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Around SBN: Beyond The Boxscore's Week 17 MLB Power Rankings

Ducks Gameday—Potential playoff preview?

Detroit Red Wings (29-7-6, 2nd in west) at Anaheim Ducks (22-17-5, t-5th in west)

Author's note: we wil be having an SBN comment-fest later on during game time.  Feel free to stop by, no matter who you root for.

Here's a fun fact for you: in its franchise history, Anaheim has qualified for the playoffs six times, and in every odd-numbered year they've qualified, they have met up with Detroit ('97, '99, '03, '07).  In 2006 and 2008 the Ducks qualified but the matchup was avoided.  For sure 2009 is an odd-numbered year; the only question remains whether Anaheim's going to play past game 82 this time around.

Pacman1_medium
I'm not sure why I bothered to label each character, but still, who will get the power play pellet tonight?

It's certainly been an odd year for the Ducks (groan) -- they're still sitting in a decent spot in a lackluster western conference, despite winning only 4 of their last 11, but the pack is certainly getting close.  But you know -- positivity!  The Ducks have yet to really start playing well for any stretch, and there's definitely one benefit to being stuck in a crowd at the midpoint of the season -- the Ducks need to pick up their pace in the 2nd half to qualify, and should they pull that off it makes for a nice bit of momentum heading into the spring. 

Don't let my positivity fool you, though -- there's still tons to be worried about come springtime, even if the Ducks do get their game in order.  San Jose, Detroit, Calgary, Chicago -- pretty much any opponent in the west's top four is a potential death-trap, and the Ducks will probably be underdogs in nearly any matchup.  Still, if there's any lesson to be learned from 2003, beware the determined underdog.

Star-divide

A few bullets for ya:

  • I really enjoyed Fenwick's piece at BoA about plus-minus and Rod Brind'Amour.  Don't worry if you're not too numbers-inclined: I point it out more for its discussion points, and I think it gives a very reasoned take on the weaknesses of reading too much into a flawed statistic.
  • Death to Blogspot?  I don't know what's going on, but full congrats to the Falconer for moving his old blog to the SBN conglomoverse -- Bird Watchers Anonymous is an excellent addition to the Southeast end of things.  Also, The Pensblog has moved to a new site -- make sure you update your favorites.  If a giant tidal wave took out the entire east coast of North America, The Pensblog is probably the biggest reason why I'd care (fully trusting that Sleek's siblings don't read this blog).
  • For your Red Wings angle tonight, there's SBN's Winging It In Motown, plus the old rival-favorites: Abel to Yzerman and On the Wings.  For any visiting Red Wing readers, here's a post you can read from last summer: The Red Wings’ Biggest Rival: the Ducks? Here’s Five Reasons Why…

Prediction: 7 of the Ducks' last 11 games have ended in a 4-3 score, and I'm a guy who likes safe bets.  Ducks 4, Red Wings 3.  Goals by Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde.  Oops, I mean Perry, Ryan, Pahlsson, and Morrison.

Go Ducks.

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Comments

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Last year, the only teams in the West that I thought could trip up the Big Red Machine was the Ducks and the Flames. This year, they might have to battle through the Ducks in the first round, and then deal with a Flames team in the second, and then the eventual conference championship against San Jose. That is a tough tough road, against the three teams that have the best shot to beat the Wings, imo.

If such a scenario happened though, it would finally give me the GOOD Wings/Sharks series I’ve been hoping for over the last 7 years or so. That series in the second round a couple years ago was a pretty unremarkable series, all around, I felt.

by IAmJoe on Jan 14, 2009 7:51 AM PST reply actions  

should have given the red wing the pink bow and the lipstick..would have been more appropriate

ducks just gotta get hot…with ryan becoming a force..being optomisitic and beliving he wont hit a wall….its possible

losing to the lighting though really ala peter griffin “grinds my gears”

I need strong drink tonite

one positive we seem to show up against detriot…i see us winning in overtime 5-4

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Jan 14, 2009 7:52 AM PST reply actions  

should have given the red wing the pink bow and the lipstick..would have been more appropriate

Damn, Spade, you’re psychic! You must have seen the first version of this.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t make the red bow look good against the Red Wing, or as the first alternative I couldn’t make the Red Wing look very good when colored yellow. But yeah, that was definitely in the early cards.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 8:43 AM PST up reply actions  

BTW, this was the Red Wing / Mrs. Pac Man design that nearly won out, but I decided for one that looked a bit cleaner. Sometimes my artistic impulses can overpower my desire to insult teams — probably a tragic flaw.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 11:36 AM PST up reply actions  

haha sleek you should have used that one!!…

whats funny i think the the detriot “wing” looks like a girls hair….hehe

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Jan 14, 2009 12:10 PM PST up reply actions  

ya gotta go post that on a detriot blog..for shits and giggles

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Jan 14, 2009 12:27 PM PST up reply actions  

Bummer

I don’t think I’ll be around for tonight’s chat…hoping to be there losing my voice instead. Should be a good one!

Working on the detailed predictions now…we’ll see how they turn out tonight!

GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com

by SK eleven on Jan 14, 2009 8:43 AM PST reply actions  

Enjoy the game — I nearly got a late game invite also, but then the guy’s schedule got freed up.

Ah, whatever. My couch is plenty comfortable, and my liquor is cheaper.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:36 AM PST up reply actions  

ha! I’ll keep that in mind for the next game! :)

GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com

by SK eleven on Jan 14, 2009 9:43 AM PST up reply actions  

what liquior ya got stocked right now?

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Jan 14, 2009 9:49 AM PST up reply actions  

I think tonight I’ll be drinking some Johnny Walker black label, or maybe some Gentleman’s Jack I got for Christmas.

I like to think I’m classy.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:56 AM PST up reply actions  

ooh black label good stuff!!!

you ever try the blue or green label…Im not classy enough or know enough classy people to ever get to try that it

I got some hoegarden beer and some bombay sapphire on tap for tonite….ill have to flip a coin they both sound good

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Jan 14, 2009 10:02 AM PST up reply actions  

I’ve really only had two glasses of blue label, and that was several years ago, and I probably didn’t know the difference back then.

