Ducks Gameday -- Kyle Calder, top line neutralizer
by Earl Sleek on Dec 22, 2009 1:30 PM PST
121 comments
Anaheim Ducks (14-14-7, t-12th in west) at Colorado Avalanche (21-11-6, 3rd in west), 7 pm
We're going caroling! First stops are Anaheim Calling and Mile High Hockey.
Rudy Kelly, Oct. 2008:
The Kings are putting Kyle Calder on the top line in place of Matt Moulson Friday night.
You know that scene in The Happening where the blonde chick just stares forward while she slowly inserts a knitting needle into her neck? I'm pretty sure the Kings are doing that right now.
So now that Calder has become a top-line staple for the Ducks, I suppose Anaheim has become that fellow later on in the movie who lays down in front of a lawn mower. For the last five games, Calder has been inserted with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry on the top line, and while it has enabled Bobby Ryan to help kickstart the Sex Offender's career on the second line, Getzlaf and Perry's even-strength results have been pretty terrible in the meantime.
In the last five games, Getzlaf and Perry are a combined -7 and have 1 even-strength point. In the five games prior to that, before Calder was anywhere near Anaheim's top line, Getzlaf and Perry were a combined +4 and had 10 even-strength points.
Nothing like a holiday cartoon to drive the point home.
I don't think the Ducks can afford to wait until Joffrey Lupul or Teemu Selanne's return from injury to get even-strength production from their top two forwards -- either Calder's going to need to step up and be useful or Coach Carlyle will have to find another fill-in. I'm still partial to trying out either Nokelainen or Beleskey personally -- both seem fundamentally sound -- and Arthur and Daniel discuss more top-line possibilities at Anaheim Calling, topic of the day, I guess.
I should stress -- it's not that Calder is useless; the game that Rudy and I went to against Chicago he could have been a legitimate third star of the game playing on a line with Todd Marchant. But that seems the key -- Calder needs to be on a line where puck possession isn't terribly important, and Getzlaf and Perry need a linemate that can better handle the fundamentals of controlled cycling.
But I can't fully complain; the Ducks still only have one regulation loss in their last eight, and team success (especially this season) allows all players a bit more leeway -- at the very least, they still are drawing top defenders away from Koivu and Ryan. That's still a contribution, and I thought they generated better chances towards the end of the last Phoenix game.
* * *
The Ducks have beaten the Avalanche in 8 of their last 9 meetings, outscoring them 30-15, with the only flaw being a 1-0 Jose Theodore shutout. Let's hope the one-sidedness continues.
Prediction: Fat Santa Calder proves me wrong and contributes. Ducks 3, Avs 2. Goals by Santa and his reindeer.
Go Ducks.
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Huh???
errrr???
at the very least, they still are drawing top defenders away from Koivu and Ryan. That’s still a contribution, and I tho
You “tho” what???
He had a fabulous pass during the PP against Vancouver (I think). But against Phoenix the other day he fumbled on a near perfect feed from Sexton on a PP that would have been a wide open net for him.
He’s good for hanging out in front of the net, but thats about it.
You can call me CK...Spade does. GO DUCKS!!!
DUCKSandPUCKS.com
SKeleven on Twitter
He had a fabulous pass during the PP against Vancouver (I think).
Yup, the Koivu GWG, and all three have contributed on the man-advantage. But he played some secondary PP time when he was a third-liner, too.
I don’t think he should be scratched, necessarily — just switch even-strength spots with somebody on a bottom line.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Yeah, but situation is wha it is – 2 of our top 6 are out.
Just wondered how big would be the line with Arty in it ;D
If he could escape from silly penalties, that could work out.
True, but if Getzlaf and Perry could get a linemate that played the boards well, I’d have to think they could chip in some even-strength points, even while Selanne and Lupul are out.
