Ducks Gameday—EARTH!!!
by Earl Sleek on Jan 16, 2009 8:02 AM PST
161 comments
Anaheim Ducks (22-18-5, t-5th in west) at Pittsburgh Penguins (21-20-4, t-9th in east)
Stamkos vs. Doughty? Meh. Give me some Crosby vs. Ryan any day.
I really don’t have much to say about tonight’s game that I haven’t covered in yesterday’s PuckToon. Both teams have sucked at accumulating standings points since Selanne’s injury nearly a month ago, although definitely Anaheim’s underlying numbers are more comforting than Pittsburgh’s (strangely, I feel that you have to be a pretty good team to lose six 4-3 games in a twelve-game span). I do, however, feel a bit compelled to revisit the Ducks season preview that I wrote for The Pensblog (new home here) last summer, as it may turn out to be a solid prediction -- this part was directed at mourning Pens fans:
First, though, let me take a moment and offer my condolences. Yeah, I know it's been tough, watching your playoff team forge a 12-2 record through three rounds of the playoffs (including an opening-round sweep of the defending finalists), only to start the cup finals by scoring zero goals in games one and two. To make matters worse, during the summer your superstar winger goes and signs cheap with an already-cup favorite.
A real pity.
Well, let me tell you a parallel story about a 2003 Mighty Ducks squad, who also forged a 12-2 record through three rounds of the playoffs (including an opening-round sweep of the defending champs), only to start the cup finals by scoring zero goals in games one and two. To make matters worse, during the summer our superstar winger went and signed cheap with an already-cup favorite (Paul Kariya to the Colorado Avalanche, but don't worry -- that didn't work out for anybody).
And while I've glossed over a lot (the Mighty Ducks were always underdogs and had a better French goalie), the similarities are striking, no? If the Penguins plan on sticking to the Ducks' storyline, I'll give you a brief roadmap of your next four years:
Year One: Awful. The crash-back-to-earth year. The Ducks finished 29-35-10, good for 12th in the west.
Don’t worry, it goes on to reassure Pens fans that they are only 3+ years removed from their cup championship, assuming they stick to the Ducks’ pattern (change owners, change GM, change coach, change nearly the entire roster, change uniforms, change team name, change arena name, etc.). It may seem painful, but I'd stick to it, Pens fans. 2012 isn't that far away.
At any rate, this post's "crash back to earth" theme isn't really about hockey trends so much as it is about the final half-season of Battlestar Galactica. New episodes are back on tonight for the first time since June, and I am frakking excited.
After three-plus seasons of searching, the Galactica crew and the Cylon alliance has finally found Earth -- and after an initial celebration, they quickly realize that the destination they've been searching for sucks (why? Can't say -- last season ended with about 45 seconds of earth time tease).
In some ways, I consider Bobby Ryan to be Anaheim's equivalent of Galactica's Earth -- three-plus seasons of waiting for the long-promised #2 overall pick to make his mark on the team, and right now we seem to be in the glorious stage of limitless promise -- the celebration that erupted when Adama announced to the crew that they had finally found Earth. So far, there's no downside -- the kid seems incredible on offense, seems to have a solid mindset, and has quickly won over Anaheim crowds as almost a savior. It's actually pretty cool to see, because I really had no idea what to expect -- he could have turned out to be a long-awaited disappointment, much like we saw in the Sci Fi series.
In either case, I'm quite eager to see what becomes of the last half-season of Galactica, and I'm also quite eager to see what becomes of the career of Bobby Ryan. Years of anticipation are finally in their early stages of fruition, and it's damn exciting to see.
Prediction: Humans 4, Cylons 3. Goals by Niedermayer, Perry, Pahlsson, and Earth.
Go Ducks (So say we all).
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So Inspiring!
(change owners, change GM, change coach, change nearly the entire roster, change uniforms, change team name, change arena name, etc.)
Good Job! I’m sure they felt much better after reading that! :)
Which Niedermayer?
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
ugg
im happy were scoring goals…but muthafucka…that detriot game made me really want to break somthing….fuuuuck
the yotes are tied with us…
give me some positivty mang
tonite i go up against my roomates team….a lose tonite would really piss me off
festerling is really becoming a detriment to the team…mikelson looks lost also…they got to do somthing different…cant belive i long for the days of huskins
p.s.
forgot to mention..i was watching a bruins game and hnidy still suck goat dick…boston I forgot whot hey were playing but was dominating except when hnidy came out….anytime he was ont he ice the other team either scored or almost did….was up to his old tricks of gettiing caught up ice or getting the puck taken from him
so i brought it up to say i guess it could be worse…we could still have hnidy
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Jan 16, 2009 9:25 AM PST reply actions
I don’t know what you didn’t like about Festerling — he was in the lockerroom when the Ducks blew their lead.