I’ve got some green label somewhere in my liquor collection — maybe I’ll turn to that, it could be the liquid equivalent of the lucky green shirt.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 10:05 AM PST up reply actions  

speaking of green label a kings fan once had a green label jack daniels…he ordered it online or somthing…it seemed much smoother than the og JD….i should have dropped the bottle now that i think of it…just cuz he was a kings fan

hows the green label taste by the way?
not like the red label that tastes like fuckin gasoline

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Jan 14, 2009 10:44 AM PST up reply actions  

It’s not bad, but my bottle’s been in semi-storage for a few months now. Tune in around game time for a real-time review! :)

A green-labeled Jack Daniels? That sounds awesome! Now I know what I’m asking for next Christmas.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 10:51 AM PST up reply actions  

click the ahh there it is…im not good with this url stuff

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Jan 14, 2009 11:06 AM PST up reply actions  

Well, I think it’s a link to this very thread. How existential.

You can just copy the URL into the text of your comment, if you want. I’m not above copying and pasting (or maybe it will just work on its own).

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 11:12 AM PST up reply actions  

holy shit balls batman it does do it on its own

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Jan 14, 2009 12:13 PM PST up reply actions  

Wow. That guy’s only got nine bottles left?

Must be tasty, too!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 12:14 PM PST up reply actions  

screw it being a collectors item, I’d have it open and in a glass like ten seconds after I opened the box

by sharks on Jan 14, 2009 4:59 PM PST up reply actions  

I usually don't do Ducks...

Haha, but I just might watch this game tonight and join in on the chat :)
If that’s the case, it’ll be the first Ducks game I’ve watched.

by AppleSweetRose on Jan 14, 2009 9:15 AM PST reply actions  

You might be the ingredient that’s been missing from the Ducks’ game all season.

Plus you have to experience just a little bit of Brian Hayward, just so you can hate him better.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:37 AM PST up reply actions  

lol!

Haha I wish!
Though seeing as I’m actually an avid Sharks fan, I’m not too worried about them either winning or losing :p
But! It’ll be a nice change of scenery me thinks.
I love hockey games. So awesome lol

And you’ve got me all curious Brian Hayward guy! Ha will definately try to watch the game.

by AppleSweetRose on Jan 14, 2009 11:06 AM PST up reply actions  

I’ve still yet to hear a reasonable argument against him. Just “I don’t like him” and “He sides with the Ducks” (Which we all know is wrong, commentators not allowed to like any teams playing. In fact they shouldn’t even like the sport.) Someone else in one post a couple weeks back had a somewhat lengthy defense of why he IS a good color commentator compared to most others but I believe the post was getting old and no one was reading it anymore. I’ll try to find it if I can.

I mean, seriously, listen to the Sharks guys, Randy will nearly crap his pants and scream his lungs out when the Sharks score, but when the other team scores he’ll calmly say “..passes to Loblaw.. and they score.” But that’s okay when they do it.

People who save up for a rainy day are like milk. And milk goes good with cookies, so you should have those people over for cookies.

by brokenyard on Jan 14, 2009 1:10 PM PST up reply actions  

Reasonable Argument

How about, “This state just ain’t big enough for a scrub like Hayward and living legend Robert James Miller!”

Paul Lo Duca is MLB's Pablo Escobar..

by DodgerBlueBalls on Jan 14, 2009 3:52 PM PST up reply actions  

Mine’s much more about “I don’t like him” than anything — but I’ll see if I can’t point out some specifics tonight.

I can say this — I’ve been regularly skipping anything he says during the intermission for some time now, and I don’t feel like I’m any worse off for doing so. In fact, I’m generally more smiles the less Hayward that I experience.

Certainly a lot comes from overexposure, but I don’t think he’s really that quality. There’s dozens of other guys I’d prefer, at least.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 4:11 PM PST up reply actions  

People keep watching during intermissions?

People who save up for a rainy day are like milk. And milk goes good with cookies, so you should have those people over for cookies.

by brokenyard on Jan 14, 2009 7:05 PM PST up reply actions  

GameCenter Live is serving up the Wings feed. Yay!

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 7:07 PM PST up reply actions  

Nice ‘toon. If you guys wouldn’t mind taking out Datsyuk for tomorrows game, that would be great.

by Nut on Jan 14, 2009 9:30 AM PST reply actions  

and saturdays game

by sharks on Jan 14, 2009 5:10 PM PST up reply actions  

Go Ducks?

Seeing as how the Sharks pretty much have the pacific wrapped up, I think it may be time for us to root for any team against detroit to help hold them off. The Sharks getting home ice advantage through the play offs > rivalry with ducks. Also, how many points do you think San Jose will finish ahead of the Ducks? Maybe we should put the over/under at 20 points.

by TheRobberBaron on Jan 14, 2009 11:39 AM PST reply actions  

Maybe we should put the over/under at 20 points.

Over.

I mean, it’s 20 points now, and the Sharks have two extra games to play, which at their rate almost is guaranteed points.

But that’s cool — I understand why you Sharkies like regular season accomplishments ;)

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 11:43 AM PST up reply actions  

Just keep that up! After this season you won’t be able to hold that over us any long. The Cup is ours this time. (please please please let it be so!)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 3:55 PM PST up reply actions  

OC Register Ducks Blog Injury Update

Selanne back on the ice, four weeks after his injury, but unlikely to play until after the All-Star break.

Good to see he’s on schedule.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 12:45 PM PST reply actions  

I KNEW I should have added this to my predictions for today…“good news about Selanne” and I deleted it! always go with the first instinct…damn!!

GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com

by SK eleven on Jan 14, 2009 1:21 PM PST up reply actions  

Aww…means he’ll miss the Jan 20 Rangers game I’m going to. (Not that there was much hope he’d be back that early.) Glad to hear he’ll be back soon, though.

