Ducks Gameday—Dammit, I really don't want a Calder Trophy right now
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 7:35 AM PST
122 comments
Tampa Bay Lightning (11-19-10, 14th in east) at Anaheim Ducks (21-16-5, 6th in west)
I vaguely remember some guys named Selanne and Perry.
As you may know, I hold a special disdain in my heart for the Calder Trophy -- I laugh when other teams win it, and I laugh harder when other teams feel they should have won it -- because in my mind it's a fairly backstabbing trophy. Basically all it accomplishes is increasing the dollar value of some young kid's next contract, which in this salary cap structure isn't very desirable at all.
But Bobby Fucking Ryan. A natural hat trick in just 2:21 of game time against the Kings last night (I'll link a good YouTube when it emerges -- the third goal was jaw dropping) has propelled B-Ry into a 2nd place tie among rookie scorers. Now obviously I'm not considering goaltenders and defensemen here, because like Rudy, I really don't have a good metric to compare those positions. It's still very possible for Steve Mason or Drew Doughty to walk away with the hardware for their first-year contributions, and my Calder worries would be for naught. But for now, here's a look at the current rookie scoring leaderboard.
Really not that inspiring, on the surface of things -- though Ryan has played the fewest games, he seems right in a mix of a lot of deserving forwards. Recall, however, that B-Ry didn't play in his first game until November 16, and didn't score his first point until November 19. Here's how the same six skaters looked before Bobby Ryan's first NHL game of the season (stats through 11/15).
So basically, the Ducks and B-Ry gave the rest of the rookie field a month-and-a-half head start. Of the top 30 scoring rookies this season, Ryan has played 4 fewer games than any of them, and yet trails only one of them in points. And while the Selanne injury and Perry suspension have provided Ryan some top-line opportunity lately, that hasn't been the case for a lot of his season -- he played five games with Parros and Carter and seven games with Morrison and Ebbett/Rob N./Marchant. In a lot of ways, Bobby Ryan is living a real-life version of NHL 09's Be A Pro mode.
Now I'm not here to tell you what should happen or what will happen with Calder voting -- in the end, it may not even matter that much, because if Ryan keeps this up he's getting a sick raise, trophy or no. But damn -- this kid is a player, and I'll be keeping an eye on his apparent climb to stardom as this season progresses.
Prediction: Damn, I didn't realize there was a game today until late last night. Ducks 3, Bolts 2. Goals by the Ryans -- Bobby, Getzlaf, and Carter. Pahlsson finally gets left off the predicted scoresheet.
Go Ducks.
0 recs |
122 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
I'll second that one...
For sure…
Bobby Ryan > Calder Trophy
Too late though…here comes salary cap issues next season too.
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
by SK eleven on Jan 9, 2009 9:23 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Well, next year could still be OK — Ryan will still be on the same contract he’s on now, and it’s too early to tell you what it will cost to fill in half the roster. It’s really two seasons from now that B-Ry’s raise could become an issue, although at that point Pronger and Selanne will come off the books.
My Calder/raise complaint is more just a general one, not really a specific one. An extra $500k per year to Ryan is $500k per year that can’t be spent elsewhere (I have no idea what a Calder Trophy is really worth, but it is something).
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Also, Puck Daddy gives B-Ry a bunch of props, too.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I love how the Kings play-by-play guy completely flubs his name.
“…Cross-ice pass to Ryan, er, to Bobby Smyth, looking for the hat trick—he SCORES! What a move he made! And Bobby Sm—Ryan gets the hat trick and ties the game at 3 to 3.”
by g r a c e on Jan 9, 2009 2:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that kinda messed it all up. When they show that goal in April on NHL Network, we’re gonna see one of the rare Bob Miller mess-ups.
Who’s Bobby Smyth, anyway?
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Who’s Bobby Smyth, anyway?
I have no idea. I spelled it “Smyth” b/c I think the play-by-play guy was mixing “Bobby Ryan” up with “Ryan Smyth.”
by g r a c e on Jan 9, 2009 9:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
North Stars great (well, good) Bobby Smith? Whoa, flashback.
by ievans on Jan 9, 2009 11:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That goal was sick
Everyone at my work was talking about it this morning. Who says no one watches hockey (or is it Puckey) in Socal.
by Mike in OC on Jan 9, 2009 9:43 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Really? That’s kind of surprising — wasn’t there some big college football championship being decided (though I guess it was over by the 3rd period)?
