Ducks Gameday—Six games to go, time to make a stand

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:07 AM PDT

Anaheim Ducks (bubble) at Edmonton Oilers (bubble)
Lowetide has your Oilish angle.

Well, the Ducks get another opportunity to bubble-battle with the Oilers tonight, this time on the road; smart money is that Jonas Hiller will play a full game tonight. With both teams currently sitting outside the top eight, it's a hugely critical game for both teams, and it truly is time for the Ducks to step up and confront these pesky Oilboys.

GanDuck the Grey vs. the Oilrog.

Quickly, I also did want to give some post-trade-deadline kudos to GM Bob Murray, who not only dealt away a boatload of UFAs a month ago to bolster Anaheim's future, but also managed to stay afloat in terms of current-year production as well. Sure, Chris Kunitz has been scoring like a mad fool in Pittsburgh, but taken as a group Anaheim's acquisitions have held pace pretty well with its departed fivesome (note that Kent Huskins hasn't played a game yet for the Sharks):

Acquisitions: one fewer point in six fewer games-played. Not too bad, Murray.

I won't be in the comments until probably after this game is over, so hopefully the Gandalf magic does the trick.

Prediction: Pronger gets booed.

Go Ducks (and for tonight, go Blue Jackets and Canucks).

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If anybody is bored today

I was the guest last night on a Chicago Blackhawks podcast, Hockee Night, to largely talk over the Pahlsson-Wiesniewski trade as well as where both teams sit with a half-dozen games to play. It’s more Blackhawks-themed than Ducks-themed (lots of talk about the Canucks-Hawks brawl that I didn’t see), and I unfortunately didn’t break into Pahlsson-inspired tears, but I did try to hit on some of the reasons why Hawks fans should be elated to get Sammy, despite the points-discrepancy we’ve seen so far (Wisniewski: 7 pts, +3; Pahlsson: 0 pts, -4).

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 9:47 AM PDT reply actions

think everyone is unsure and mortified about todays game…such a big game

im speechless…if u can belive it….

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 10:02 AM PDT reply actions

im speechless…if u can believe it….

I hear you — it is a huge game. Still, I haven’t found myself too frozen up in fear yet. I think it really helped me to write off the Ducks as dead a few weeks ago.

But I am very curious how Anaheim would do as underdogs in a first-round matchup this spring. C’mon, web-footed ones. Let’s see what you got.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions

yea not sure waht to say…im worried might jinx the ducks….remember we predicted a loss on friday..and it backfired……

forzen is a good description

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions

remember we predicted a loss on friday..and it backfired……

True, but in general I try not to be overly superstitious about things said on this blog. I didn’t predict anything on Sunday and it worked out just fine, and today’s prediction is just about as soft as you can get.

We shall see how the Ducks manage tonight, I guess (well, everyone except me — I’ll find out on my cell phone).

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions

seeing hiller in net will for reason give me some comfort.

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions

forzen is a good description

It’s a great description. This game could so easily go either way.

GO DUCKS!! DUCKSandPUCKS.com

by SK eleven on Mar 31, 2009 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions

This game could so easily go either way.

I guess so, but at least we know two more things about this EDM-ANA game than we did about the last one: who will be starting in net, and why.

I don’t really know why, but I’m feeling optimistic tonight.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions

SHHHHH

queit earl!!!

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Don’t worry too much about me and my loose tongue — I’m optimistic on most game nights. Until they drop the puck.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions

I think it really helped me to write off the Ducks as dead a few weeks ago

You can’t do that. That would be like us Sharks fan accepting that the Sharks won’t get pass the 2nd round during the playoffs … ever. You have to have faith, hope, love, etc etc etc that your team will pull thru.

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

by ang6666 on Mar 31, 2009 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions

oops, forgot the quotes … (grumbles)

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

by ang6666 on Mar 31, 2009 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions

But to what extent? Hope that the Ducks squeak into one of the last two playoff spots? Or must I hope/scratch/etc that they upset a few rounds also?

I dunno — I hear your “never give up” message, but once you have given up once in a season, it’s tough to get that attitude back. I’ll stick with fatalism for now, unless the Ducks do something to truly inspire me.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions

But to what extent?

Until that very last goal against them. Until they start playing golf. But yeah, guess once you are in that mode, it’s hard to get the rah rah rah spirit back.