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 2:27 PM PST up reply actions  

Why are the Rangers playing the Ducks on Jan 20? They played in Los Angeles more than a month earlier.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 2:45 PM PST up reply actions  

They made at stop at Honda then too…

The Ducks are GOING to NY for a back to back with both the Rangers and the Islanders. Kings don’t have that trip coming up?

GO DUCKS!! Girl with a Puck

by SK eleven on Jan 14, 2009 2:50 PM PST up reply actions  

Ducks are taking a (mostly) east coast swing before the All-Star Break. To Pittsburgh, to Minnesota, to NY Rangers, to NY Islanders.

Probably better to visit the Rangers when they’re not in Los Angeles :)

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 2:51 PM PST up reply actions  

Sorry for the confusion. I’m a Ducks fan currently at school in NYC. It’ll be my first visit to MSG, and I’m going with a couple of other Ducks fans. Plus one Rangers fan — we’re bringing her along (and making her wear a Rangers hat or something) so we don’t get stuff thrown at us (or worse).

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 3:08 PM PST up reply actions  

The Ducks fans were aware of what you were talking about…no worries.

It’s that one Kings “fan” who didn’t understand…well he claims to be a Kings fan, but he seems to show up in the Ducks talk ALOT. I’ve encouraged him to come out of the fan closet, but he seems to be holding strong. He’ll learn eventually! :)

GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com

by SK eleven on Jan 14, 2009 3:13 PM PST up reply actions  

Haha, I forgot that Kevin is a Kings fan. Which is just another point in favor of SK eleven’s argument…

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 3:18 PM PST up reply actions  

Yeah, he plays it close to the vest, but when in doubt, here’s a hint. I believe Kings fans are the only people on the planet who wish Denis Gauthier was dead.

The rest of us don’t care, so long as he stays off our rosters.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 3:20 PM PST up reply actions  

Didn’t know the Ducks travel to the Rangers this season. Didn’t think to actually look at the calendar, either… I’ve had a long day, cut me some slack!

As for why I comment on the Ducks gameday posts… well, there aren’t a lot of Kings fans around anymore since they absolutely suck. I’ve gotta talk to somebody.

Don’t believe I hate the Ducks? Take a look at my “Least favorites” on my SportingNews.com profile. And no, I didn’t just change that now: http://members.sportingnews.com/member/index.html?user_id=11257361

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 6:16 PM PST up reply actions  

Oh, I believe you. And don’t worry, you’re a majority.

Between Pronger, Burke, Perry, a long string of playoff success, and Disney — this whole world is filled with Duck-haters, several with very good reasons. It’d probably be shorter if I listed the teams who’s fans don’t automatically hate the Ducks.

Umm, the Thrashers, maybe?

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 6:30 PM PST up reply actions  

How about the Iowa Chops’ fans?

Paul Lo Duca is MLB's Pablo Escobar..

by DodgerBlueBalls on Jan 14, 2009 6:38 PM PST up reply actions  

They probably hate the Ducks for depleting their AHL roster. I think at one point during Perry’s suspension the Ducks had six skaters playing who had started the year in Iowa.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 6:45 PM PST up reply actions  

This game is going to be fun- I’m assuming you guys are doing a little live blog thing in these here comments?

Count me in.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 12:51 PM PST reply actions  

Oh, and I’ll be rooting for the (gulp) Ducks.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 12:52 PM PST up reply actions  

That’s the spirit, Plank! We accept all versions of temporary turncoats here.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 1:12 PM PST up reply actions  

Just don’t expect it to last for long- well, it might be awhile considering we don’t play again till March. What a joke that is.

I’ll be leafing through the last two week or so of posts just so I can sound like I know what I’m talking about. Bobby Ryan you’re looking good, the power play doesn’t miss Selanne too much, and Pronger is a prick.

Looks like some old habits never die Sleek. I’ll try and keep that to a minimum.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 1:19 PM PST up reply actions  

considering we don’t play again till March. What a joke that is.

Normally, yes — the huge time off is a joke. But I think the Ducks need a little time to get some gameplan together before the Take-No-Prisoners Shark Express rolls through Anaheim again.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 1:33 PM PST up reply actions  

before the Take-No-Prisoners Shark Express rolls through Anaheim again.

I assume you’re talking about the pre-May Express correct?

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 1:57 PM PST up reply actions  

haha, I’ve yet to hear of any others!

GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com

by SK eleven on Jan 14, 2009 2:07 PM PST up reply actions  

how could you?!?!? traitor!!

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 4:00 PM PST up reply actions  

It's no so much Blogspot being dead ...

… as it is a bunch of hockey blogs going Hollywood.

Blogspot’s starting to become the AHL of blog hosting.

by jamestobrien on Jan 14, 2009 1:09 PM PST reply actions  

Glad we’re having a chat-a-thon tonight. I’d prefer it to be a Kings game, but no worries. As big a Kings fan I am, I’m gonna be equally rooting on the Wings tonight.

Two more things: first of all, kudos on the Pac-Man cartoon. That’s awesome. The second thing is; if we’re having a comment-fest tonight, why not just use one of those live chat windows that other blogs use?

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 2:21 PM PST reply actions  

The second thing is; if we’re having a comment-fest tonight, why not just use one of those live chat windows that other blogs use?

Two reasons: 1. I’m lazy, and 2. when it comes to new software, I’m reeeeeeaaaalllllly lazy.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 2:27 PM PST up reply actions  

Besides, we clearly can’t handle the basics on this simple comment posting section as it is!

GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com

by SK eleven on Jan 14, 2009 2:36 PM PST up reply actions  

It can’t really be that difficult, can it? But whatever, it’s not like I know how it works either.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 2:46 PM PST up reply actions  

Goals by Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. Oops, I mean Perry, Ryan, Pahlsson, and Morrison.

Who says nobody reads these predictions? Actually, nobody said that… but anyway, Pinky would be so much more appropriate with Todd Marchant. And Inky is so fitting for a Red Wings game… need I really explain that one?

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 2:49 PM PST reply actions  

Who says nobody reads these predictions?

Oh, read them, please. Just don’t take them very seriously when I’m nearly always wrong.

