Ducks Gameday -- First glance to the future.

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 10:20 AM PST Comment 73 comments

Anaheim Ducks (10-12-4, t-14th in west) at Dallas Stars (12-8-7, t-7th in west), 5:30 pm
Anaheim Calling or Defending Big D, somebody's bound to have something to say about the Stars.

Man, it's tough to get excited about tonight's game; here's some reasons why:

2: The number of road wins the Ducks have this season, the last one coming nearly two months ago, when the Ducks pulled a Finnish Flash miracle in the second half of the third period + shootout.

1: The number of wins the Ducks have against Pacific Division teams this season, the only one coming nearly a month ago, where the Ducks nearly blew a 4-goal third-period lead but held on.

0: The number of road victories the Ducks have this season against western conference opponents -- you know, the ones that sit in front of Anaheim on the ol' standings board. In fact, the last time the Ducks beat a western conference team in their own building was exactly seven months ago, and afterwards I drew this.

Plus, I'm not even going to be around to watch & comment -- you're on your own tonight. Play nice!

The Ducks needed a solid homestand over the past two weeks and showed improvement to some degree -- 4-2-1 certainly looks better than their prior record -- but really, they played seven critical games at home and won two in regulation and lost two in regulation. 5 western opponents came in to Honda Center, and 4 of them left with at least a standings point -- that's not good enough for a team trying to dig out of the basement.

So I suppose it's worth taking a glance towards next year -- courtesy of CapGeek, here's the one-way salary commitments the Ducks are currently carrying into next season. I've left out two-way contracts like Mikkelson (who's an RFA), and Sbisa, Festerling, Beleskey, and Sharp (all signed cheap), though looking at it now it probably makes sense to throw in Sbisa and Mikkelson at least. Anyways:

Anaheim Ducks 2010-11 Salary Cap Commitments: A First Look

Click image to enlarge.

There's plenty of holes to fill, notably on the blueline (Whitney and Eminger? God help us all) and in the top-six forwards, but there's money to spend, also. Definitely a healthy portion of that money figures to go to Bobby Ryan, deservedly so, but I'm not too worried about his ability to earn it.

I'm not going to delve much into it today, but here's my overall thought, having laid it out: I'm not sure that a lot needs to be done immediately to this core for next season. Sure, when the Ducks are officially out of the running I'm all for UFA firesales and future-reward trades, but there's no issues I see here that couldn't be dealt with late this season or this coming summer, especially if other teams are feeling cap-ceiling-pressured. I dunno -- it seems there's usually a ton of urgency for last place teams to "Sell Sell Sell", but in Anaheim's case, I'm not sure haste will accomplish much. It may not make sense to do much of anything until later in the season when there's more buyers in the market.

Feel free to discuss future-planning in the comments; I'll have some bulleted thoughts tomorrow.

Prediction: Remember when I used to talk about opponents in these gameday posts? That was back when it mattered who the Ducks played. These days, Anaheim can lose to anybody. But hey, tonight we get to see Corey Perry (he of the longest scoring streak since Crosby) try to perform his next "Douche Trick" -- a term coined by Morbo and illustrated below by our pal Spade.

Look out for Getzlaf piss, Turco! It'll turn you bald, too.

Go Ducks.

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(Whitney and Eminger? God help us all

o gawd..i think i just had a minor heart attack seriously

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 10:26 AM PST reply actions

Oh wow. Spade, your “Douche Trick” illustration is fantastic. Now that is a t-shirt waiting to happen.

by g r a c e on Dec 3, 2009 10:27 AM PST reply actions

also forgot to give credit to rudy…his crude perry drawing was also an inspiration…i did honor his cartoon though by making perry gay in the “assist” portion..

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 10:31 AM PST up reply actions

Yeah, the illustration’s fantastic.

I love how the goalie is guarding a gazebo. :)

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 10:33 AM PST up reply actions

making the crosshatching cover the whole net was covering up the goalie too much…so i went with my suggestion that they cover the iinside of the net with white tarp…ok thats bullshit

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 10:38 AM PST up reply actions

I kid, dude — looks awesome.

And yeah, even if someday somebody passes Perry’s points streak, I have to think his douche streak is going to be in the books forever.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 10:43 AM PST up reply actions

thats true and im trying to remember back if there was ever a player that might have had a douche trick?…hmmm..

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 10:45 AM PST up reply actions

a ducks player…im sure dino ciceralli or holmstrom has had many

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 10:45 AM PST up reply actions

nah, my favorite part is that the “assist” isn’t even on the ice…it’s in the bathroom! The strings on Getzlaf’s shorts must be the equivalent to the buttons on Rudy’s jeans, which must be why he needs help.

And of course, that Getz is REALLY excited about it! LOL!