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

by ang6666 on Mar 31, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions

More on tonight’s game from Puck Daddy, who once again breaks his running internet record for “most consecutive days reminding readers that he picked Anaheim to make the postseason”.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 2:27 PM PDT reply actions

I guess since a few people have e-mailed me this, may as well highlight it. Per our pals and tormentors at Sports Club Stats (not sure which method, but I’m sure they’re getting awfully close at this point):

Oil win = 35.7% chance of making playoffs
Oil lose = 8.1% chance of making playoffs

Ducks win = 63.2% chance of making playoffs
Ducks lose = 26.6% chance of making playoffs.

So yeah, a fucking collision of dreams tonight. Go Ducks.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions

im heavily drinking tonite!!

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions

might pop up on the comments drunk beware

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Feel free — there may be some visitors tonight. I probably won’t be able to make it until the game is over, though. Stupid life!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Go Ducks (and for tonight, go Blue Jackets and Canucks).

Well, the Preds have just lost to the Blue Jackets. Ducks can leapfrog back into 7th with a win tonight.

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 6:29 PM PDT reply actions

Woo! Great no-look pass from Getzlaf to Brookbank for his first NHL goal!

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 7:08 PM PDT reply actions

Argh. Please end game now.

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 7:39 PM PDT reply actions

May have to resurrect that chant, Go Clock Go!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Hey, I lied!

a) I thought this game started at 6:00, not 6:30.
b) I thought the function I was at tonight ended at 8:30, not 7:20.

Got home just in time to see Scotty give Anaheim the lead. Very nice!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 7:40 PM PDT reply actions

I’m pretty sure the gametime changed somehow – I also saw “6:00” at around 5 PM, then at 6 checked and it said “6:30”

Strange. But as I couldn’t catch the game it didn’t make much difference.

Nobody cares about your opinion.

by brokenyard on Apr 1, 2009 12:09 AM PDT up reply actions

Hm, Bobby Ryan’s blood earns another 4 min penalty. Worth the sacrifice?

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 7:43 PM PDT reply actions

Ohhh, yes it does! In time for that second PP!

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Worth the sacrifice?

Oh, at this time of year? Every damn time — even if they don’t score, it’s four minutes I breathe easier.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions

I may have to look it up — I can’t recall the last time 3 Ducks defensemen scored goals in a game, let alone all 3.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 7:49 PM PDT reply actions

Interesting. But should Niedermayer really be considered a defenseman on the PP? ;)

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Hm, apparently it wasn’t that long ago. Remember the crazy 6-6 game against Vancouver on Halloween that went to the 13th round of the shootout?

Apparently Scott Niedermayer, Steve Montador, and Chris Pronger all potted goals in that game.

Actually kind of amazing I was able to look that up. If it wasn’t this year though, it would have taken me much longer.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Whoa, whoa, whoa

I missed a Bobby Ryan fight? How’d he do? (obviously he’s not dead, that’s good).

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:00 PM PDT reply actions

Oh yes, after the Edmonton goal, against Staios. As for his performance…well, you pretty much said it all — he’s not dead.

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh boy oh boy, that clear by Marchant after getting hit by that puck!

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 8:06 PM PDT reply actions

Oh no, Marchant is toast.

Brave leprechaun, this could be costly. Are you ready for some big minutes, Ryan Carter?

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:06 PM PDT reply actions

Wait, maybe that’s pessimistic — let’s hope it was the wind seriously knocked the fuck out of him and not worse.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions

As a benefit, Pronger and Niedermayer got some rest and finished off the PK.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Nice silver lining. Positivity (or its ghost) lives.

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions

The glove of Jonas Hiller is certainly trying to resurrect that ghost.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Robbie? Her?!

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 8:11 PM PDT reply actions

Another assist to the Wizard of Niewski. He’s really making the Pahlsson trade look way lopsided.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, his play certainly has taken some of the sting out of losing “the real #26.”

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 8:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Some of it’s illusory, I’m sure — pairing up with Scott Niedermayer does hide a few flaws.

Other than the shell of a man called Hedican for a few games, I think Wisniewski represents the most veteran partner that Scott Niedermayer has played with in Anaheim, at least at the point when the partnership began. He seems a great fit with the Captain, and I like a Pronger-Whitney second pairing too. If you gave each of them two sticks I think they could reach board-to-board.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions

If you gave each of them two sticks I think they could reach board-to-board.

Oh man, I would LOVE to see them try this. I remember reading somewhere that Selanne compared wingspans with Pronger (shortly after he joined the team?), and it was like a full foot longer on each side. Or something along those lines.

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Niedermania!

Hehehehehe, when Rob scores, it’s time to pull your goalie.

We’ll see if MacT complies.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:12 PM PDT reply actions

im here

and im buzzed..not drunk yet….nice game….so far….