Blinky is probably Scott Stevens — he always had a weird eye tic before he would end somebody’s life at the blueline.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 2:55 PM PST up reply actions  

I always read the predictions. They are probably the least logical part of the post because they really aren’t based on anything other than your personal feelings at the time of writing the post.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 6:24 PM PST up reply actions  

OK, so nearly gametime

Anyone else want to offer a Sleek-style prediction? I won’t hold you to any of ’em.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 6:50 PM PST reply actions  

I’m going to say 3-2, Ducks. I’ll take your Perry and Morrison and add one from Scotty.

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 7:02 PM PST up reply actions  

24 – 21 Ducks, game winning field goal at the end.

People who save up for a rainy day are like milk. And milk goes good with cookies, so you should have those people over for cookies.

by brokenyard on Jan 14, 2009 7:07 PM PST up reply actions  

Pahlsson with the set-up, I hope.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:11 PM PST up reply actions  

field goal? okay I know I don’t know all the rules, but field goal? :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 7:12 PM PST up reply actions  

I’ll say 4-2 Red Wings. DET goals by Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Kronwall, and Franzen. ANA goals by Ryan, Festerling, and Pronger… yeah, no creativity there.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:14 PM PST up reply actions  

okay I'm here

but I just can’t bring myself to cheer on the ducks … or the wings

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 7:10 PM PST reply actions  

Well then tonight’s game should be quite fun for you, huh? :)

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:15 PM PST up reply actions  

any hockey game is fun … and with the Sharks not playing, I am stress free :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 7:16 PM PST up reply actions  

I actually kind of find these games a little stress free, oddly. I can certainly handle a loss to Detroit better than I can handle a loss to the Lightning.

And there’s a bright side — the Ducks and Wings can’t both win. Yet. (c’mon, Bettman)

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:18 PM PST up reply actions  

Yeah, normally I wouldn’t give up watching a Lakers game for a non-Kings game, but Wings/Ducks is always a good matchup.*

*That, and the Lakers game is at halftime.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:18 PM PST up reply actions  

The lady doth protest too much, methinks. ; )

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 7:20 PM PST up reply actions  

I really don’t care who wins this game. I’m pulling for the Red Wings, but if the Ducks win, it wouldn’t make it any easier or harder to get to sleep tonight. The fact that I’m waking up at 5:30am to go to school tomorrow morning, when my first class doesn’t start until 2:30pm, does.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:22 PM PST up reply actions  

And as soon as I say “if the Ducks win, it wouldn’t make it any easier or harder to get to sleep tonight”, the Wings come and score.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:23 PM PST up reply actions  

Parros into the goalie — nice.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:15 PM PST reply actions  

He must of have seen a little ten year old boy in the net. Creepy mustaches will do that to your psyche.

Er, go Ducks. Last time I slip up like that Sleek.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:17 PM PST up reply actions  

last time this half hour huh? :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 7:18 PM PST up reply actions  

Creepy mustaches will do that to your psyche.

:{O <- shocked Parros

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:21 PM PST up reply actions  

:{O <- shocked Parros

Or one willing to “do anything to get the boys ready for the game.”

Okay, seriously done now.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:22 PM PST up reply actions  

That was too close. C’mon, Wings!

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:19 PM PST reply actions  

man, are there more sharks fans here than ducks fans?

by sharks on Jan 14, 2009 7:21 PM PST reply actions  

looks that way huh?

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 7:23 PM PST up reply actions  

man, are there more sharks fans here than ducks fans?

Yeah. But it usually clears out by mid-May.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:27 PM PST up reply actions  

Woooooooooooo

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:28 PM PST up reply actions  

of course, the ducks fans will probably be cleared out way before that this yr

by sharks on Jan 14, 2009 7:30 PM PST up reply actions  

Scotty really is a butter smooth skater. Helluva playoff beard too.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:21 PM PST reply actions  

1-0 Wings! Holmstrom goal.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:22 PM PST reply actions  

So maybe the Ducks should start resting up Giguere for that All-Star Game?

It does promise to be a tough 20 minutes.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:23 PM PST reply actions  

It’ll be interesting to hear how Hayward calls the game with the Ducks losing.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:24 PM PST reply actions  

I’m guessing “whiningly”.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:24 PM PST up reply actions  

Sleek, I’m curious about something. Expert analysis has never been a focus of this blog, but do you think the Ducks should make a trade? And if so, for who? It’s obvious they aren’t the same team now than they have been the past three seasons, and the Wings and Sharks seem to be on an entirely different playing level.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:26 PM PST reply actions  

do you think the Ducks should make a trade?

No, not really. Only if the playoffs fall out of reach, then they should unload some UFAs. But generally, Burke has played this year’s hand out early in the year — I think acquisition trades would be too costly and too complicated (with that ever-present cap ceiling).

I think what I’d do is just hope for the best this year and just re-sign some side players— the Ducks are restarting again next summer no matter what — no need to overcommit on that now. We can just pretend that Teemu Selanne is a deadline-day pickup; that’s fine by me.

Another d-man would be nice, though.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:31 PM PST up reply actions  

Which of the following UFAs do you think the Ducks should re-sign (first choice): Morrisson, Parros, Montador

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:38 PM PST up reply actions  

I think Montador is my top priority outside of Pahlsson. Right now the Ducks’ blueline next year is Chris Pronger, and I’m guessing we’ll need five more guys eventually.

Parros is next, if he’s cheap. Simply because the fans love him, and that’s reason enough to sign a minimum wage player.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:40 PM PST up reply actions  

The Wizard of Os gets a big break. And who says sitting on your ass never accomplishes anything.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:32 PM PST reply actions  

And who says sitting on your ass never accomplishes anything.

My dad? But then again, I’m not making $1.7MM this year, whether I do anything or not.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:33 PM PST up reply actions  

Sammy’s gotta be gassed. His icetime is pretty high. 5:47 already. ONly Pronger and SNieds have played more.

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 7:33 PM PST reply actions  

Nonsense. Sammy is a (voting) robot. He never tires (of stuffing the ASG ballot box).