I doubt anybody I work with even knows about it, but there’s only about nine employees at my workplace.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I know, it did change when to company got a suite at the pond though, so don’t use our company as any kind of benchmark.
by Mike in OC on Jan 9, 2009 10:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's tough to read through this blubber
but somewhere in this fawning is the listing of the YoungStars roster, which I guess is roughly “sophomores vs. rookies”
For BoC, Devin Setoguchi and Erik Ersberg are on the 10-man sophomore squad, and Drew Doughty is on the 10-man rookie squad.
Bobby Ryan gets a weekend off, of course. It’s cool — easier to dodge a Calder Trophy if you’re not showcased with the “best” :)
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 10:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
hm, kinda surprised about that one actually.
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
by SK eleven on Jan 9, 2009 11:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There are some brutal omissions there. No Krejci, no Goligoski, etc.
by James Mirtle on Jan 9, 2009 11:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Erik Ersberg? The hell, he’s almost 27 years old.
The West Coast is the Best Coast.
by RudyKelly on Jan 9, 2009 12:34 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Eh, it won’t matter for very long. I can’t tell you who played net in any of the YoungStars games in the past without looking it up.
All I remember is Kovalchuk scoring 6 goals the year it was in L.A.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 1:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t go to the YoungStars game or the Skills Competition the year the game was in LA. I spent the whole night at the Convention Center.
I do remember the game, though. Last year they had the North America vs. World format. The World won, and Eric Daze was the ASG MVP.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 2:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, Eric Daze. I assume you’re a fan of his because of his singular “z”.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 7:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hell yeah, I am!!
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t know the Ducks played today until I looked at the paper.
I can’t say this enough: DAMN!! That third goal by Ryan was absolutely amazing. He made it look so effortless. He is only a rookie, but last night, throughout the whole game, he looked like the 10-year veteran. He was making all the plays, and he controlled the Ducks. Every time he touched the puck after the hat-trick, I just knew he was going to score again (he didn’t, so thank you God). Also, he had the first hat trick by a rookie in Mighty Ducks of Anaheim/Anaheim Ducks team history. Now, with Selanne injured and Perry suspended, they need Getzlaf to really step up. But he was completely invisible last night. Aside from the three goals Ryan had, the Ducks wouldn’t have even been competitve in this game without him. Congratulations for Ryan for having such a great effort by a rookie.
I know this is a Ducks’ game day, but there are some things I want to say about the Kings. They need to play a 60-minute game to really have a chance of winning. They didn’t last night, but were as close as possible. They played a 57-minute game last night, but in those three minutes where they didn’t really show up, Ryan got a natural hat-trick. That was unlucky, but I think the Kings last night played their best overall game from start to finish against a quality team. The two other games I’d say were the best of the season for the team were against the Coyotes and Blue Jackets. Both teams are looking good this year (the Coyotes are in a playoff spot right now, and the Blue Jackets are greatly improving), but the Ducks are a proven winner, not to mention the rivalry, the home-and-home, and the fact that they had scored one goal in eleven periods (including the OT period and the 19:54 before Brown scored last night) against the Ducks. This rivalry is great, even if only one team is virtually assured of a playoff spot each year. Every game is physical and closely contested, and for one night, the Kings responded to the challenge.
Now, go out there, Ryan, and score another hat-trick against the Bolts. But don’t injure Stamkos. I wanna be able to see the guy on Monday at Staples.
Prediction: […] Ducks 3, Bolts 2. Goals by the Ryans — Bobby, Getzlaf, and Carter. Pahlsson finally gets left off the predicted scoresheet.
Damn, you can’t do that! You’ll be cursed for this treachery.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 2:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
By the way, the Kopitar third jersey is 2-0 in the last two games (last two home games, which the Kings both wore their third jerseys). Fuck the Palffy jersey, I got me a new “effective” good-luck uniform!