As for positivity — we know the Ducks have played like shit, and still nobody’s passed ‘em. And they seemingly have performed the same against good (playoff) teams and bad (non-playoff) teams — everybody’s a coin flip. I’d rather have that pattern than one where the Ducks perform way better against teams that they won’t see in the spring.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
yea I’d have to agree with all of that too. They have been that kind of team these past 2 years for sure…always expect them to play the Kings like crap and show up exceptionally against the Detroits.
Well, like I said elsewhere, right before he got hurt I made a comment that he was looking good the other night. He was playing very aggressive, a style I think looks good on the Ducks. He’s had his negative moments, but so far he’s not the only one to play that way this season…even Scotty has his moments. I’d say of the call up’s we’ve seen, Ryan excluded, both he and Ebbett have really managed to show up.
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
Penguins Injury Update
From The Confluence:
No Crosby tonight, plus no Talbot, Dupuis, Letang, or Scuderi. Basically, no Crosby tonight.
I forgot to highlight SBN’s Penguins blog, also: PensBurgh. There’s some enemy angle for ya.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
So who’s the final Cylon, then? Janne Pesonen or Bill Thomas?
by LegendOfVinnyT on Jan 16, 2009 11:14 AM PST up reply actions
For those of you new or rusty on your Galactica
I made this non-helpful flowchart for you.
Now you’re all caught up! :)
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 16, 2009 9:48 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Frak yes!!!!
Very well played, Sleek! May the Lords of Kobol bless your Ducks today!
Paul Lo Duca is MLB's Pablo Escobar..
by DodgerBlueBalls on Jan 16, 2009 9:55 AM PST up reply actions
So say we all.
BTW, if you’re interested in getting into Galactica, there’s really no other way to do it than to start with Season One. Per the graphic above, it certainly is a convoluted storyline, but it’s pretty much my favorite thing on television.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I'm sure you meant to say this, Sleek...
People should actually start with the MiniSeries and then dive into season 1….
Paul Lo Duca is MLB's Pablo Escobar..
by DodgerBlueBalls on Jan 16, 2009 10:19 AM PST up reply actions
I saw the mini series AFTER the first half of season 4 finished
it made a few things a little more shocking, but I don’t think the mini series is a requirement. If you can watch it, do. If you can’t, you’ll manage.
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com
Yeah, that's true
I started on the series late, though, and the miniseries was the first disc of the season one box set, I’m pretty sure. So I believe with that you should be set to go.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Yeah, that was actually the part I saw last this past summer. A nice add-on, but wasn’t that crucial to the story (as I recall).
http://www.battleofcali.com/
No, but it was a nice addtion
and it added to the whole Starbuck’s gone nuts/is a Cylon story arch last season.
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com
Man, I may have to watch it again. I have very vague recollections about what even happened in that pre-story. Maybe I was drinking when I saw it?
Bought the disc, though, so it’s an easy re-view.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Anybody want to guess who the last cylon is?
Paul Lo Duca is MLB's Pablo Escobar..
by DodgerBlueBalls on Jan 16, 2009 11:06 AM PST up reply actions
Getzlaf.
Oh wait — I really have no clue, but for some reason, I’m really pulling for Baltar. Probably just because he’s awesome.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Baltar seems too obvious and he wants it too much. That said, if it’s him, I won’t complain.
Cally would crack me up. One of the biggest, most paranoid Cylon haters in the fleet being the final Cylon? Love it. I seriously doubt it will be her, but a girl can dream.
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com
You still need to go back and watch the originals!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 16, 2009 9:59 PM PST up reply actions
The hell?
So is Battlestar Galactica just Melrose Place only in outer space? Or do I have the chart upside down?
Ah well. Sounds like one of them shows on that there cable tee-vee.
Lighthouse Hockey: an SB Nation New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
I’ve heard it referred to as space’s version of The West Wing, though I never watched that show.
The space stuff is plenty cool and plenty well done, but the draw is really the characters. Top to bottom, they’re all pretty awesome.