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:34 PM PST up reply actions  

Speaking of voting robots, your back and forth with that commenter on Fanhouse was pure gold.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:35 PM PST up reply actions  

Hmm, this sounds like something I might want to read.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:35 PM PST up reply actions  

Here it is. I didn’t really understand the complaint, really. He/she would have voted thousands of times, apparently, except they couldn’t get past the first screen?

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:38 PM PST up reply actions  

It can be found here.

Sadly, she/he said she was a Shark fan. Dark days on the interwebs.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:39 PM PST up reply actions  

Damn, so many great saves, but the D couldn’t get the puck out.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:35 PM PST reply actions  

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

I mean, yay!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:35 PM PST reply actions  

Not that I would cheer the Ducks or Kings

but a State rape of the Wings visit would be awfully nice.

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 7:38 PM PST reply actions  

How the hell do you get a rape graphic with Michigan? There are like 2 separate parts.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:41 PM PST up reply actions  

that isn’t my problem to figure out … I’m not the cartoonist :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 7:42 PM PST up reply actions  

I think I’ve seen a threesome online once before…….

Cali’s a big boy. He can handle it.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:42 PM PST up reply actions  

better than two of the same parts, right?

by sharks on Jan 14, 2009 7:43 PM PST up reply actions  

what a move indeed, damn

by sharks on Jan 14, 2009 7:41 PM PST reply actions  

Slick move by Getzlaf there.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:42 PM PST reply actions  

Hahaha. Did the Ducks feed show you the ridiculous snot rockets that Getzlaf was firing off? Looks like he was getting set up for an interview, and he was firing away—first one side, then the other. While guys were walking past him to the locker room. Gross.

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 7:44 PM PST reply actions  

OK, intermission question for Sharks fans

Since there’s so many of you.

Phoenix, Colorado, Columbus, Minnesota, Edmonton, Nashville, or Dallas.

Wo do you NOT want to see in the first round out of those choices?

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:46 PM PST reply actions  

Dallas, easy. Turco gets hot and shit goes bad.

After that, Columbus or Edmonton- two young teams that have a lot to fight for.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:47 PM PST up reply actions  

I was leaning towards Edmonton myself as first choice.

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 7:48 PM PST up reply actions  

btw that dual intermission question was sort of weird.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:47 PM PST up reply actions  

Love how the Kings are “conveniently” left out of that list.

The answer is Columbus, actually. If they make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, Mason is gonna be too tough to score against.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:48 PM PST up reply actions  

oh, I “conveniently” left out the Ducks and Canucks also — the real list is still very long. Just checking their opinions outside the BoC.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:51 PM PST up reply actions  

The answer is Columbus, actually.

Damn Regis, looks like I blew a chance at a million bucks.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:51 PM PST up reply actions  

Yeah, maybe I’m making too bold of a prediction in January, but Mason has look pretty impressive. He made 45 saves or something in a shutout against the Capitals in DC last week.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:56 PM PST up reply actions  

It’s cool, I was just poking fun at your cocksure answer to something that’s an opinion. I agree though, Mason has looked really good this year, and Columbus has played us extremely well. Nash is a guy who generates about two scoring opportunities (for himself) per game too- that sort of “gamebreaker” goes a long way in the postseason.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 8:03 PM PST up reply actions  

in my opinion

Do not want to face:
Phoenix (They’ve given the Sharks fits and they have super shot blocker Z.Michalek)
Columbus (Have ’94 Sharks first round upset written all over them, carried by Baby Jesus Mason)
Edmonton (Roloson has his veteran savvy equipment malfunctions, ’06 redux?)
Dallas (The Stars love embarrassing the Sharks in the postseason, beware a healthy Morrow)

I'm a happy seal

by SwisherThresher on Jan 14, 2009 7:52 PM PST up reply actions  

i had to go with dallas, losing to them again and losing in the playoffs again and hearing the constant choker shit again all because of dallas again….well you get the picture

by sharks on Jan 14, 2009 7:56 PM PST up reply actions  

That’s basically a majority of the possible opponents ;)

I think (and correct me if I’m wrong Sharks fans), we wouldn’t be concerned with playing any of the possible playoff opponents seven times during the season and coming out with a losing record. It’s more of the whole “playoffs” thing that scares the shit out of the collective we.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:58 PM PST up reply actions  

I'm sure I've stated this before, and it may seem cliché

The only team we should really worry about in the postseason is the Sharks. The last few playoffs (particularly ’04, ’06, ’07), the Sharks defeated themselves. They had the upper hand, whether it was home ice advantage, and/or a series lead – only to crumble when faced with adversity.

They seemed to lack that extra gear – the drive to do anything and everything to win it all. Hopefully McLellan, along with Blake, Luko and Boyle, can lead the way.

I'm a happy seal

by SwisherThresher on Jan 14, 2009 8:05 PM PST up reply actions  

Intermission Question

Hey Sleek, how has Hedican looked thus far? I’m curious because the Sharks were rumored to be interested him during the summer…..

Basically I’m wondering why we still have Semenov on the roster.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:46 PM PST reply actions  

Hedican costs less than a million — that’s his number one asset. He’s married to Yamaguchi — that’s #2.

But basically, Hedican is the guy who proves the statement “it takes more than good skating to be an NHL defenseman.” In most every other aspect, he’s slightly lacking — not a very good shot, pass, hit, position, whatever.

He’s really a guy that should be hidden 5/6, as the Ducks are now doing. He’s probably a step up on Semenov, but he’s not entirely an asset, I’d say.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:49 PM PST up reply actions  

I figured Doug Wilson was thinking McLellan could help develop Semenov’s shot from the blueline- he has one of the hardest shots in the league, but just can’t seem to get it on net. Age was probably a factor there as well.

Can he fight at least? Semenov had a recent game where he tried to fight a guy and only got a two minute minor.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 7:55 PM PST up reply actions  

Probably not — Montador’s the guy who’s been fighting from the blueline.