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions

I made it for most of the second, and it’s been looking good for me for sure.

No game tomorrow, so they can leave it out there — we do have to keep an eye out for Marchant. With a 3-goal lead, I dunno, I might just rest him just in case.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh wait, maybe he’s already OK — I didn’t realize until this intermission replay that Marchant was on the ice for Robbie’s goal.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Sneaky leprechaun — maybe he WAS trying to get some breathing time for the other PKers.

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Hiya Spade. It’s certainly been a good night all around (so far). Nashville and Minny both lost, too. (Even though Minny got an OTL point.)

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions

hi there grace….i was expecting to come here pissed off……but damn…that scotty PP goal was sweet…tic tac toe….i might have to wait till the sharks back to back…to a pessimistic asshole

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions

to be

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, don’t worry — there will be plenty of opportunity for pessimism coming. That’s pretty in-the-bag.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions

hehe

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, those two games will probably decide the Ducks’ fate.

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions

i know….hopefully the sharks mail it in those 2 games…but doubtful

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions

They won’t mail it in, not with Detroit on their ass. But who knows? They have some injuries, and it is getting towards that time of year where they typically fall apart.

It’ll be interesting.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions

we just need the sharks to be ….the sharks?…..that isnt asking for much

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions

I’m almost as anxious to see how the Sharks do this postseason as I am to see how far the Ducks’ own season lasts.

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions

just like to match up with the sharks…int he first round…who cares if we lose…..just be fun,….here on the Boc

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions

that it would!

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

by ang6666 on Mar 31, 2009 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, I’m looking forward to the potential matchup, too. I like the fact that the Ducks would be the underdog.

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions

And Nashville ends its season in Minnesota — that’s some points that one of those teams is guaranteed not to get.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Go… clock…. go….

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:39 PM PDT reply actions

can we officaly cut off randy caryles ballsack if he start jiggy…instead of hiller….who would join me with some pitchforks and torches march on rc’s house

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions

It all depends — for the short-term future, sure. But the Ducks end with some back-to-backs, and who knows how tight things will be then?

But for Thursday? Definitely Hiller.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions

with hockey players it seems..they go year to year….think they shouldnt be judged by past performances…..this year jiggy is off…maybe cuz of his loss…..that isnt to say hes the man next year…

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, but I’d almost prefer it, if the Ducks can afford it, to give Giguere at least one more start before the end of the year — can’t let him end on that debacle last Friday. I think he’ll play one of the games against the Sharks, perhaps, and I don’t think we’re done with the Giguere chapter of this season just yet.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, I agree with you there. I think it is worth at least another shot to get Giguere going before the playoffs.

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions

There is a ton of upside if Giguere can re-discover his postseason form. Otherwise we’ll have to go with the ’06 plan.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions

I think it is a matter of short- and long-term balancing. Hiller’s had some success in the ‘07 playoffs, but I do feel a little bit nervous about how he’d fare as the outright number 1 guy.

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions

go clock gooooooooooo

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions

(Hands Clock a cup of water and slaps it on the bum as it passes)

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 8:45 PM PDT up reply actions

(Talks Clock into trying some performance steroids — every appliance is doing ’em!)

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions

but ducks have a nice lead … and hey! did you see kings and ducks decided to play this time around? :)

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

by ang6666 on Mar 31, 2009 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions

oops !!! kings and stars … ugh!

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

by ang6666 on Mar 31, 2009 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions

but ducks have a nice lead …

True, but we’re never quite sure which version of the Ducks we’re watching. The safest thing is for the clock to run out before we really have to find out.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Okay okay okay. Keep it together keep it together keep it together.

(Picks up clock and hurls it forward.)

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 9:01 PM PDT reply actions

OK, I can handle that. But seriously, c’mon clock.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 9:01 PM PDT reply actions

Fuck you lazy clock. Get your ass in gear.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 9:03 PM PDT reply actions

Wait, what is this? A stick measurement?

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 9:04 PM PDT reply actions

ARGH!!! On Selanne again???

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions

A page straight from the Ron Wilson playbook — but backfired!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions

HEEEHEEEHEEEHEEEEE

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Way to carry a legal stick at the right moment this time, Teemu!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions

the king of the empty netters!!! strikes again!!!

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions

good nite all…..buuuuuuuuuuuuurp

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 31, 2009 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Night!

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Later, Spade. No stress until Thursday now.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Sharks suck at empty netters

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

by ang6666 on Mar 31, 2009 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions

You got the wrong member off our checking line, then. Rob’s specialty is empty-netters. Hard to believe he potted one with Roloson in the net earlier.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Well said. Moen did lead the Ducks in short-handed goals, though, didn’t he? Or is that Marchant?