And yeah, I did make that flowchart needlessly complicated, just for effect. Still, it’s kind of handy for those who’ve lost track a bit.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
There was some quick dialog from the hybrid about Starbuck at the end
harbinger of the death and hearld of the Apocalypse, iirc.
And there she is, leading everyone to Earth…
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com
Yeah, this is definitely a sidetrack, but what can you do? I’ve definitely got a nerdy side, and we’ve been on a cliffhanger ending since June.
At least I didn’t write the whole post about Galactica. That actually took some effort.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Oh, and here’s a Ducks update.
Festerling: game-time decision, I guess depending on the quality of his midday nap.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I’m just afraid of getting so intrigued that I actually make an effort to watch it. I am influenced by other peoples television recommendations easily.
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
Well, I fully endorse Galactica, even though it’s coming to a close. It may be a better offseason project, though.
I really enjoyed playing catch-up after I got a really late start on the series. It can be addicting — a lot of times I’d end an episode and would have to watch the next one immediately.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
sounds like a good “what to do while I’m at work” activity actually. I’ve watched House while at work and all 10 season of Friends.
I guess it would keep me from doing stuff like this though…
ahhh…Life’s battles.
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
(teeth chattering) Brrrr…it’s 16 degrees Fahrenheit in NYC today! Windchill makes it 3.
Checked the weather in Pittsburgh. It’s 5 degrees there right now. Windchill: -13. I know the Ducks make trips to western Canada (for reference: the high is 43 in Edmonton today), but there’s no way they can get on a plane in sunny SoCal, deplane in Pittsburgh, and not hate life.
there’s no way they can get on a plane in sunny SoCal, deplane in Pittsburgh, and not hate life.
It’s still got to be better than the circumstances when they went to Pittsburgh last year. At least this season they didn’t have to make stops in England, Detroit, and Columbus all in the week leading up to that Pens game last year.
Only one cross-country flight? Easy!
http://www.battleofcali.com/
there’s no way they can get on a plane in sunny SoCal, deplane in Pittsburgh, and not hate life.
Well I’m thinking people who just got off a private charter, make as much money as they do, playing a SPORT they LOVE for a living…there should be few complaints!
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
exactly
and they get to jump right back on that plane and leave right after the game.
The pens on the other hand… Do you ever get used to -13 wind chill?
I know it was in the low 40’s here for 2 straight weeks (granted it only got THAT cold in the weeee hours on the night) and by the end of week two I had enough.
That was misrable.
how do you even respond to something like that?
When are they having American Heritage night? They’ve got everyone else covered it seems.
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znf_nqW8IZ8
Be on the look out for lots of new Lambo’s in the Staple Center parking lot:
http://wot.motortrend.com/6440094/auto-news/volkswagen-credit-accuses-lamborghini-oc-of-12-million-in-outright-theft/index.html
“We stock them deep, and sell them cheap”
Don't bRuin your life. Make love with a Trojan
Are they Armenian Lambos?
The Litter Box: Your SBNation Florida Panthers Blogging Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Jan 16, 2009 3:58 PM PST up reply actions
Allow me to be the latest to say:
Starbuck’s a chick????
Quoting the AICN talkbacks: Childhood = Raped.
The Litter Box: Your SBNation Florida Panthers Blogging Colossus
What’s wrong with Armenian Night? LA has the 2nd largest Armenian diaspora community after Moscow.
And I knew as soon as I heard that fucking show was coming back that we were going to get some nerdy blog post from you about it.
The West Coast is the Best Coast.
Well, it sounded on the radio on my drive home that Marc Andre Fleury had been making saves, but on my TV I’ve seen no evidence of it.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Getzlaf
Ya know, he can place a good shot in the right spot…
Let’s hope he can bail out Giguere’s mediocre play in the All-Star Game too.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I’m not really sure. I’m mentally trying to peg the moment that his game seemed to fall apart. Was it in that game in Detroit where he got pulled after two because of fatigue or something? I’m not sure he’s been very good since then.
Or maybe that family tragedy thing. I dunno, but it’d be nice to get some quality play out of Jiggy soon.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
While wasting away in traffic I tried to compose myself long enough to get home and watch the game from start to finish…yea couldn’t do it once I knew they were down 2-0. What the hell is the problem?
I can’t say I remember a time this season that Jiggy has been quality.
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
I can’t say I remember a time this season that Jiggy has been quality.