Basically, Hedican’s a more experienced version of Joe Dipenta — solid enough you’ll keep playing him, but nothing particularly special. You can win a cup with Joe Dipenta, but he’s got to be in the background.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:58 PM PST up reply actions  

Damn, I missed the goal… I mean, thank God, I missed the goal.

I don’t know who the fuck I want to win anymore, not because I’m a closet Ducks fan (I’m not, I swear), but a Michigan state rape would be so sweet. Not like the Kings have a snowball’s chance in hell of winning tomorrow against the Wings, unless Pronger takes out Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Holmstrom… Osgood.. Babcock.. Yzerman.. the octopus…

The Kings are doomed for tomorrow.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 7:47 PM PST reply actions  

if Tampa Bay can beat the Ducks, Kings can take on the Wings

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 7:49 PM PST up reply actions  

Don’t buy into my positivity — the Ducks are entirely beatable this year. Basically it’s been a coin flip, no matter the opponent.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 7:55 PM PST up reply actions  

I keep thinking the Ducks are fooling everyone and will come back strong as ever. Like some long-lasting April fool’s trick.

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 7:58 PM PST up reply actions  

I’d have to agree- no matter the outcome, the Ducks are going to give any team one hell of a series. Physical, great leadership on the blueline.

And, if the current trend continues, being less fervent in taking dumb penalties (their ultimate kryptonite last year) will make them that much more dangerous.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 8:00 PM PST up reply actions  

It could happen. 2003, 2006, 2008 — all those seasons the Ducks really became world-beaters in the second half of the year after being really mediocre through the first half.

The cup year was really the only year that the Ducks used a really good start to get into the playoffs. Sort of like the Sharks are doing now, except this year there are two less teams chasing right behind.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 8:01 PM PST up reply actions  

Damn. Where was the skater-to-play-goalie on that one?

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 8:04 PM PST reply actions  

Giggy’s really fighting the puck tonight.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 8:04 PM PST reply actions  

Yeah, not just tonight. He’s been up-and-down a lot, with some down coming lately.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 8:05 PM PST up reply actions  

I’ve always really liked Hiller. Just sayin’.

How has he looked this year? Is it a sort of “we’re going to play the guy we pay” thing, or has Hiller been up and down as well?

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 8:08 PM PST up reply actions  

Hiller’s been very good this year — most of his losses I’d attribute more to the team sucking and not scoring than anything.

And that’s the shady part of the Burke legacy — Giguere is on year 2 of a four-year no-movement deal. Hiller is signed affordably both this year and next, but it may turn out he too goes the way of the Bryzgalov.

Still, it’s nice when your team keeps producing quality back-ups. That takes some of the sting off.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 8:28 PM PST up reply actions  

Hudler goes Malkin up in this bitch.

Please don’t let this be a three point game.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 8:05 PM PST reply actions  

been some real good defensive plays by anaheim so far

by sharks on Jan 14, 2009 8:12 PM PST reply actions  

Very nice, Montador. Way to support my decision.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 8:22 PM PST up reply actions  

Oh man

I really hope that Corey Perry isn’t “mentoring” the young kids. They could do without that for sure.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 8:24 PM PST reply actions  

Damn. We can’t lose any more D-men! Are there any Pigs left in Iowa???

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 8:30 PM PST reply actions  

Isn’t there a kid named Salcido? I had him on a salary spreadsheet during the summer, and instead McIver, Festerling, and Mikkelson have all passed him by, perhaps?

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 8:32 PM PST up reply actions  

I have no clue, but I’ll be the Chops coach is pretty pissed. Who’s left to play for that team, I wonder.

Overall, this…oh wait, you just said what I was gonna say about being ahead after two.

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 8:37 PM PST up reply actions  

I’ve got it! The Iowa Chops should allow Sean Avery to play there!

They could use the publicity (see: Brett Favre), and Dallas needs a place to stash him until buyout season. And Iowa needs the bodies. A win-win-win!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 8:44 PM PST up reply actions  

Oh no, Earl. That’s a lose-lose-lose-lose-lose-lose. Avery’s such pestilence, he’s liable to infect the Ducks locker room all the way from Iowa.

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 8:53 PM PST up reply actions  

Ouch

Hope Uncle Festerling is OK — he’s been real solid (or at least Scott keeps making him look good, which is entirely possible).

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 8:30 PM PST reply actions  

Well, ahead after two — that’s probably better than I expected. Let’s have a good locker room speech, Carlyle.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 8:36 PM PST reply actions  

These games are always so exciting. The 07 WCF was one of the best series I’ve seen in a long long time.

Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Jan 14, 2009 8:37 PM PST reply actions  

No argument there. ; )

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 8:38 PM PST up reply actions  

Yeah, that one made me real popular among the Wings readers.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 8:39 PM PST up reply actions  

Looks like I'm way late to the party here.

Let’s go Ducks.

God I feel dirty now…

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 14, 2009 8:50 PM PST reply actions  

You’ll feel better after you elbow or stomp somebody and don’t feel any remorse.

It’s nice.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 8:52 PM PST up reply actions  

Remorse is for the weak.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 14, 2009 8:56 PM PST up reply actions  

you should! I refuse to say it myself, but did admit a State rape would be nice.

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 8:55 PM PST up reply actions  

I figure

if Plank’s doing it, it can’t be all that bad. Besides Detroit’s a bigger threat right now.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 14, 2009 8:56 PM PST up reply actions  

if Plankdude jumped off a cliff would you do it? No is the correct answer. :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 8:58 PM PST up reply actions  

Nope, I'd probably watch and laugh.

I’ll just have to take a shower after this.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 14, 2009 9:00 PM PST up reply actions  

Go clock go!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 8:58 PM PST reply actions  

How many times has Hayward used the “whale of a…” expression during this game?

