knew what I was up to, Brodeur gave me some beauties


Zack Parise didn’t disappoint either


2010 Olympic Team USA captain Jamie Langenbrunner would tally a goal that I’m sure Hiller would pay to have back

Going into this game, I was hoping our boys would be able to steal two points against our struggling visitor. The Devils are going through their second worst start in franchise history... perhaps they’d gift wrap a few for us? After our Ducks had finished their 10-day road trip with an incredible win in Dallas (5-2, with goals going to Teemu Selanne, George Parros, Corey Perry, and two for Bobby Ryan), I thought we were playing much better now than when we’d started.

Well, considering how bad we were at the beginning of the season, I suppose that’s not saying much. It also doesn’t help that the Ducks are riddled with injuries. Andy Sutton is still out, Cam Fowler was a healthy scratch, and Dan Sexton and Matt Beleskey would probably be out another couple of games.

Still, one can hope.


In Beleskey’s absence, Aaron Voros played alongside Getzlaf and Perry and had a number of excellent scoring chances

I wasn’t particularly thrilled with how our boys played the first half of the game. They seemed sort of slow and sluggish... why do I feel like I’ve said this before?


With all of the penalties the Ducks get, prime penalty killer Todd Marchant is worth his weight in gold

Coach Carlyle has also been putting Bobby on the penalty kill. An interesting idea, I must admit I like how it’s turning out. Bobby has an aggressive style on the pk, often getting his stick in the way of passing lanes. I just wouldn’t want him out there so much on the pk that he has no energy to generate goals.


Bobby’s pass through the crease just misses connecting with Selanne

In the second half of the game, the Ducks came alive and we actually got to see some good play.


Parros putting his own pressure on the Devs


Andreas Lilja and Toni Lydman helping Hiller keep his crease clear

I do like what I see with our newest veteran D-men. Lilja and Lydman appear to be steady, dependable guys on the ice, and I’m sure they have plenty of experience to share with our rookies in the locker room.


Jason Blake celebrating his goal, and the Ducks’ only tally

Peppering Brodeur with shots didn’t do the trick (SOG: 28-27, Ducks), the veteran netminder came up big... with a little help from his posts. And the Devils were able to slip their own couple of goals behind Hiller (Langenbrunner and Patrik Elias). The Ducks fought hard for over 10 minutes to net that equalizer, but would inevitably fall 1-2 to the Devils. On the bright side, we were able to keep salary cap buster Ilya Kovalchuk off the board too.


Ducks top RPG line was effectively kept quiet

I’m trying to believe that there is a reason why Carlyle won’t start with or keep Bobby on that top line with Getz and Pears. He started off on the second line with Teemu and Saku Koivu, and was bumped up for the final minutes of desperation. Is it that he doesn’t want to have the RPG line together? Is he taking money on the side? Is he afraid they’ll lose their potency like the way I fear caffeine tolerance from drinking too much recreational coffee? ???

Here’s hoping our boys will fare better in their contest at San Jose tonight.


It was nice seeing you, Brodeur, but you don’t have to bring yourself and your winningest ways back here anytime soon!

Ducks vs Phoenix Coyotes, preseason opener

What a sight for sore eyes! The Ponda!

There was a feeling of calm familiarity as I walked across the North Ponda Parking Lot. In the distance, an old friend. I was home!

I know I wasn't the only Duck fan anticipating the return to the Ponda for Wednesday night's preseason opener against the Phoenix Coyotes. The offseason was much too long for us, we were more than ready for our hockey fix, even if only a preseason game.

Preseason games aren't about winning and losing. They are an opportunity for rookies and new acquisitions to prove to their new teams that they belong on the opening night roster. Coaches get a chance to see the players in action, to try out different lines of forwards, different defense pairings, and to test what works and what doesn't. The preseason is also an opportunity for the players to get a feel for each other, to develop the chemistry and communication necessary to make them formidable competitors once the season actually starts and the games count.

Notables like Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, and Jonas Hiller wouldn't be playing tonight, but would be stationed at various areas of the Ponda to mingle with fans. Personally, I love that they do this! It's so amusing to watch how ticket holders will order their pizzas and beers without even recognizing the young man behind the counter without his game jersey.

The diehard fans know who those nicely-dressed boys are and we made a point of taking advantage of their accessibility before the game.


Hiller signing autographs and selling Kids Club kits.


Troy Bodie serving chicken.


Fan: Hey, can we get sushi here?
Brookbank: Aw man, I don't even remember how to make my roll!


Corey Perry behind the Oggi's pizza counter.


Ryan Getzlaf sold us a pepsi and a pretzel. I also congratulated him on his recent nuptials.


Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu signing autographs at the fan relations desk.

The game itself wasn't a good one for the Ducks overall. Granted, we had a lot of our less-seasoned players on the ice, I think the coaches learned a good deal about what works and what doesn't. Bobby Ryan was the lone scorer (on the power play), looking comfortable in his new position as center. I saw Bobby set up a number of plays, trying to feed the puck to wingers near the net. Unfortunately, none of them were able to convert.


I miss Andrew Ebbett. He's a Yote now, and scored a goal against his former team. Mixed feelings there.

Our defense didn't seem to have a lot going for them either. They allowed way too much space between themselves and the oncoming Yote forwards, and paid the price. I felt they were also much too soft with how they held up the blue line. Of course then, the Coyotes had some of their best forwards out there, so that didn't help matters.

It looked a lot like the guys were playing too individually, not focusing on how to work together as a team. They were trying too hard to be the guy that wins the day, and in the end, the Ducks appeared sloppy and disjointed.

The Coyotes, on the other hand, played a more cooperative, seamless game. Being my boyfriend team, I also enjoyed seeing my Yotes back on the ice. Scottie Upshall hasn't laced up since the middle of last season, after going out with ACL/MCL injuries. I think I can safely say the knee isn't much of an issue now. It was also nice seeing Paul Bissonette, Petr Prucha, and Sami Lepisto again.

Keep in mind, it's a preseason game so winning and losing don't mean much. Even so, I'll be looking forward to tomorrow night's game, when our Ducks will have more seasoned guys like Getzlaf and Perry (and Hiller in net) to help out our rookies.

Heck, I'm just happy to see my boys back on the ice!