Artyukhin is another possibility I wouldn’t mind trying — for certain, there was a stretch this season when Artoo was a very valuable player. Didn’t last too long, but all we’re looking for is a short-term fix, anyways.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I think Calder can play the boards competently. He’s just not sure where to be sometimes, and that’s more a factor of how Getzlaf and Perry play the boards. Even Ryan didn’t have the best sense of how they did it last year, and he often sent it back to the point when he wasn’t sure.
by Arthur from Anaheim Calling on Dec 22, 2009 3:47 PM PST up reply actions
Oh, and if anyone will not know where to be on a play, it’s Artyukhin. That poor hockey senseless bastard.
by Arthur from Anaheim Calling on Dec 22, 2009 3:49 PM PST up reply actions
I’m probably watching too critically, but the problems I keep seeing have less to do with being in the right place – he’s doing that OK. But when he looks open and then gets the puck in his direction, he’s rarely doing the right thing at that point. Pucks go past him that he should stop; instead of catching pucks he bounces them back to a defender; he’s quickly overmatched in one-on-ones – things turn quickly south.
We’ll see — if Getz and Perry can put up some 5-on-5 points tonight, I’ll shut my trap.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Oh, I’m watching equally critically, but I tend to forgive some things as things I don’t expect him to do at this stage in his career. The execution will always be a little off, because Calder isn’t going to find better stick speed or puck control any time soon. But Getzlaf and Perry’s passenger on the cycle really just needs to be open for the pass along the boards and battle for the puck to keep it alive. He’s failed to do those things by not being there to receive the pass and, as you said, getting overmatched in one-on-ones instead of playing the puck free to getzlaf or perry again. He can remedy those things by improving his anticipation of his linemates. But if you’re unhappy with his touch on the puck and his ability to make a play on the puck, I doubt that will change any time soon.
Artyukhin would always be able to keep a puck alive, but he would turn most Getzlaf and Perry passes into turnovers along the boards.
by Arthur from Anaheim Calling on Dec 22, 2009 4:07 PM PST up reply actions
But if you’re unhappy with his touch on the puck and his ability to make a play on the puck, I doubt that will change any time soon.
I’m unhappy that the top line can’t retain control of the puck in the offensive cycle, and the point that it falls apart most frequently wears #32. They don’t need a puck wizard there — Fedoruk wasn’t so special, Penner had his flaws — but they could use a guy who holds his board position and returns passes.
Calder could be that for sure — just hasn’t happened for anything productive in five games — maybe sixth is the charm.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Fedoruk wasn’t so special, Penner had his flaws
I feel like those are bigger guys. Each with at least three inches and 50 pounds on Calder. Getting a bigger guy on there with some touch on the puck would be perfect, of course, but I thought you were complaining about a 5’11" guy not being able to play the puck and play it correctly when it comes to him. On that, I think pucks will continue to go through Calder and he will lose them on one-on-ones, but I think he can learn to make a faster play on the puck and return it to Getzlaf and Perry I guess is all I’m saying.
by Arthur from Anaheim Calling on Dec 22, 2009 4:32 PM PST up reply actions
He can remedy those things by improving his anticipation of his linemates
I think he can learn to make a faster play on the puck and return it to Getzlaf and Perry I guess is all I’m saying.
If Kyle Calder could do these things he wouldn’t be Kyle Calder.
The West Coast is the Best Coast.
Well, like I said, he’s too old to stop a puck from getting through him, but anyone can learn to get out of Getzlaf and Perry’s way.
by Arthur from Anaheim Calling on Dec 22, 2009 4:37 PM PST up reply actions
I don’t think the Ducks can afford to wait until Joffrey Lupul or Teemu Selanne’s return
Don’t you think Carter will come back and displace Nokelainen or Chipchura onto the top line before Selanne or Lupul heal?
by Arthur from Anaheim Calling on Dec 22, 2009 3:48 PM PST reply actions
I’d welcome Carter back in the lineup whenever he’s ready, but I still think they could make an adjustment in the meantime. And I don’t know with Carlyle — if he’s sticking with top-line Calder now, not sure that an available Carter will change the equation in Carlyle’s head.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Well, someone will move to the scratch list (or Beleskey to the AHL) for Carter. If there’s a moment to shake things up, that seems like it would be it. Wouldn’t have to wait for Selanne or Lupul.
by Arthur from Anaheim Calling on Dec 22, 2009 3:54 PM PST up reply actions
I sort of expect that roster squeeze problem will have another injury solution, though — not too stressed about that.