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 9:00 PM PST reply actions  

Winter classic, “whale of a game” +1

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:03 PM PST up reply actions  

Another late Sharks fan here

I could either analyzing Kafka’s works on an existential level, or root for the Ducks to be the Wings. My love of procrastination won out by a thin margin. That doesn’t mean I don’t cringe whenever I hear Pronger’s name, though.

by mymclife on Jan 14, 2009 9:04 PM PST reply actions  

I hear Kafka had a wicked glove hand.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:06 PM PST up reply actions  

This definitely beats any kind of work.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 14, 2009 9:06 PM PST up reply actions  

Rarely do I agree with the timing of Anaheim’s once-per-game “Refs you suck” chant, but that one was pretty spot-on.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:04 PM PST reply actions  

Ugh, a Pahlsson-less PK. Scary.

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 9:05 PM PST up reply actions  

You think that chant is something, I remember a game between the Kings and Avalanche back in the 2001-02 season at Staples Center. The Kings trailed 3-2 in the last minute of the third period. Jason Allison (back when he was healthy) was tripped on a clear breakaway or something, and the referee didn’t call a penalty. Later on the play, the Kings received a penalty on a very iffy call. Andy Murray argued with the referees, and got ejected from the game. The Kings fans, a sellout crowd (because we were GOOD back then) threw all sorts of debris on the ice, and starting chanting “fuck you, refs”. The chants began in Section 331, and 331 and 332 are the ones that always start the chants.

That was truly something. I was only 11 at the time, and I was absolutely terrified because I just felt somebody from up above was gonna throw a beer or something and hit me in the back of my head (who from Section 332 thinks they can hit the ice anyway?). It was a game that I’ll always remember.

Here’s the game recap (kinda): http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20020127&slug=nhl27

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 9:20 PM PST up reply actions  

That's something else.

The worst I’ve seen at the Shark Tank are the “Bullshit” chants. Usually takes a couple really bad calls for that to come out. It’s actually pretty impressive when it gets most of the crowd involved.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 14, 2009 9:24 PM PST up reply actions  

It’s the kind of thing where it’s so rare and you can’t expect it. But when it does… WOW!!

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 9:27 PM PST up reply actions  

Damn

that didn’t need to happen.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:07 PM PST reply actions  

nor that.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:08 PM PST up reply actions  

ouch

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 9:08 PM PST reply actions  

Crap

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 14, 2009 9:08 PM PST reply actions  

Oh this just keeps getting better and better.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 14, 2009 9:08 PM PST reply actions  

make that a double ouch

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 9:09 PM PST reply actions  

PLEASE. DISALLOW. HIGH STICK…………….

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 9:09 PM PST reply actions  

wait just one goddman second!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:09 PM PST reply actions  

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 9:10 PM PST reply actions  

Hmmm. Well I guess they took Beauchemin’s OT goal into consideration there..

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:11 PM PST reply actions  

Yeah, the Wings announcers were all gloaty gloat. Replays galore. BARF.

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 9:12 PM PST up reply actions  

it’s hockey … I learned early on that miracles can happen

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 9:13 PM PST up reply actions  

did I imply that? :)

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 9:15 PM PST up reply actions  

fantastic

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 14, 2009 9:16 PM PST up reply actions  

Hey

A few years ago the Sharks were down 3-0 to the Wings and came back to win 9-4, it could happen!

by mymclife on Jan 14, 2009 9:16 PM PST up reply actions  

you must be unfamiliar with the “Mighty Ducks” storyline.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:16 PM PST up reply actions  

ah but they aren’t Mighty anymore

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 9:17 PM PST up reply actions  

not that swell. seemingly every game these days ends 4-3 one way or the other.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:14 PM PST up reply actions  

I am really sick of this score.

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 9:16 PM PST up reply actions  

I can see how that would get old fast

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 14, 2009 9:17 PM PST up reply actions  

that bites

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 9:20 PM PST up reply actions  

Goalie in the net.
But the freaking puck stays out.
Still three to four. Ugh.

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 9:22 PM PST reply actions  

Oh yeah, kinda forgot about the game. Was watching American Idol.

Who scored the goals (both teams)? Don’t feel like looking up.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 9:22 PM PST reply actions  

Getzlaf, Perry, Montador, and four bad guys.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:25 PM PST up reply actions  

“…four bad guys.”

That’s your opinion.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 9:55 PM PST up reply actions  

Oh my God, Hayward actually said that the Red Wings player was RIGHT!! So much for the homerism. He’s gonna be fired for that, isn’t he?

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 9:23 PM PST reply actions  

We can only dream.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:26 PM PST up reply actions  

He does that every game.

People who save up for a rainy day are like milk. And milk goes good with cookies, so you should have those people over for cookies.

by brokenyard on Jan 14, 2009 10:35 PM PST up reply actions  

Where do NHL teams find their color guys?

“You want your best players to be your best players.”

Thanks for that gem.

Support Your Local Coyotes Blog! -
Five For Howling

by Travis Hair on Jan 14, 2009 9:26 PM PST reply actions  

“You want your players to score goals, and you don’t want the other team’s players to.” “You want to score more goals than the other team.” “You want to win more games than the other team.”

He didn’t say those, but he might as well have.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 9:29 PM PST up reply actions  

Actually, considering the Ducks first 5 game of the season, that quote is not only true, but relevant.

People who save up for a rainy day are like milk. And milk goes good with cookies, so you should have those people over for cookies.

by brokenyard on Jan 14, 2009 10:40 PM PST up reply actions  

Oh lucky you.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 14, 2009 9:33 PM PST up reply actions  

“The game winning goal for the Red Wings shouldn’t have been a goal.”

I didn’t see the goal in question. I read on here that it might’ve been a high stick. I’ll have to see it first.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 9:30 PM PST reply actions  

I’m a terrible referee—I didn’t mean that it was definitely a high stick. I was just rooting for the refs to call it that way.

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 9:32 PM PST up reply actions  

The Ducks radio guys thought it was too.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 14, 2009 9:33 PM PST up reply actions  

Okay, I just saw the replay, and it was inconclusive to me. The call on the ice was “goal” which means there has to be clear-cut evidence that the stick was above the height of the crossbar. The view I saw didn’t show the puck very clearly, and it looked like part of the blade was right with the crossbar. Very close, and they probably just didn’t have enough evidence to overturn it.