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 2:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Kevin’s right Earl…
But like you, I’m all for positivity. So I’m going to negate your negativity. You know, two wrongs make a right! Positivity!!
So based on that, Pahlsson is actually going to score. And probably on the power play too. Hey throw in a shorty and an empty netter. Let’s get Pahlsson his first hat trick! Positivity! Hey, we can’t let Ryan have all the glory. That might actually help Phalsson get the Selke too (since it’s based on points too, not only defense). More Trophies!!!
by Wooster11 on Jan 9, 2009 3:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, now let’s not overdo it :)
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 3:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Let’s get Pahlsson his first hat trick! Positivity!
Damn, you seem to know all my gullible tendencies. How can I argue with this?
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 3:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Calder vs. Other trophies
it’s a fairly backstabbing trophy. Basically all it accomplishes is increasing the dollar value of some young kid’s next contract, which in this salary cap structure isn’t very desirable at all.
Forgive me if you’ve explained this before, but do you hate the Calder more than the other trophies? I’d think any voted hardware would be agent’s ammo in a player’s next contract negotiation (well, at least prior to the age of 7- and 11- and 15-year till-death-we-wed deals, where there will be no next deal).
Do you find it disproportionately so for a youngster, whose resume otherwise holds less data about what he’ll really become, and for whom the Calder can be a particularly pricey red herring?
I think you just hate fun. Selke’s for everyone, I say. Harts, too — because everyone is adjudged to be valuable in their own special way.
Lighthouse Hockey: an SB Nation New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Jan 9, 2009 2:51 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Forgive me if you’ve explained this before, but do you hate the Calder more than the other trophies?
Don’t worry, I don’t think I’ve explained it before, so no redundancy.
I probably do hate it more than other trophies, though there certainly can be drawbacks to the Selkes and Harts, too (depends on where in a contract those trophies are won). For one, most young kids’ first raises can be the biggest and the longest, and anything done before that first raise can have an impact for the rest of a career. Secondly, because of the shorter-term nature of rookie contracts, a Calder almost always affects a kid’s salary sooner than another trophy on a veteran (who is probably already locked up long-term). And thirdly, I think there is less correlation with excellent teams and Calder Trophies than there is for the other hardware — a Vezina assures a team goes to the postseason, likely, whereas oftentimes the Calder becomes the consolation prize for a team that didn’t make it.
These are of course very generalized and I’m sure there’s dozens of exceptions, but those are my quick thoughts, anyways. If I had my way, the Calder would never make its way anywhere near Anaheim, unless you count L.A. as being close. Feel free to add your own opinion, if you want.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 3:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, Sleek, but I’d have to think you’d be even the least bit happy if Ryan were to win the Calder. As much as it may increase his salary during his next contract year.
But of course, the last three Calder Trophy winners were Kane, Malkin, and Ovechkin. All three of those players are great talents, and are going to have great NHL careers (Ovechkin has already received a 13-year contract extension, and Malkin currently has a 10-point lead over Ovechkin for the NHL point lead). The trophy itself isn’t like the MVP because it’s exclusive to only rookies. But there are some pretty good rookies this year. The one that really jumps out at me is Blake Wheeler. He went to the Bruins because he didn’t sign an entry-level contract with the Coyotes after being drafted in 2004. The Bruins are having an exceptional season this year, and they don’t really have a true standout offensive player, except for maybe Phil Kessel and Marc Savard. Wheeler has 13 goals this year, fifth on the team. He was 12 assists, which is tied for tenth on the team. The numbers that stand out are his plus-minus of +25 and shooting percentage of 22.4%. The Bruins are having a great season, and they’d probably be at the top of the Eastern Conference without him, but he is a rookie having a great season for a team having a great season. He is having the season any rookie would want to have.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 3:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, Sleek, but I’d have to think you’d be even the least bit happy if Ryan were to win the Calder.
Sure, it beats having Bobby Ryan being a 2nd-overall bust, but I don’t think Bobby Ryan necessarily becomes a better player four or five years down the road based on his points total this year. I do think he becomes a better-paid player, though, and that’s what scares me.