But we know who Carlyle has available to him now, and he’s been insistent on Calder as a top-liner, despite hardly any top line offensive results. Carter I don’t think changes any of that, other than presenting another availble option.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I think Carlyle likes that third line, which makes me think that Carter’s return would present him with the question of what to do with Nokelainen. I guess someone could rest with the flu at the very least, Noks definitely has a stomach thing tonight, but I’m sure you meant something more sinister with the injury solution.
It just seems to me, with Carter skating next week, he’ll be back ahead of Lupul, at least.
by Arthur from Anaheim Calling on Dec 22, 2009 4:36 PM PST up reply actions
I can’t tell what to think of that quote: I’m glad I was right about Calder, embarrassed that I mentioned Moulson as a possible legit top line player (although…) or baffled that just a little over a year ago the Kings were that bad.
The West Coast is the Best Coast.
Totally off topic…
Late start for this game isn’t it? 8pm in Denver.
You can call me CK...Spade does. GO DUCKS!!!
DUCKSandPUCKS.com
SKeleven on Twitter
Yeah, it’s presenting me with some problems — I think I’ll be around for first period comments, then I’ll disappear as I head over to my folks’ place and watch the rest with my brother.
But he’s insane — he won’t watch until some football game is over or something.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Anyone else having KDOC issues?
You can call me CK...Spade does. GO DUCKS!!!
DUCKSandPUCKS.com
SKeleven on Twitter
Yeah — mine’s a blank screen, but sort of like it’s an issue with my cable box. But if it’s more than just me, that’s vaguely comforting.
On internet radio now.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Yeah, teh ducks feed is down. down on stream, too
by Arthur from Anaheim Calling on Dec 22, 2009 7:10 PM PST up reply actions
If you could please
what happened? Bad defense? Bad goal-tending?
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 7:14 PM PST up reply actions
A little bit of both, actually. It was a nice pass, and Yep wasn’t covered at all, but Hiller still had a chance at stopping it.
Just saw the replay
on NHL On the Fly. Hiller doesn’t get to the post, but it also looked like Yip hit off the post and in.
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 7:46 PM PST up reply actions
Yep
Long-time lurker, first-time poster. Created the account just because I panicked over not being able to get the game.
I’m on Verizon FIOS in Beaumont and we’re on the phone with Tech Support right now trying to figure out what’s up with the feed. I’ll keep everyone posted.
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 7:12 PM PST up reply actions
Verizon rebooted our box
and we’re still not getting the feed. I’m betting that there’s some kind of transmitter issue on KDOC’s end that’s screwing this all up.
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 7:17 PM PST up reply actions
Well hey, welcome aboard — getting a new poster is a nice silver lining to the early-deficit-shitty-KDOC black cloud.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Good to be here
I’ve been meaning to post for a while, but I’ve never gotten around to it. I’m a newly minted hockey (and thus, Ducks) fan. Went to my first ever hockey game in February (OT game against the Flames where Scotty won during 3 on 3). Promptly bought full season tix for 2009-2010.
But yeah, this lack of TV coverage is bumming me out. We’re trying to talk Verizon into giving us Center Ice for the night.
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 7:20 PM PST up reply actions
That won’t really matter for Ducks watching, at least — I’ve got Center Ice, and it’s blocked out because it assumes KDOC is competent.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Well that's a kick in the sac
Good to know, though.
I guess I could always slum it and hope for live look-ins on NHL On the Fly.
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 7:25 PM PST up reply actions
No, I was being serious — the Ducks had some great chances on that PP, but Anderson made some great saves.
Word on the street
is the the game is NOT blacked out on Direct TV’s Center Ice feed. At least that’s from a friend in Riverside. Verizon laughed at our request to give us Center Ice for the night.
Dicks.
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 7:38 PM PST up reply actions
Well, that PP was a bit anemic — no shots on goal. I’m particularly disappointed in the first PP unit. Perry and Getzlaf need to score on the PP b/c they’re not doing it while harnessed to Santa Calder.