You can call me CK...Spade does. GO DUCKS!!!
DUCKSandPUCKS.com
SKeleven on Twitter

by SK eleven on Dec 3, 2009 10:46 AM PST up reply actions

hes pretty thrilled..i should have added a smiley face lol

i was gonna try to make it on t he ice…but rudys cartoon struck me and had to do him right

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 10:48 AM PST up reply actions

That is a magnificent piece of art Spade.

Somebody submit that to the Museum of Modern Art in NY asap.

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

by Morbo on Dec 3, 2009 1:37 PM PST up reply actions

we cant celbrate wins so we have to celebrate the greatness of perry..i think perry himself would appreciate this artwork…he would get over touching getzlafs penis quickly methinks

thanx again for for helping me with the name…

whats gonna work…teamwork…whats gonna work teamwork
thats from a cartoon my son watches..im forced to watch many

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 1:41 PM PST up reply actions

My god someone’s letting you raise kids?

UNRELATED: Handel is the most overrated composer ever...

by Bleys on Dec 3, 2009 2:05 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

My god someone’s letting you raise kids?

HAhahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahha

Seriously though, that cartoon is one of your best my friend.

by Mike in OC on Dec 3, 2009 2:36 PM PST up reply actions

Maybe Kunitz or Penner? But yeah, I can’t think of any specific time.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 10:47 AM PST up reply actions

oh yea…defintaly one of those two!!! but how do u look that up hahaha…will be a mystery forever

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 10:48 AM PST up reply actions

They’d probably have the infamous “goalie interference” penalty on the scoresheet somehwere…

You can call me CK...Spade does. GO DUCKS!!!
DUCKSandPUCKS.com
SKeleven on Twitter

by SK eleven on Dec 3, 2009 10:53 AM PST up reply actions

thats true…maybe it could be looked up

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 10:55 AM PST up reply actions

So how soon until you trade for Keith Ballard?

by Nut on Dec 3, 2009 11:53 AM PST up reply actions

Or maybe Rob Niedermayer had two playoff douche trick in the ’07 playoffs against Detroit… I see two games (G2 and G6) where he did get a goal and an assist, and as I recall his goals in that series were basically scored on top of Hasek.

Hmmm…

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 10:53 AM PST up reply actions

robby…the og douche trickster!! hahaha

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 10:55 AM PST up reply actions

I’m not sure that a lot needs to be done immediately to this core for next season.

i agree think let the players play out the season..lets see what we have and wait till later in the season..to see if we get some desperate team to give us more than they should for a scotty or whomever

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 10:54 AM PST reply actions

for a scotty or whomever

“Whomever” is primarily Hiller, Koivu, and Selanne, and I’m not sure Teemu (or Scotty) plans on going anywhere. Sort of an odd bind.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 10:56 AM PST up reply actions

I wonder if anybody will order any personalized “KYLE C” Ducks sweaters in co-support of Calder and Chipchura this year.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 11:02 AM PST reply actions

they do stuff like that in pittsburgh…i saw a guy in pittsburgh have the “punter’s” jersy….the fuckin punter!!! i know u guys arent football guys but i know u understand how ludicrus that is

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions

BTW, I was able to do some quick web-searching to predict Bob Murray’s next moves.

He’s already tried to solve problems by adding Kyle Calder and Kyle Chipchura. Next will probably be Avs defenseman Kyle Cumiskey and then a bit later we’ll nab Kings prospect Kyle Clifford.

Kyle Cs to the rescue!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 11:14 AM PST up reply actions

almost coudl nab kyle from south part but his last name starts with a k i think…kowsloski or somthing like that

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 11:15 AM PST up reply actions

south park..

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 11:16 AM PST up reply actions

Are we trying to dominate the Kyle-Ryan world?

You can call me CK...Spade does. GO DUCKS!!!
DUCKSandPUCKS.com
SKeleven on Twitter

by SK eleven on Dec 3, 2009 11:17 AM PST up reply actions

Would Kyle mcClaren Count?

by Evilducks on Dec 3, 2009 11:48 AM PST up reply actions

I’m sure he’d accept a legal name change in exchange for guaranteed employment.

Kyle Claren, he could get used to that.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 12:03 PM PST up reply actions

by the way i will be making that cartoon a t-shirt

im gonna thicken up the lines a little bit but other than that it will be the same wish me luck…if it comes out well maybe ill make a couple and give them out haha

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 11:06 AM PST reply actions

By “making it into a shirt,” I really hope you mean reproducing it by hand in sharpie on a fruit of the loom.