I’m sure Sid Crosby and Geno Malkin are excellent talents — the eastern NHL is certainly willing to tell me that enough. But I wouldn’t want to build around either of them (or especially both of them) at 5+ years of $8.7 million each. How much better would the Penguins be in the next coming years had they somehow limited their first-year production, and had them at much more affordable salaries? Their early success may have done them in, in a sense.
I’m not sure I’m completely making sense today (work’s kind of a pain right now), but hopefully you get the gist.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 3:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I get what you’re saying.
With a team like the Ducks, who already have great players like Perry and Getzlaf, there are only so many guys you can afford (in a salary cap league) to build around. That’s why I like a team like the Red Wings. They have great talents like Zetterberg, Datsyuk, and Franzen, but neither of them are “superstar” players, like Crosby or Ovechkin. They probably couldn’t build as good a team around one of those guys, but with all of them, of course they could, as evidenced by their Stanley Cup. They are a great line together, and don’t command an incredible salary number. But with Perry, Getzlaf, and Ryan, they could get in danger with the cap.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 3:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, we know Getzlaf and Perry’s number for the next four years past this one, and it’s not horrible, I think ($5.3M apiece). I think most teams in this league will pay two players about that much if not more, and some with much worse bets. I’m not really that worried about it, especially since the cost of the blueline will be trimmed soon (Niedermayer’s $6.75M stops this coming summer, Pronger’s $6.25M stops the summer after that). Sure there will be replacements, but I don’t think it’ll be Getzlaf and Perry that trip up the salary structure.
If Ryan can land somewhere in that neighborhood (or less, if possible), then I think I’m not really sweating it. That would make the trio of forwards about as costly as Zetterberg + Hossa this year.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 4:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure it makes any difference whether he gets the Calder or not. The motivator will be other GMs and offer sheets. Look at Penner.
by GOOLIAN on Jan 9, 2009 4:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps, but you have to remember, the Ducks have a window to re-sign B-Ry well before offer sheets go into effect. Ryan Getzlaf, for example, was signed long-term months before an offer sheet could come his way.
You have to think that Bobby Ryan’s contract will be a heavy priority for Bob Murray throughout next season, and I would be shocked if a rival GM’s offer sheet even came into play with the kid.
Penner’s a nice kid, but he’s no franchise cornerstone (well, unless you’re Kevin Lowe). It made sense to me that he was lower priority — things like Niedermayer & Selanne’s retirement question had to be dealt with first. Not so with B-Ry.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 4:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for elaborating. (Sorry, just getting back to this and missed the other comments)
And thirdly, I think there is less correlation with excellent teams and Calder Trophies than there is for the other hardware — a Vezina assures a team goes to the postseason, likely, whereas oftentimes the Calder becomes the consolation prize for a team that didn’t make it.
This point really resonates. You can have a guy stand out on a weaker/average team get the Calder and get rewarded with a giant deal — “Hey, he’s our Calder star” — when maybe the team needs better players to be getting those salary slots if the club ever hopes to get over the hump.
I don’t remember what Barret Jackman got on his second contract (relative to peers), but he won the Calder during a weak year for rookies, and I imagine that gave him a false boost in negotiations (particularly now that his effectiveness suffers under post-lockout rule enforcement).
Lighthouse Hockey: an SB Nation New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Jan 10, 2009 12:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Courtesy of the OC Register blog
Notes on Bobby Ryan’s hat trick:
Ryan’s three goals in a span of 2:21 were the fastest in club history. The previous mark was held by Teemu Selanne, who scored a hat trick in 12:18 on Nov.10, 1997 against San Jose.
It was the fastest three goals by an NHL rookie since 1938, when Detroit’s Carl Liscombe pulled off the feat against Chicago in 1:52.
Sweet lord.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 6:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Anyone else getting player “Ghosts” to the right of the actual players on the ice? Gotta love this broadcast quality.
by brokenyard on Jan 9, 2009 7:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Which feed are you watching?