You’re not trying hard enough. That Detroit game I referenced he was tremendous — they were probably outshooting the Ducks on a 3-to-1 ratio but when he left the game was tied at one.
And don’t forget that miracle win against the Sharks, oh so long ago. I was plenty drunk at that game, but he was on everything. He’s still got a good game — needs to find it, though.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Well maybe being forced to play an extra game the honor of starting the all star game will bring him back
I’ve never quite understood… do the goalies go easy on the players or is the level of skater-talent just that good to make the games always around 10 – 8?
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.
The Pens tv guys mentioned how ridiculous it was for Giguere to be so out of position on the 2nd goal. Seems he’s forgot how that whole “good positiion” stuff that won him a conn smythe.
Don't bRuin your life. Make love with a Trojan
And Hayward was talking about his bad positioning on the first goal. Interesting.
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.
Really there’s no excuse to lose this game. To barely lose to a team like the Red Wings and then lose to a struggling Pens team would just be ridiculous.
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.
What’s with giving up goals in the FINAL seconds of periods lately? that seems to be happening alot too
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
Yeah what happened to everyone just quitting during the last minute of play?
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.
Hey Morbo or Kevin Y — I tried an experiment. See if you can edit or delete a comment now.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Where are we supposed to go? I clicked on “actions”, but it just disappeared.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
You’re watching the Penguins feed? Lucky… only reason I’m watching the Ducks feed, and the fact that there’s nothing else on until the Lakers/Magic game. Maybe I’ll go play some NHL 09.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
For as long as the Pens lead. If the Ducks score the next goal, or if I feel like getting up to turn on my PS3, it’ll go off.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
May your laziness and your closet Ducks fandom continue without remorse!
http://www.battleofcali.com/
If y’all wanna think I’m a closet Ducks fan, that’s fine. Doesn’t change the fact that the Ducks are a borderline playoff team and the Kings are a borderline bottom-5 team. May the Kings lose… and lose… and lose some more, and may they somehow get John Tavares.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
I’ve just realized why I’m so disconnected from the tank-for-the-draft mentality — the Ducks haven’t owned their own first-round pick for years, basically from the Pronger deal. I’ve spent the last few years just tracking where Edmonton finishes.
I’m not even sure — this might even be the first year in a long while where the Ducks might have their first-round pick — or is it next year? I’ll have to look into that.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
He very rarely asks for a penalty on the other team? Yeah, no captain does that.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
That’s not to say there’s not hope, however. I’m always optimistic that he might get hired full-time by Versus (they seem a bunch of suckers) and then they could promote Brent Severyn. I’d like that a lot, as I hardly watch Versus games at all.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Maybe we should start flooding the Versus HR dept with copies of the SI article naming him color guy of the year, or whatever it was.
How does Getzlaf think? I’d love to see whats going on in there. Something about cookies iimagine. Just looks so effortless
Actually not cookies. He looks like a big 24 fan. Prolly wondering what Jack Bauer’s next little shenanigan will be.
should is the operative word here.
like, the Ducks SHOULD have beat the Kings, Tampa Bay, the Flyers, perhaps Detroit.
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
Argh, the one bad thing about getting opponents’ TV feeds? Having to listen to their announcers talk about how beating the Ducks has given new life/hope to their crappy team.
You know when they have the kids come out and play “hockey” for two minutes during the intermission at Honda?
The Ducks look like that right now.
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
Oh, it’s nearly Galactica time — at least that will remind me that things can always be worse.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Damn. Didn’t waste any time with the revelations. That episode was all about the Negativity. Writers must be Kings fans.
Ha ha ha, oh. my. gods. what. the. frak.
I wish it was next week already, dammit.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Couldn't have said it better myself.
I did not see any of that coming.
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 16, 2009 11:16 PM PST up reply actions
Have you considered doing a game day Battlestar Galactica ? :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jan 16, 2009 11:48 PM PST up reply actions
Uh, no Wild gameday post today
I’ve got Cylons on the brain, and I’ll be out most of today. Just win, Duckies.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
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Pacific Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Jose
|
82 | 51 | 20 | 11 | 113 |
|
Phoenix
|
82 | 50 | 25 | 7 | 107 |
|
Los Angeles
|
82 | 46 | 27 | 9 | 101 |
|
Anaheim
|
82 | 39 | 32 | 11 | 89 |
|
Dallas
|
82 | 37 | 31 | 14 | 88 |
(updated 4.12.2010 at 6:21 AM PDT)
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