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??

Training Camp 2011

I'm not yet done with all the pics from training camp, but I wanted to get the preliminary shots up here. More to come! Enjoy!


Jason Blake, Igor Bobkov, and Devante Smith-Pelly




Listening to instructions from coach Carlyle


Dan Ellis stops a bid assisted by newly drafted Richard Rakell




MVPerry is ready for his close-up


Back again for another training camp, Sheldon Brookbank




Captain Ryan Getzlaf


Chit-chatting between Perry and Getzlaf


Luca Sbisa and, in the background, Finnish goaltender Iiro Tarkki


Tarkki with a great save


Smith-Pelly and Sbisa


Dan Sexton and Jason Blake


Promising defenseman Jake Newton


Igor Bobkov takes a break




Rakell watches Mathieu Carle in a relay


Bobby Ryan


Jonas Hiller stretching out


Speedy newcomer from Edmonton, Andrew Cogliano


Matt Beleskey and Saku Koivu


Teemu Selanne tries to get one past Hiller




Also from Edmonton, Jeff Deslauriers




Bobby listening to the coaches as they set up a drill


Rookie Joseph Cramarossa




Cam Fowler signing autographs


Ryan Getzlaf hung out and signed autographs and took pictures with everyone


Much to our amusement, Bobby picked up a bunch of rookie "Ducklings" and offered them a ride to their hotel


Francois Beauchemin signing an autograph


Fan favorites George Parros and Teemu "one more" Selanne

3rd Annual Anaheim Ducks In a Roll

What's quickly becoming a very popular preseason event, the 3rd annual Anaheim Ducks in a Roll took place tonight at RA Sushi in Tustin.

Including this year, I've now been to all three and I can accurately say that it gets more and more crowded every year. When it was announced that Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf would be joined by Bobby Ryan and newcomer Andrew Cogliano, along with one lucky fan, I knew this year's event was going to be a zoo.


The calm before the storm

Arriving early didn't help much. Everyone was there early!

Like last year, seating was virtually nonexistent. There were a few standing tables, but otherwise, fans had to mill about and eat their sushi on the go. The "rules" were basically the same. Guests got to watch the boys roll their specialty sushi rolls and sample each roll. Purchasing a roll for $10 would count as a "fan vote" for that player, and $2 would go to the Anaheim Ducks Foundation. The roll with the most votes earns that player a win in the Fan Favorite category.


Fans eagerly awaiting

Rolls were also rated by a panel of judges and, in the end, an ultimate winner would be announced. That roll would be available on RA Sushi menus for the majority of the upcoming season, along with the $2 donation to charity.


Streamlined from last year, premade rolls were ready to go before the boys learned how to make them

Year after year, the players have a lot of fun with this event. And the fans do too. Let's look at some pictures!


Andrew Cogliano learning how to make his roll


Cogs: "So, how do I start?"


Getting heckled by Gezlaf, although Getzy did admit Cogs' roll was pretty good




Cogs presenting the "Breakaway" roll


"Breakaway" roll: yellowtail, spicy albacore, avocado and cucumber, drizzled with garlic ponzu and sriracha and topped with a slice of jalapeno


Getzlaf taking note of his available ingredients. No poutine, eh?


Bobby Ryan and Getzlaf discussing the finer points of sticky rice




All three Ducks hard at work


Ducks fan and winner with the highest bid, $550, Jeff Banner

Honestly, I thought Jeff's roll, the "Slapshot" (salmon, mango salsa, cream cheese inside; eel, roe, and eel sauce outside) was really good. I'm not a fan of jalapenos or spicy food so Jeff's was perfect for me.


Getzy learning how to make his roll, the "Captain Crunch" roll


What a pro!




Getzy presenting his roll to the fans


Getzy's "Captain Crunch" roll: spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, cucumber, and crunchy tempura bits, with a chili ponzu dipping sauce


Bobby learning how to make his roll, the "Hat Trick" roll


Bobby: "We don't actually come up with the names or ingredients in these..."






Bobby presenting his finished roll


The "Hat Trick" roll: salmon, spicy mayo, avocado and cucumber inside; crab mix and mango salsa outside

I really liked Bobby's roll too. Not too spicy, but very tasty. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately, considering the fate of past fan favorite winners--they always end up traded), Bobby's came in third in the voting.


Getzlaf walked away with the fan favorite vote...


... but it was Cogliano and his "Breakaway" roll that won the judging

You can pick up the "Breakaway" roll at SoCali RA Sushi locations from October 11 until early April of next year, with $2 going to the Anaheim Ducks Foundation.


Said one judge, "Cogliano's roll has a bite to it, which you wouldn't expect from a player who just spent two seasons in Edmonton..."

As always, a fun event!