GameCenter Live is giving me the Lightning feed, which doesn’t have “ghosts.”
by g r a c e on Jan 9, 2009 7:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The Ducks feed
on KDOC. I know it’s not the TV because I’ve tried others and they all have them too, and it’s not the cable provider because KDOC is the only channel where it’s occuring.
by brokenyard on Jan 9, 2009 7:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s probably a planned KDOC ploy to get more people to go see Dr. Ghosheh. :)
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 7:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Ghosheh is a ploy by some African travel agency.
by brokenyard on Jan 9, 2009 7:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So I was looking at their 3 stars leaderboard, and in a mirror of this rookie race, Ryan is neck-and-neck with both Selanne and Perry. Had he gotten the first star of last game, he’d be in front of them both. I’m wondering if that’ll matter to either of the elder superstars.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 8:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Damn you, Vinny
So I suppose the preferred strategy is now to build a big enough deficit then play the shit out of B-Ry until the game is tied? I wish the Ducks played better against teams ranked 14th in their conference. SIgh.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 8:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Seriously! What the heck?! 0-2 against the LIGHTNING? And these guys played last night, too, right?
by g r a c e on Jan 9, 2009 8:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
One thing about the Ducks — if there’s a goalie who looks really uncomfortable early in a game, they’ll wait until he’s properly settled in before pressuring him.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 8:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Strangely, I’m glad Ebbett took that goal away from B-Mo. I need more assists than goals at this point in my fantasy week. Yeah, I’m a stubborn B-Mo fantasy supporter.
What’s really cool about this game is that I don’t feel bad about this 1/3 Chops lineup. I don’t follow prospects at all, so this is the first look I’m getting at a lot of them, and I’m pretty encouraged.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 8:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So this is how other teams feel...
Another PP? At least we’re back to even (+/- wise) on the PP tonight.
by g r a c e on Jan 9, 2009 8:19 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
To be fair, though, a lot of the players that have been recalled seem pretty gentlemanly.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 8:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
BAM! BAM!
Now the task is to avoid that costly too-many-men penalty.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 8:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
EARL!
(Okay, it wasn’t a too-many-men, but…)
by g r a c e on Jan 9, 2009 8:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think it counts as an impressive prediction if you say that the Ducks will take a penalty. :)
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 8:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
All these new comments got me thinking, Sleek: you and Rudy should do live game chats every now and then.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, lots of the SBN blogs do them, and I’ll commit to some. I’m not always available, though, so I’ll probably announce certain comment-participation games.
Problem for me has always been I don’t always like watching games live — I’m much more a fan of the hour-delay-catch-up on the DVR (less commercials, less Hayward). Still, it’s not so bad once in a while.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Why don’t you like watching the games live? I’m the exact opposite. If I miss a game, I won’t even worry about catching the replay when they play it the next day on TV. If the Kings win, I’ll just catch the highlights on NHL Network. If they lose… well, I don’t need to see any replay or highlights.
But still, less Hayward is a negative for nobody, not even his wife :)
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I’ll usually end games on time when I’m around — I usually watch something else for a while first and let some recorded time build up. Then I can skip commercials, sometimes even intermissions, but catch up to live TV by the end of the 3rd, so it doesn’t get spoiled.
I’ll watch some games on true delay, if I miss them — I feel some obligation as a blogger — but a lot depends on the game outcome. I don’t think I’ve ever gone back to watch a game where the Ducks got shut out.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, to each his own. Of course, as a hockey blogger you need to see the games whenever you can, however you can. But for me, I just don’t find the game as meaningful when I’m watching it on delay. That’s why whenever the Lakers play an East Coast team, they have the game on an hour tape delay, and I’ll just follow the score on Sportingnews.com or some other site.
You don’t have that problem? I mean I’d think that when you watch a game that’s not live, you’re watching it and you know that everything you’re watching has already happened a long time ago.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What can I say? I really hate commercials.
And pissing away points. Ugh.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of time trailing these last two games
Kind of makes me nostalgic from the days when the Ducks would blow leads.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:19 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
What is it with this team and 3-4 losses??
by g r a c e on Jan 9, 2009 9:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think a common theme is that the Ducks don’t get particularly involved until they’re well behind, for some reason. Happened in Vancouver, happened in L.A., happened tonight.