UGHHH
Could someone please tell me how the Ducks are looking?
I WENT TO THE WATCH PARTY AT OGGIS FOR NO REASON
sorry i had to much to drink to cope for my anger at KDOC
by Mrs.GeorgeParros on Dec 22, 2009 8:02 PM PST reply actions
Well
at least this should give the Ducks some leverage in getting a better TV carrier. Hell, get more games on a Fox Sports affiliate.
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 8:04 PM PST up reply actions
go for the pizza….bomb ass pizza…or the won ton nachos!! or the beer…“red rum” yum yum
anaheim ducks now feature the sex monster...lock up your daughters!!!
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 23, 2009 6:41 AM PST up reply actions
I cannot believe
that he continues to occupy that top line. He literally can’t do a damn thing effectively. He doesn’t even park his ass in front of the crease well.
If we’re going to have inept players, I’d at least prefer to see Artoo who would manage to open up the ice a bit.
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 8:06 PM PST up reply actions
My god
the Ducks look good, they just can’t get it in.
And now the PK
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 8:30 PM PST reply actions
Amazing PK
Generated a few short-handed attempts.
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 8:32 PM PST up reply actions
(waves to all) … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)
by ang6666 on Dec 22, 2009 8:38 PM PST reply actions
hey! not you too … I don’t even know you !!!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)
by ang6666 on Dec 22, 2009 8:56 PM PST up reply actions
I've lurked long enough to learn all about you.
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 8:57 PM PST up reply actions
ha! don’t believe everything these guys say … :)
I’m nice … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)
by ang6666 on Dec 22, 2009 8:59 PM PST up reply actions
id beg to differ
anaheim ducks now feature the sex monster...lock up your daughters!!!
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 23, 2009 6:39 AM PST up reply actions
uh … to say hi … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)
by ang6666 on Dec 22, 2009 8:56 PM PST up reply actions
Bobby should get the assist
for sitting on Anderson.
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 9:13 PM PST reply actions
must be a goal huh? nhl.com shows ANA 1
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)
by ang6666 on Dec 22, 2009 9:15 PM PST up reply actions
Ducks certainly deserve
at least a point out of this. They’ve played phenomenally tonite (from what I’ve seen).
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 9:19 PM PST reply actions
does this mean I’m not a jinx anymore and I should leave? (not that I ever believed I was a jinx) … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)
by ang6666 on Dec 22, 2009 9:22 PM PST reply actions
RPG 4 EVA!!!!!
OMG, less than 30 seconds left!
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 9:26 PM PST reply actions
Ha, my siblings made me watch episodes of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” instead of hockey, but Spade texted me when Sex Offender scored, and I talked the siblings into watching the last four minutes. I spent all the Getzlaf replays to figure out the third winger was not named Calder.
Plus, first empty-netter of the season, I think. Positivity!
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Dec 22, 2009 9:39 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
4 goals
in what, 10 minutes? Flippin awesome!
It was great sharing a first OT with you guys. Hope to be back for more. Woo!!!!
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 9:28 PM PST reply actions
saving “grace” the only one who watched the ducks in california it seemed….good work
anaheim ducks now feature the sex monster...lock up your daughters!!!
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 23, 2009 6:40 AM PST up reply actions
Hey, thanks for signing up and commenting. The more the merrier!
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Dec 22, 2009 9:41 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Final comment
Flipped over to NHL on the Fly to watch them bitch that Bobby should have tried to avoid.
Um, the Avs defender is right behind Bobby the whole time. Yes, Bobby crashes the net. But the Avs defender follows Bobby right into the goal. How exactly is he supposed to get out of the way in this situation?
Plus, we still had to score 2 more to win it.
by PhantomPretender on Dec 22, 2009 9:34 PM PST reply actions
yea love new commentors
anaheim ducks now feature the sex monster...lock up your daughters!!!