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Moen and Marchant each had two — Scotty leads in SH points with 3 assists.

I’m never that interested, it seems, in shorthanded scoring, though. They are important turning points in games, but on the whole I am mostly interested in GA-rates when killing penalties. Moen and Marchant have good numbers there, but they left the tough assignments to Sammy and Rob.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Robbie ends up with two! Phew!

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 9:07 PM PDT reply actions

BTW, I squarely blame Hayward and Ahlers for all this silliness for talking about the “potential game winner” with five minutes left.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions

I had the benefit of the Oilers’ feed tonight, so no hair-pulling on that account. I do kind of like that the Oilers showed some life there at the end. That third goal was cutting it rather fine, but it was a kind of a kick in the Ducks’ pants, a reminder against complacency.

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions

That is true — now you’re preaching the positivity, but I agree. They should be on alert for Vancouver Thursday.

Which they’ll need — the Canucks have been a pain for the Ducks to play against this season, as I recall.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Those Canucks are really on a roll, too. I was watching their game against Minnesota tonight, and they looked fantastic. They took a penalty in the last 30 sec or so of a tied game, killed off the penalty, and scored an OT goal. Scary scary scary.

by g r a c e on Mar 31, 2009 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Robbie with a 2-goal game!

One on the power play, even. Craziness.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Mar 31, 2009 9:08 PM PDT reply actions

Sorry I missed this one, looked to be a good one.

Nobody cares about your opinion.

by brokenyard on Apr 1, 2009 12:12 AM PDT reply actions

GanDuck is awesome. :D

by zot on Apr 1, 2009 12:49 AM PDT reply actions

A quote, courtesy of the OC Register’s Ducks Blog:

Bobby Ryan, when asked if he was nervous about the measurement of Teemu’s stick: "Yeah, because have you seen that paddle?"

by g r a c e on Apr 1, 2009 2:03 AM PDT reply actions

Yeah, I perused Lowetide’s comments, and a lot of Oiler fans are really pissed at MacT for that call (only one remembered that Teemu got caught for it in the past), and I could see why it’s a rotten gamble considering momentum and game time, but I totally thought Teemu was going to get caught again. I dunno — not the worst gamble in my eyes, although with some 2 minutes left and the Ducks leading, I don’t know if that’s the time Teemu goes for his illegal stick.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 1, 2009 6:43 AM PDT up reply actions

well take it…..be nice of chicago took out the blues for us today…

another do or die game on thrusday…..fuuuuuuck

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 1, 2009 6:59 AM PDT up reply actions

But it was a good day yesterday — EDM and MIN are now 3 points back with 5 games to play, and I believe we have the tiebreaker on either of them. So they’d have to outperform us by 4 points down the stretch to pass.

It’s looking more like a 3-team race for 2 spots today than a 5-team race for 2 spots yesterday. Improvement!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 1, 2009 7:37 AM PDT up reply actions

well….what gives me hope..is that it doesnt seem were having any trouble scoring goals….for ducks teams in the whole history thats a way positive sign…and someone finally came up with a plan on the PP that seems to work….

they just gotta tighten up the D end and the PK….

the sharks could trip us up….as me and u witnessed at the game….we seem to play up to there level…..if we can get a split….that might suffice….well c..the nucks are gonna be a handful though

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 1, 2009 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions

the sharks could trip us up

as much as we all would love to see a BoC series, is it possible ducks can get in without the Sharks losing either of those games?? cause really, I just can’t see wanting a BoC series THAT badly :)

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

by ang6666 on Apr 1, 2009 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Sure, it’s possible. If STL, NSH, EDM, and MIN want to lose out their schedules (MIN can beat NSH in their one matchup), then the Ducks don’t need to win another game — they’ll hold seventh.

HOWEVER, and this is a biggie, if we want to ensure a BoC matchup, past years will teach us not to hope it happens in the second round, but rather ensure that it happens as soon as possible. And nothing to my eye seems to guarantee a matchup more than if the Ducks squarely beat the Sharks in both weekend matchups — that would give ANA a pretty solid lock on seventh, and the Sharks would probably fall to second. And it would be on.