Well, at least the Perry-less stretch is through — that should help. Although I think over the four games the Ducks have enjoyed more power play time than penalty kill time — a true rarity, and I think the two have to be related. Oh well, looks like Vancouver lost too. Positivity! At least it’s a generally terrible west.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t think the Ducks feel all too happy about the way they played without Perry in the lineup.
But still, I think the one thing they’ve do is get Getzlaf more involved in the play. He has looked really invisible (oxymoron?) the past couple games.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
2-2 without Perry/Selanne. Not horrible, and at least they beat the team closest to them in the standings.
Still, pissing away points, not a recipe for Sleek happiness.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A .500 record in four games without Perry, when they were four games above .500 before then… At least for them, they beat the Coyotes, split with the Kings, and lost to an Eastern Conference team.
I’m not a Ducks fan, but I’m not sure the staff is really pleased with the 2-2-0 record in these four games.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not implying that they are pleased, but four games is four games — they’ll find a way to fall asleep tonight.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Any word on Selanne? I guess it’s still a little early, but man, I can’t wait to see Ketchup on the ice again (Teemu, not Teemu’s "ketchup").
Did anyone else catch that Corey Perry bit during the first intermission of the 2nd Kings game? It was a Kings feed, too. (Also weird: the Lightning first intermission bit was on George Parros getting a haircut.) The Kings interviewer guy (and camera guy) went over to Corey Perry’s house, and they walked over to the beach where Perry worked on his sand trap shot and blabbered about how much he loved CA weather. I’m assuming it was taped during the suspension, but Perry seemed remarkably relaxed and happy.
by g r a c e on Jan 9, 2009 9:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Any word on Selanne?
I actually know very little — he was a 2nd period guest on one of the games last week, and seemed upbeat, but they didn’t really nail down a timeframe, I think.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm. I heard the Ducks Live Blogger, Adam Brady, mention that Perry was something like “falling out of his chair laughing” after Bobby Ryan’s hat-trick.
by brokenyard on Jan 9, 2009 9:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
God, I actually kinda miss Selanne. Weird, but this doesn’t seem like I’m booing the same Ducks team than before he cut himself against Calgary.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Also weird: the Lightning first intermission bit was on George Parros getting a haircut.
Well, the Ducks’ bit was about his haircut also. Maybe they just share them?
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Man, the Ducks lost to the Lightning? That’s tough. I like how Hayward’s comparing it to the Kings game.
Why am I watching it, anyway? I don’t know, but watching the game and hearing all the Ducks fans boo is a welcome sound to my ears.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
That play with Miller was clearly not a penalty
However, had the teams been reversed, it would have been an obvious 5 minute boarding call against the Ducks.
by brokenyard on Jan 9, 2009 9:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
2 minutes for tripping the person and 3 extra minutes for tripping his KDOC shadow.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Should’ve been a penalty. Wasn’t, so too bad :)
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Shrug — I’m fine with the non-call. Stick on stick, and Miller went down super easy. Let’s get that kid on a steroid program — lanky and skinny works for his brother the goalie, but Drew isn’t protected by blue paint.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d be fine if it wouldn’t have led to a much needed Power Play opportunity. Plus the way he hit the glass and then, you know, didn’t get up, could have warranted at least a stoppage.
by brokenyard on Jan 9, 2009 9:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it looked like he was trying to draw a penalty. He stayed down for about six seconds, then got up so easily.
Plus, the way he kinda leapt into the boards? Good non-call.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d agree, but some of the crap penalties the Ducks got called for were WAY shitty. Pronger got a cross-check that I’m not sure he knew he did, or the guy he “cross-checked” ever knew happened. I think it was supposed to be a make up for a missed call earlier, but it was just awful.
by brokenyard on Jan 9, 2009 9:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but whatever — Ducks have never been about getting all the calls right. The PK needs to be better, and I’m voting now to get Sammy off the power play and re-devote him to stopping only.
Win your own damn faceoffs, Getzlaf. You’re an all-star!
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
but Drew isn’t protected by blue paint.
Automatic mental image of Ryan Miller covered in blue body paint, a la Tobias Funke.
by g r a c e on Jan 9, 2009 9:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently the Ducks recalled a guy named Matt Beleskey from AHL Iowa. Anything you can say about him?
