Ducks vs Chicago Blackhawks

Something different for this post?

No, we still lost.

But I'm going to do a little something I don't do much of around here anymore, and that's write. It's been hard to do much posting... I mean, it's always hard to write about losses. But this season's string of losses (the last time we won one was 11/11 and I was out of the country that night) has gotten even the most faithful of Duck fans frustrated.

Is it the players?

Is it the coaching staff?

Is it the head coach?

Is it the GM?

Or any combination of the above? The answers are probably in the locker room, at every intermission, at every practice, after every game. But we fans are pretty much in the dark, with only our own speculations and rumors to go off of.

And the rumors have been kinda nasty. Maybe a key player will get traded off. Maybe a bunch of young talent will go with him. Maybe a majority of the team will be disassembled before the coaching staff is touched.

I've heard rumors that Bobby Ryan may be on the trading block, with Toronto and Buffalo interested. Ugh. If that happens, either Toronto or Buffalo will be getting a new fan, much the same as I've followed center Matthew Lombardi from Calgary to Phoenix to Nashville, and now to Toronto.

But who's to say?

All I know is that I've seen too many games where the same tired, unconfident team takes the ice. I've seen too many dump and chase maneuvers fall flat. Too many leads lost when the offense disappears and the defense fails to achieve. Too many players waste their skills on plays and styles that don't suit them.

And it's so hard to see this happen.

I feel so horrible for Teemu Selanne, who came back for one more year but might not even see a postseason. This is no way for Selanne to end his career. I feel horrible for the goalies, who might put in a perfect game save the fact that they cannot score all of the team's goals in addition to protecting their nets. I feel horrible for the young guys who are trying so hard, but whose development is undoubtedly being stunted by everything going on around them.

And I feel horrible for us fans who paid to helplessly watch this happen night in and night out.

Please, comments are welcomed.


Ellis: "Dude, you don't EVEN know the half of it..."

Ducks vs Detroit Red Wings

Another loss. Not much else to say, just some pictures to share.


Check out Dan Ellis' new mask, inspired by the Ducks tradition of honoring one of our soldiers at every home game


Newly acquired off waivers from Calgary, defenseman Niklas Hagman. (Please save us?)


Corey Perry in his usual spot next to the opposing goaltender, waiting for pucks to tip in


Captain Ryan Getzlaf concentrating at the faceoff


Pavel Datsyuk, the one Red Wing I can't hate because he's just so damn silky smooth

Ducks vs Dallas Stars

When the Stars get a fluky puck past Jonas Hiller a mere 13 seconds into the game, you kinda know things might not go the Ducks' way. Throw in a lackluster effort and an underrated Stars team flying on the shoulders of a hot goalie in Kari Lehtonen, and it was pretty much doomed from the first puck drop.

And don't even get me started on the officiating!

Believe it or not, there were some notable moments in tonight's game. We'll try to focus on those.


It was Hockey Fights Cancer night at the Ponda, and the Ducks wore special stamps on their helmets in support for cancer charities. Thanks, Andrew Gordon, for modeling


Cue the ceremonial puck drop

Francois Beauchemin looked no worse for wear after taking a puck to the visor and luckily ending up with only a compression laceration.


Defenseman Kurtis Foster from Edmonton had been cleared for play.

He'd be a healthy scratch in tonight's contest, but it was great to see him out there. I'm definitely curious to see what this guy can do.




A long awaited Duck goal was waived off when Perry was penalized for goaltender interference

Our boys actually got many opportunities to score. They were outshooting the Stars from the beginning, but just couldn't get anything past Lehtonen.

I have to admit, I was impressed by this goalie.


Lehtonen's impression of a stone wall. For what it's worth, Perry was the only Duck goal of the game


Ryan Getzlaf also impressed with some fancy stickwork

I do think Getzy looks a heck of a lot better this season than last. More fit, more determined, and with a new sense of maturity, he seems more suited to captain this team. Maybe being a new daddy has something to do with that.

Anyway, the winning streak had to end some time. The Ducks have still broken franchise records and started things off on a good note. Let's forget this one and move on to Phoenix!

Ducks vs San Jose Sharks, Home Opener

After spending the first two games of the season abroad in Europe, our Ducks got a few days of rest and relaxation to get over any jet lag before tonight's home opener against the San Jose Sharks. As is customary with home openers, the Ducks rolled out a "Blue Carpet" so that the fans could welcome back their boys in Hollywood star fashion.

Hey, we're a Southern California hockey team, okay?

Unfortunately, I was working the job that pays the bills, so I couldn't get any pictures from the Blue Carpet, but I did get a few from the game itself.


There was live music pre-game (I forget the name of the band)


Big smiles from Captain Ryan Getzlaf during warmups. Heck, everyone was happy to be back!


Notice the "24" patch being worn by all the Ducks in tribute to fallen former Duck Ruslan Salei


Rookie Maxime Macenauer would be the only player to tally a goal in tonight's contest

Keep an eye on this kid. I've liked Maxie since last season, when he was the last of the rookies to be sent down to minors. The boy is very good in the faceoff dot.


What a relief! This would be Toni Lydman's first game back since shoulder surgery during the off-season

The Ducks had a rousing opening video thanking the fans and welcoming us back to the Ponda for a new season of Ducks hockey. The opening ceremony involved the boys entering the rink through the zamboni tunnel, backlit by smoke and red lighting.


MVP Corey Perry was welcomed onto the rink by a standing ovation

The game itself was awesome. I still believe the rivalry between the Sharks and the Ducks makes both teams play all the harder. You really do get the best performances from both. And Hiller? Have no fear, Hiller the Shark Killer is back. He earned his first shutout of the season, 20th in his career.


The boys celebrate a win with Hiller, number one star of the game

Our D looked a complete 180 from this time last season. With most of the guys returning, it definitely shows that they are all comfortable playing together again.

The offense is taking a bit longer to gel, but with two strong scoring lines, and possibly three... it's only a matter of time.

The Sharks fans in attendance (I heard there were busloads of them that came in for this game) were extremely loud. For once, we Duck fans showed them up. I've honestly never heard the Ponda that loud before during a non-playoff game. It was awesome!!

Ducks hockey is back!!

Ducks vs Vancouver Canucks

Yes, just another preseason game, but hopefully one that will give us fans a good idea of what to expect from our boys this season. It was reported that coach Carlyle would be keeping the top RPG line intact, the Fins would be joined by Brandon McMillan on the second line, Andrew Cogliano would play center to Devante Smith-Pelly and Andrew Gordon on the third.

I'm still liking what I've seen with Gordon as well as Maxime Macenauer, hoping they continue their strong strides for roster spots.

I'm also incredibly curious to see how Jonas Hiller fares in between the pipes. He played against the Canucks in Vancouver a few days ago, but I want to see him on home ice with my own eyes.

As for the Canucks, I'm hearing that there are a lot of rookies trying to make the roster. And a lot of the veterans haven't seen much ice time yet. So it might be a slightly lopsided affair, but after watching our rookies beat the pants off of the Los Angeles Kings (who were playing some of their big guns) at the Staples Center Sunday night, anything is possible.

This is hockey afterall, right??