But, seeing as you Sharks fans have this odd thirst for the President’s Trophy (because yeah, winning that regular season prize should soften the playoff blow), you probably hate that plan. Whatever — if you’d like to fret out games 80 and 81 in the hopes of winning some silly trophy with almost no correlation with Stanley Cups, don’t let my wishes get in your way.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 1, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions

as you Sharks fans have this odd thirst for the President’s Trophy

It’s not the President’s Trophy for itself that drives the fans. It’s home advantage, it’s not letting the Wings have that smirk that they are again on top, it’s not letting the Ducks beat us, etc It’s so much more than just the Trophy. There are just certain teams, more than others, that I really really hate to lose to. Ducks being one of them.

But as we all agreed over at FTF, of the two, it’s the Cup the fans want the Sharks to have. As with every year, this is their year. Hopefully they realize it as well.

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

by ang6666 on Apr 1, 2009 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions

But as we all agreed over at FTF, of the two, it’s the Cup the fans want the Sharks to have.

Well, at least you guys aren’t outright fools, I guess.

And I don’t think seeding is going to take the smirk off a Red Wings fan — hell, even when you sweep them they’re still convinced they’re better than you. I suspect in their eyes, hockey has very little to do with their superiority — it’s just a correlation with their self-awesomeness.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 1, 2009 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions

I missed the live party here

but thursday I’ll bring my laptop into my TV room and post with everyone.

On a side not, It was pretty disturbing to see the way they treat Penner. Nothing like taking one of are rookies and giving him a contract that is not matchable because you’re over-paying, and then treating that rookie like crap because he is not worth what you decided to over-pay him. I liked Big Dustin Penner and hated to see him go, watching that sucked. He is well compensated though.

My favorite comment on lowetide (and the people over at lowetide as well I guess) was:

Brookbank has one goal, we better watch out because if he scores one more we may give him an offer sheet.

or somthing to that effect.

by Mike in OC on Apr 1, 2009 1:45 PM PDT reply actions

but thursday I’ll bring my laptop into my TV room and post with everyone.

Everyone except Earl, that is. I’m dead for sure for tomorrow’s game.

Yeah, the Lowetide comments are quite damning on a lot of Oiler players, coaches, and managers — quite good fun reading. And the level of snark is through the roof.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 1, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions

ill be around tommorow…hopefully more drunker. this time….need to upgrade to liquior this time

yea sux penner isnt still on our team…stupid oilers

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 1, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions

are we getting a sleek toon at least?

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 1, 2009 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions

We shall see — quite possibly, depends on what I can get done tonight. We’ll have a gameday post for sure — just I won’t be around for comments during the actual game itself.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 1, 2009 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions

Feeling pretty good about the Blues’ loss tonight in Chicago. They play again tomorrow night in Detroit, while the Sharks visit the Oilers. I hate myself for thinking it, but: Go Detroit and San Jose?

by g r a c e on Apr 1, 2009 8:10 PM PDT reply actions

and San Jose

you know it feels good saying that :)

Dont’ you hate this time of year when you find yourself “reluctantly” cheering for teams you normally would stab yourself in the eye if the thought even crossed your mind doing?

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

by ang6666 on Apr 1, 2009 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Heh, this year I’m sort of warped — I want the Sharks and Wings to win as many games as possible so their elimination stings all the more.

So fuck yes. Go fucking Sharks (until the weekend, I guess) and go fucking Wings.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 1, 2009 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions

so their elimination stings all the more

grrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! (kicks you HARD!)

that was mean!! mean I tell ya!!

You have a Cup … it’s our turn!! You even have that toon of the Ducks packing up the Cup as you moved the blog … ugh!! I wanted to pour acid on that toon … lol … do you know that very game happened on my bday?!? It was forever ruined I tell ya!! No elimination this time. My heart can’t take it.

GO SHARKS!!!!

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

by ang6666 on Apr 1, 2009 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions

You were obviously destined to be a Ducks fan, why fight it? Don’t let your hatred of Emilio get in the way.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 1, 2009 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions

ha! no way jose!

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

by ang6666 on Apr 1, 2009 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions

You have a Cup … it’s our turn!!

Haha, I’m not sure how much support you were expecting from Ducks fans, but I’m sorry we disappoint.

by g r a c e on Apr 1, 2009 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions

oh you never disappoint :)

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

by ang6666 on Apr 1, 2009 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions

i’ll pull for you Ang, but only if/after the Ducks are out of it.

by Mike in OC on Apr 1, 2009 11:07 PM PDT reply actions

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Pacific Standings

	GP	W	L	OTL	PT
San Jose Fear The Fin	51	29	16	6	64
Los Angeles Jewels From The Crown	55	26	19	10	62
Phoenix Five For Howling	55	26	21	8	60
Dallas Defending Big D	53	28	23	2	58
Anaheim Anaheim Calling	53	21	24	8	50