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Basically the first I’ve heard of him. My main weakness as a Ducks blogger is that I hardly know anything about our prospect pool at all. I generally don’t know anything about anybody until they set foot on NHL ice.
Played a decent game tonight, though — apparently he arrived at the game so late he missed the pre-game skate, so he gets a pass anyways. We’ll see if he earns a spot for when Perry returns next game.
The reason he was recalled was that Marchant has an “upper body injury”. I’m guessing he’s dead.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The reason he was recalled was that Marchant has an "upper body injury". I’m guessing he’s dead.
Either that or he accidentally pierced his heart from a flying piece of shrapnel in a mysterious snowblower incident :)
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Heh, it’d be quite mysterious in SoCal.
He might be in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day. I’ve always had a suspicion that Marchant is a leprechaun.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You’re in the blogging biz, contact your Chop-blogger friends and see what they know.
And I think Marchant was shot in gang war, actually.
by brokenyard on Jan 9, 2009 9:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I probably can’t make any Chop-blogger friends until I stop referring to that team as the Iowa Pigs, and that isn’t happening too soon.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 9:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m in the mood for some Iowa Bacon =)
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I should note that I didn’t make this picture, and I forget who did. It was in the comments of an old Mirtle post and doctored up the Iowa Pigs cartoon that I did draw. Had to keep it :)
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 10:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But you didn’t PhotoShop out the “CHOPS” and replace it with “PIGS”?
Burke’s head on that porker really doesn’t fit anymore, does it? Gotta go with the Leafs’ affiliate. WTF is a “Marlie”, anyway?
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 10:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Whatever it is, it’s scarier than a leaf.
by brokenyard on Jan 9, 2009 10:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, but now that Burkie’s gone, I can freely celebrate it.
I believe a Marlie is an extraterrestrial moose.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 10:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
From Wikipedia
The team is named after the former Toronto Marlboroughs junior hockey team, but the abbreviated “Marlies” name was chosen to avoid any potential association with the similarly named cigarette brand.
by brokenyard on Jan 9, 2009 10:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Right, because the last thing you want is for everybody to think you’re being sponsered by a cigarette company. I mean isn’t that good publicity?
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 10:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it fits, but in a different way. There’s an odd similarity btwn Burke’s expression and the one on the Pig.
On that note, I have to call it a night. It’s getting late over here in NY, and despite the fact that my spring semester doesn’t start until Monday, I’m already behind in my reading. Good night, BoC!
by g r a c e on Jan 9, 2009 10:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Night, Grace! Thanks for participating in the inaugural talk-a-thon!
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 10:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Damn, you’re in New York? That’s so awesome.
Have a good night. And Go Kings!
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 10:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m partial to Potato Porkers.
And seeing as the Official Iowa Chops Blog was active for all of 2 days back in early December, I think that just about ALL of the Chops-blogs are inactive.
by brokenyard on Jan 9, 2009 10:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I could expand my coverage, I suppose, but it would be based on NHL 09 more than reality.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 10:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d be interested in blogging about the Chops, if only I were interested in them.
by brokenyard on Jan 9, 2009 10:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
NHL 09 is so realistic though. Zetterberg on the Wild, and Selanne and the defenseman Niedermayer on the Avalanche.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 10:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I remember in my friend’s Penguins dynasty in NHL 08 last year, Getzlaf, Perry and some others joined Penner on the Oilers, which was pretty funny.
by brokenyard on Jan 9, 2009 10:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Damn, somebody went a little crazy on those offer sheets, huh? Didn’t know they put Kevin Lowe in the game.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 10:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Selanne’s a LW in my BAP season — which sucks, because I set myself up as a LW just so I could play opposite the plethora of Ducks RWs — Selanne, Perry, and Ryan.
Then I get to the big club that I’m fighting against Selanne for a spot on the Getzlaf-Perry line and that my promotion has demoted Bobby Ryan. Second line RW is played by George Parros.
Ah, well, that season is over, I may have to go up a level now.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 10:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well my team is pretty good. This week alone, I’ve played a total of 27 games! I’ve played five so far today, and my player is 7-6=13. I’m on pace for 127 goals and 42 GWG.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 10:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Now here’s the Jason LaBarbera we all know and love: Barbs gives up a season-high six goals in a 6-4 loss to the BLUES!!