UNRELATED: Handel is the most overrated composer ever...

by Bleys on Dec 3, 2009 11:20 AM PST via mobile up reply actions

Or taking it to a tattoo parlor for your skin shirt design.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 11:21 AM PST up reply actions

0: The number of road victories the Ducks have this season against western conference opponents — you know, the ones that sit in front of Anaheim on the ol’ standings board. In fact, the last time the Ducks beat a western conference team in their own building was exactly seven months ago

For fun, I actually dedicated about 2 second of thought into trying to figure out WHY the Ducks cant win on the road. Seriously, is their team THAT one dimensional that opponents can matchup against the Getzlaf line, slow them down and win the game?

I maybe should put more thought into this…. but I’d probably be wasting my time trying to come up with a better reason than that.

View From My Seats
Sarcasm: God's gift to smart people...

by Cheap Seats on Dec 3, 2009 11:45 AM PST reply actions

It’s the same reasons they lose at home — fall behind early, fight back, lose in heartbreaking fashion. Not even truly a match-up issue, I think — just the team is overwhelmed in tied-game situations.

Even their two road wins both started by allowing opponents to score first.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 12:02 PM PST up reply actions

Not even truly a match-up issue, I think — just the team is overwhelmed in tied-game situations.

yea i think we just suck more than anything…its not always necessary to over-complicate things really

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 12:45 PM PST up reply actions

1: The number of wins the Ducks have against Pacific Division teams this season

I forgot to mention — the reason why this one is so significant is that the Ducks have done very well against the Pacific in the past. Here’s everyone’s cumulative divisional record the past four years, 120 games-played each.

Team W-L-O, Points, GF-GA
ANA 66-37-17, 149 pts, 341-298
SJS 67-40-13, 147 pts, 337-303
DAL 65-38-17, 147 pts, 334-306
PHX 56-53-11, 123 pts, 316-353
LAK 46-60-14, 106 pts, 308-376

The Ducks held a narrow margin before this season, but this year’s been about a lot of payback.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 12:13 PM PST reply actions

The Kings are 6-1-1 against the Pacific this season, their only regulation loss coming in the first game of the season.

Oh, sorry, you probably don’t want to hear that.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Dec 3, 2009 12:18 PM PST up reply actions

And the hockey gods are loving it.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 12:30 PM PST up reply actions

a fucking one dollar bet..motherfuckers!!

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 12:37 PM PST up reply actions

Defending Big D, somebody’s bound to have something to say about the Stars.

I asked myself what would the fans of the most boring team on earth talk about…I theorized probally the lbog is all about complaining about turco or crying over zubov I was half right:

After a decade of Sergei Zubov as the Stars power play quarterback, the special teams unit found itself in need of a new leader

not exactly crying but still

i hate everything about that team…hate those uniforms..hate the state they play in..hate all there momma’s…dont know why…. i should hate them less than than the kings and sharks but its really not the case

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 1:03 PM PST reply actions

It’s no wonder you and Plank got along so well.

by Evilducks on Dec 3, 2009 1:15 PM PST up reply actions

if i was commish i would contract them first…leave the yotes..they never hurt no-body

on a side note about the yotes someone mentioned there logo looks like the coyote is choking on somthing…i think thats hilarious

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 1:24 PM PST up reply actions

dont know why

As a Ducks fan maybe it’s because they owned our asses right off the bat and ALWAYS seemed to beat us for the first decade. Modono was the original “Ducks Killer” and then they added that fuckin moron Bret Hull (who hates the Ducks almost as much as Chelios)

Then after we did manage to beat them in the playoffs, they complained publicly that we were a borring trapping team.

by Mike in OC on Dec 3, 2009 2:46 PM PST up reply actions

i think your right..i remember losing to them “ALL” the time early on…i get this special hard on when we beat them…this might also explain my red wing hatred..although there fans have a lot to do with it also when it comes to them

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 2:49 PM PST up reply actions

Modano was the original killer.

He’s screwed the Sharks on numerous occasions.

by Evilducks on Dec 3, 2009 3:06 PM PST up reply actions

That’s original ‘insert team here’ killer

by Evilducks on Dec 3, 2009 3:07 PM PST up reply actions

he wasnt an orignal salei killer muahahaha

ok bad form mr spade..bad form indeed….

i think its concluded im going ot hell…but nothing like a little re-inforcement

I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.
-Jim Morrison

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Dec 3, 2009 3:10 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

he wasnt an orignal salei killer muahahaha

Hahahahahahaha! I loved it.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 3:21 PM PST up reply actions

I really, really love the cartoon, Spade! Especially since I’d already decided to call Perry “the Doucheplow” before I saw this.

There IS hope for the future, though. Maybe this year he’ll win “Bathroom MVP.”

Vodka is my copilot

by Niesy on Dec 3, 2009 4:03 PM PST reply actions

Wooooooooo! Ducks get the early goal?? By Koivu?

At least this is a fairly unique script.

by g r a c e on Dec 3, 2009 5:41 PM PST reply actions

Holy crap, and I only get to see the first five minutes — who knew that would include an Anaheim goal?