Now, as much as I was pulling for the Wings to win the game, I never want to see ANY team lose a game on a goal that was illegal.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 9:35 PM PST up reply actions  

I will give the NHL credit for that.

They put a lot of effort into making sure goals are called cleanly and they seem to do a decent job of it. How many other leagues have a war room watching all the footage of every scoring play?

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 14, 2009 9:43 PM PST up reply actions  

In the other three leagues, only the referees look at the replays. NHL is the only league that’s different, and I think it’s more efficient that way.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 9:50 PM PST up reply actions  

Yeah, it looked to be a high stick, but I only saw it from one angle, once, and on an extremely blurry feed. It was a little iffy – the stick was above Giguere’s head, which was around the height of the crossbar – but since the call on the ice was goal, there had to be conclusive evidence.

by mymclife on Jan 14, 2009 9:35 PM PST up reply actions  

Yeah, I can shrug either way. I’d lean toward the on-ice call also.

The Ducks won in OT the last time DET was in town on a similar play (though I think even closer) — so at least it was consistent in that regard.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:39 PM PST up reply actions  

ouch, more 3rd period magic for the comeback Wings

the first time the Ducks have lost this season when leading after two

I'm a happy seal

by SwisherThresher on Jan 14, 2009 9:31 PM PST reply actions  

It’s kind of a flawed stat, in a way, because the Ducks have blown several third-period leads. I guess until now it’s just been with leads they acquired earlier in the period.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:36 PM PST up reply actions  

Ah, makes sense now.

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 9:39 PM PST up reply actions  

That can’t be right. Can it? Why does it feel like the Ducks have given up 6,932 3rd period goals?

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 9:36 PM PST up reply actions  

No, it’s technically true. I’ll have to look into that, perhaps. There’s been times where they’ve blown leads, but then scored again and won, also.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:41 PM PST up reply actions  

A couple weeks ago, I was watching a game (can’t remember the teams) and they said that there were two teams who hadn’t lost a game in which the led at the start of the third period. The Ducks were one, and had one more win than the other team.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 9:41 PM PST up reply actions  

Well, wasn’t a bad game in some senses, but yup. If you’re going to score 3, the other team’s going to score 4, I guess is the rule.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:31 PM PST reply actions  

Why does a Duck player always get the Player of the Game “award” (as if it means something) even when the Ducks lose a heartbreaker and get zero points?

It’s like Bobby Ryan’s hat trick against the Kings. It’s nice, but it doesn’t mean anything unless they get a point.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 9:32 PM PST reply actions  

It happens. I believe in both cases they were the highest scoring skater of the night — it’s not outrageous to give the award based on that.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:33 PM PST up reply actions  

Did Ryan get the player of the game in the Kings/Ducks game last Thursday? I don’t know, since I was at the game and didn’t watch the replay.

But if so, it’s different if the broadcaster of the winning team gives it to a player on the other team because he genuinely thinks he was the best player. If the broadcaster of the losing team gives it to a player on that team, you can’t be certain.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 9:39 PM PST up reply actions  

No, I think it was Frolov? Ryan got second star of the game, and second star of the week. Frolov wasn’t the winner there, though.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:41 PM PST up reply actions  

Frolov had the game winning goal in that game. Personally, I would’ve given it to Ryan because he single-handedly turned the game around for the Ducks in such a short time. If not Ryan, I’d give it to Kopitar because he had a really nice effort to score his goal, and was a +3.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 9:47 PM PST up reply actions  

Perry looks to have inherited Marchant’s stone hands. You’re kidding me right, my mother could have top shelved that.

Don't bRuin your life. Make love with a Trojan

by Morbo on Jan 14, 2009 9:35 PM PST reply actions  

He couldn’t decide if he wanted to score or if he wanted to elbow Osgood. Sometimes it’s tough being Perry.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:43 PM PST up reply actions  

You’re forgetting the third option: flop on top of Osgood.

by g r a c e on Jan 14, 2009 9:45 PM PST up reply actions  

Well, look on the bright side

Galactica is only two nights away!

Thanks for stopping in, everyone. Feel free to break SBN with your comments. :)

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 14, 2009 9:51 PM PST reply actions  

That might just end up being the best thing this week.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 14, 2009 9:52 PM PST up reply actions  

Galactica is only two nights away!

I KNOW!!!!! Been counting down forever!

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 14, 2009 11:42 PM PST up reply actions  

Hmmm..

Didn’t get to watch the game!
Ah well…
I suppose it didn’t go well… 4-3.
Hmm, I wonder who bet that on those numbers again..

by AppleSweetRose on Jan 14, 2009 10:18 PM PST reply actions  

double bummer

much would have rather been here tonight…
No voice and a loss…
I’m really over this 4-3 thing.

GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com

by SK eleven on Jan 14, 2009 10:40 PM PST reply actions  

First star: Ryan Getzlaf
Second star: Steve Montador
Third star: Johan Franzen

Just by looking at this, you’d have no clue that the Ducks actually LOST this game.

Fuck you, Denis Gauthier

by Kevin Y on Jan 14, 2009 11:18 PM PST reply actions  

ugh…so frustrating.

GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com

by SK eleven on Jan 14, 2009 11:22 PM PST up reply actions  

I know you want to make this into a controversy, but I don’t know if it’s that outrageous.

First star: highest scoring forward of the night
Second star: highest scoring defenseman of the night
Third star: game winning goal

Yeah, you probably have to check the score to find out who won, but I don’t know that the three stars shouldn’t reflect the three best performers of the night in a pretty close game.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 15, 2009 5:53 AM PST up reply actions  

Good morning, people.

I’ll be featuring this again for tomorrow’s gameday post, but if you want a sneak peek at today’s Duck-and-Penguin inspired Fanhouse PuckToon, here it is.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Jan 15, 2009 9:50 AM PST reply actions  

Ref Wings VS Ducks

I found this one and had to copy it….

Photobucket

by ref you suck! on Jan 15, 2009 4:11 PM PST reply actions  

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