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 9:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
So, just curious
I know it’s been only a short visit from a lot of these kids, but rank these Iowa Pigs — who looks like they’ll become the best NHLer?
Bobby Ryan
Andrew Ebbett
Matt Beleskey
Drew Miller
Brett Festerling
Brandon Mikkelson
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 10:08 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I’ll go Ryan, Festerling, Ebbett, Miller, Mikkelson, and Beleskey. But Ryan is the only one I know anything about… thanks to that hat trick.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 10:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not bad — switch up Beleskey and Miller and you probably have my list. I’m a bit undecided on Mikkelson — I can’t decide if he makes some bad decisions or it’s just that Pronger’s not as good a baby-sitter as Scott Niedermayer is. Pronger might be more reliant on having an O’Donnell than Scotty.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 10:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Bobby Ryan
Brett Festerling
Andrew Ebbett
Drew Miller
Brandon Mikkelson
Matt Beleskey
Crap I just realized Kevin has the exact same order. Well I don’t know anything about Mikkelson and Beleskey so I put them at the bottom. The rest I like, but it feels like too many Chops too soon at this point.
by brokenyard on Jan 9, 2009 10:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I put two two last because I think they were the most recent call-ups. A sensible method, right?
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 10:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
“two two”? I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I meant “those two”.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 10:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
heh, no worries. happens all the time.
Looks like I’m free to do this again on Sunday’s game against the Devils, if you guys are interested. Braving commercials and bad memories and everything!
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 10:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well unfortunately I’m working until 7PM, so probably won’t be able to until after the game, and I’ll have nothing to say.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 10:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just stop in and yell “That game was BULLSHIT!” and see who agrees. :)
OK, I think I’m gonna soothe myself with a little Guitar Hero for a bit.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 10:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I’m not going to be able to since I’ll be at the game.
What’s a good color shirt to wear? It’s been a while and I don’t have a Ducks jersey. Black? Orange? Angels?
by brokenyard on Jan 10, 2009 12:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
When in doubt, wear an Angels jersey… as long as it’s a Hunter or Guerrero.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 10, 2009 7:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t actually have an Angels jersey, just a red t-shirt that says “Angels”… I’m thinking a black shirt for the game though.
by brokenyard on Jan 11, 2009 12:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You guys know how much I hate Denis Gauthier, right? Well, he just scored on my own goalie in BAP. Fuck him…
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 10:26 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Double-Fuck him if you were on the ice.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 9, 2009 10:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I was. I had just made a nice block, and Gauthier picked up the loose puck. Took it to the side of the net, then turned around and banked it in off my goalie, Dan Ellis.
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 10:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I’m gonna get off now. Gonna play a bit more; just beat the Sharks 2-1 (0-2=2) and hope to play four more games before midnight. Yeah, I’m playing hardcore, wanna get in 10 games throughout the day. Six down, four to go.
Talk to y’all later. Good night, BoC!
Fuck you, Denis Gauthier
by Kevin Y on Jan 9, 2009 10:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
So I'm half-watching the KHL All-Star Game right now
It’s super-bizarre to hear the game being called by Ahlers and Severyn, for one, but also funny to see empty seats in the crowd (though to be fair, it looks cold as fuck outside there — lots of players wearing really thick turtlenecks).
Also funny, the scoreboard across the top of the screen displaying Team Jagr and Team Yashin seemingly will display the smiling faces of Jagr and Yashin throughout the game.
First goal by Marcel Hossa (Team Jagr).
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Jan 10, 2009 8:20 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Battle of California
Related FanShots on Battle of California
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
Pacific Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Jose
|
59 | 39 | 11 | 9 | 87 |
|
Phoenix
|
60 | 36 | 19 | 5 | 77 |
|
Los Angeles
|
59 | 36 | 20 | 3 | 75 |
|
Dallas
|
58 | 26 | 21 | 11 | 63 |
|
Anaheim
|
59 | 28 | 24 | 7 | 63 |
(updated 2.9.2010 at 6:00 AM PST)
3 years old and counting!
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