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 23, 2009 6:39 AM PST up reply actions
i told sleek….RC changes the line combinations…we get 4 goals…
I only assume RC fired up his blackberry and went to battle of california and read this post sleek posted and got the message to get that dumbass calder offf the line…and what happens? instant offence….all 3 lines that were changed looked effective with 2 scoring…can it be that fucking easy?…belesky is a comptent player…and showed it on that second line….was amazing how bobo-getz-pears all the sudden were cycling like animals and scored that goal…i let out a big “about fucking time”
Id like to think RC also scorlled down and read Rudy Kellys post and got a good chuckle
p.s.
my only day of work this week..so ill be buggin u guys all day…
p.s.s.
rudy is a genius
p.s.s.s.
i didnt notice whitney yaaaaay…thats the way i like…but then again i had the kdoc freeze soo
p.s.s.s.s.
fuck u kdoc for blacking us all out….the message u left/or direct tv or whomever of….um we know theres a problem so dont call us…was fuckin stupid..i hope peopel still called and flooded there phones…im too lazy for that shit unfortunatly
anaheim ducks now feature the sex monster...lock up your daughters!!!
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 23, 2009 6:37 AM PST reply actions
Solid game last night. I think what I like best about it was that we didn’t fold after being down 2 goals. Even though they couldn’t get anything by Anderson the first two periods they stuck to their game plan and kept the offensive preassure going. Solid win.
What the hell is the deal with Sexton? That guy is awesome. He’s been great, even when he’s not scoring.
Two more things. Fuckin KDOC.
Stupid Hayward. Usually he doesn’t bother me, but I prayed for a puck to somehow find it’s way from the ice to his skull last night.
Stupid Hayward. Usually he doesn’t bother me, but I prayed for a puck to somehow find it’s way from the ice to his skull last night.
That’s the spirit. At least the KDOC gods limited his exposure last night — there’s upside to even the worst technical errors.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
That’s the spirit. At least the KDOC gods limited his exposure last night
I think my aggrivation with him reached it’s peak when he decided to do a whole mini segment on how well Anderson fell down to try and draw a call. He showed us a replay of the Goalie falling down and commended him on it. What the hell is that supposed to inspire?
“Yeah, that really was a great move, putting his face in Perry’s ass and then flailing his arms and falling down. Highlight material right there.”
i tried just playing music and putting mute on the tv..but then u miss important information sometimes…..its a pickle mang
anaheim ducks now feature the sex monster...lock up your daughters!!!
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 23, 2009 8:22 AM PST up reply actions
I just wish I had the opportunity put up with Hayward..
I’m a ducks fan living in the blackout black hole called San Diego. No KDOC, and games are blacked out online because I’m in the market. I only get to watch the games on PT.
Uh oh. I may not have access to a computer today, which means a new gameday post is questionable. Does anybody want to fanpost something, or should we just accept the forced holiday?
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Dec 23, 2009 8:13 AM PST via mobile reply actions
just put a quick post up now (even if its just some words mr plank does this alot)…or have rudy or chen do it…
just need a clean sheet of paper so to speak
anaheim ducks now feature the sex monster...lock up your daughters!!!
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 23, 2009 8:21 AM PST up reply actions
yeah Plankdude does do that huh? especially around the holidays … :)
but we forgive him … cause he’s the best … (sucking up here)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)
by ang6666 on Dec 23, 2009 8:25 AM PST up reply actions
woohoo!!
anaheim ducks now feature the sex monster...lock up your daughters!!!
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 23, 2009 10:26 AM PST up reply actions
from marty turco on fanhouse
Which player would you most like to deliver a good, hard hit on?
Probably Corey Perry because he’s fresh in my mind. We’ve had some good battles. He plays the game the right way. To lay him out and stare down at him — that would be worth it. He plays the game the right way but he’s still a little douchebag.
anaheim ducks now feature the sex monster...lock up your daughters!!!
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 23, 2009 10:21 AM PST reply actions
surprised = He plays the game the right way
not surprised = but he’s still a little douchebag
anaheim ducks now feature the sex monster...lock up your daughters!!!
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 23, 2009 10:26 AM PST up reply actions
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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 |
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