OK, I’m off, fully trusting the Ducks will hold on.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 5:42 PM PST up reply actions

I don’t know where that trust is coming from, but I’ll second it. Hope hope hope.

Bye!

by g r a c e on Dec 3, 2009 5:44 PM PST up reply actions

Damn, Ducks must have seen right through my sarcasm there. Who knew I’d miss 57 minutes of the game but miss zero Ducks offense?

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 10:47 PM PST up reply actions

Phew, glad to see Bobby on his feet after that hit.

by g r a c e on Dec 3, 2009 6:00 PM PST reply actions

Wow. When was the last time the Ducks got the benefit of a 5-min major PP??

by g r a c e on Dec 3, 2009 6:03 PM PST up reply actions

Because I use mouthwash. And sometimes, I floss.

by brokenyard on Dec 3, 2009 7:20 PM PST reply actions

DAMN.

by g r a c e on Dec 3, 2009 7:24 PM PST up reply actions

AGAIN.

by g r a c e on Dec 3, 2009 7:26 PM PST up reply actions

Because I use mouthwash. And sometimes, I floss.

by brokenyard on Dec 3, 2009 7:40 PM PST up reply actions

For pete’s sake, please Ducks, don’t let those horrible two goals be the difference in this game.

by g r a c e on Dec 3, 2009 7:47 PM PST reply actions

it’s all sleeks fault for his earlier comment…

You can call me CK...Spade does. GO DUCKS!!!
DUCKSandPUCKS.com
SKeleven on Twitter

by SK eleven on Dec 3, 2009 7:48 PM PST up reply actions

I don’t know…is this a new low? I’m too numb to tell.

by g r a c e on Dec 3, 2009 7:50 PM PST up reply actions

If you’re numb from the loss, no it’s not so much a new low as it is a predictable low.

If you’re numb from alcohol consumption, it’s a win no matter what.

Because I use mouthwash. And sometimes, I floss.

by brokenyard on Dec 3, 2009 7:52 PM PST up reply actions

The fact that the Ducks lost was predictable, but the way they lost… I just…can’t…

How many ways can this team lose in soul-crushing fashion?

by g r a c e on Dec 3, 2009 8:01 PM PST up reply actions

Three ways, and it alternates. We’ll probably see a different way tomorrow.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 10:46 PM PST up reply actions

I thought you guys were overreacting, but after watching the “highlights” on NHL on the Fly I agree your soul has been snuffed. I thought the gods only conspired against the Kings.

by Nut on Dec 4, 2009 7:34 AM PST up reply actions

Oh crap, and Teemu broke his hand??!

Well, he was probably sick of losing anyways.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 3, 2009 10:55 PM PST reply actions

An ex of mine goes to UO

I hate her Facebook status updates. For a second this morning, I thought we were Pac-10 Champions.

Because I use mouthwash. And sometimes, I floss.

by brokenyard on Dec 4, 2009 8:03 AM PST reply actions

So, Wiz knocks a puck in to his own net by mistake and Steve Mother Fucking Ott scores the go ahead goal. I hate Steve Ott. I hate Steve Ott more then any of you will ever know. Seriously, fuck Steve Ott.
Now, I know that first goal could of happened to anyone. I suppose you can’t really blame Wiz or Jiggy. It was sort of just dumb luck but just let me get this out of my system:
WHAT THE FUCKING FUCK WISNEWSKI! WHO THE FUCK DO YOU PLAY FOR?!
On top of all of that Teemu broke his hand and I’m guessing will be out for a while. This hurts. This really really hurts. So today, here’s two videos. The First is Travis Moen beating the ever living fuck out of Steve Ott. Travis Moen when he played for the Ducks was my favorite player. He was a tough bastard, worked hard, and was always willing to drop the gloves.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bmAiuaRKow

The second video is little kids getting beat up by an adult. Which is always good for a laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsfznO9r3wU

by JohnQPhats on Dec 4, 2009 8:08 AM PST reply actions

Hahaha, that last one was pretty funny.

Because I use mouthwash. And sometimes, I floss.

by brokenyard on Dec 4, 2009 8:48 AM PST up reply actions

That first one was the fight where Ott got a game for eye-gouging, also. That’s why I always laugh at Ducks announcers who use the expression “Ott gets under your skin.” I usually reply (to myself): “Yeah, no kidding. Your eyelid, even.”

Second one is great, too.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Dec 4, 2009 8:56 AM PST up reply actions

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Pacific Standings

	GP	W	L	OTL	PT
San Jose Fear The Fin	82	51	20	11	113
Phoenix Five For Howling	82	50	25	7	107
Los Angeles Jewels From The Crown	82	46	27	9	101
Anaheim Anaheim Calling	82	39	32	11	89
Dallas Defending Big D	82	37	31	14	88