Battle of California: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Around SBN: Can Tebow Say No To Anything?

BoC Gameday—What scares me about your team... revisited

Anaheim Ducks (8th in west) at San Jose Sharks (1st in west)
JavaGeek Odds: SJS 71% (hm? or maybe 79.8%?)
Go to Fear the Fin, which later tonight will be renamed "Beer the Gin".

Happy BoC Gameday, everyone.  The long-awaited day of meaningful confrontation has arrived, and I'm still damn excited.

Sharksducks1_medium
Here's an image I made in Nov. 2006. Amazingly, everyone's still around.

It’s fitting, perhaps, that the way that Anaheim and San Jose are starting their postseason is the way they started the regular season – Ducks at Sharks, opening night with a clean slate. Accordingly, Mike Chen and I decided to do a reprise of our season-opening post – what scares me about your team. Both teams have come a long way since opening night, and to help note that progress, I’ll include a glimpse of what our original answers were back on Oct. 9:

What scares Sleek about this year’s Sharks:
1. Joe Thornton plus offensive defensemen means trouble
2. Red Wing motivational tactics
3. Jonathan Goddamn Cheechoo

What scares Chen about this year’s Ducks:
1. The Complete Mighty Ducks
2. Brendan Morrison
3. Pronger / Niedermayer
Now it’s time to do it all again, after the jump:

Star-divide

What_scares_me_medium
California Dreamin'

What scares Sleek NOW about the San Jose Sharks:

1. The scoring depth behind the top line

Yes, there’s plenty to fear about the trio of Joe Thornton – Patrick Marleau – Devin Setoguchi (a combined 94 goals and 128 assists), but the next trio of scoring forwards – Joe Pavelski, Milan Michalek, and Ryane Clowe – are all sitting between 50 and 60 points for the season as well. The Ducks seemingly can match up with the Sharks’ top performers with their trio of Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry – Bobby Ryan (a combined 88 goals and 132 assists), but beyond that they are largely relying on the scoring punch of Teemu Selanne and Andrew Ebbett, both of whom can be streaky. If the Sharks’ secondary scoring outpaces the Ducks’, then this series may not deliver much drama.

2. Jonathan Goddamn Cheechoo

Look – I don’t care if Cheechoo’s been dropped to San Jose’s third line, and I don’t care that he only scored 12 goals this season, and I don’t care that I already included him on my season-opening list. As long as the Sharks have J. "G.D." Cheechoo in their lineup, he’ll scare the crap out of me. Consider Cheechoo’s regular season goal-scoring stats – 20 goals in 34 games against Anaheim (0.59/gm); 145 goals in 406 games against everybody else (0.36/gm). Against the Ducks he’s a 19.2% shooter; against the rest of the league he shoots at a 13.1% clip.  I'm not sure there's a word yet invented to describe somebody who is racist against water fowl, but by the end of this series there might be.

3. The Omen

Travis "the Omen" Moen – I don’t imagine when Bob Murray traded away the soon-to-be-UFA checker to the Sharks that the Ducks would meet up with him again in the first round, but here we are. The Omen isn’t a huge regular season threat, but he has been a beast in the postseason – his 7 goals in 82 games this season matches the 7 goals he had in 21 postseason games in 2007, and his 2 GWG in those 82 games matches the 2 GWG he had in 5 games of the Cup Finals.  It's one thing when playoff warriors of the past depart for other pastures -- it's quite another when they show up on the other team's roster.  Ducks fans know what the Omen brings -- he'll play an honest game and stand up for his (new) teammates -- and I don't suspect that anybody on Anaheim will be outworking him for his shifts.

What scares Chen NOW about the Anaheim Ducks:

1. Teemu Selanne

The running joke among Sharks fans was that when the Finnish Flash was acquired, the best thing about the deal was that the Sharks didn't have to play him anymore. Unfortunately, Teemu found that scoring for the Sharks was much more difficult than scoring against the Sharks. Still, that seems to be one of his favorite past times, and with all of the focus being on Ryan "Spray-On Hair" Getzlaf, Corey "What High Stick?" Perry, and Bobby "Sidney Who?" Crosby, Selanne could fly in under the radar, even if he doesn't use an illegal stick. Fate tends to conspire against the Sharks, and having Selanne exact his revenge for his time with Darryl Sutter and Owen Nolan seems entirely possible. In fact, I get the feeling that when Selanne plays the Sharks, he has crazy flashbacks of Darryl Sutter yelling at him for being a pussy and Owen Nolan just being a dick to him, and it revs him up more than a hot sauna with his best friends.


Suomi!!!

2. Prongermayer

Two Norris winners still in the prime of their careers, each capable of shutting down the opposition and playing 30 minutes a night? That ain't a good thing. Captain Elbows only has one playoff series that I can recall where he actually kept his cool (against the Sharks, of course, when he was with Edmonton), and it'll take a whole lot of Grier / Roenick / Moen bashing into Pronger's face to try and goad him into a dumb penalty. Niedermayer, on the other hand, only seems to have one enemy and that's Father Time (and the Just For Men he needs on his beard). One of the big problems is that Randy Carlyle has seemingly figured out Todd McLellan's attack plan, and if you watched the last two games between these teams, the Sharks had a difficult time trying to get through the neutral zone.

Of course, McLellan's plan is probably lulling Carlye into a false sense of confidence by tricking him into thinking that Carlyle has figured out McLellan's plan, but McLellan has a different plan -- a secret plan he's planned all along. Got that?

3. The officiating

Look, I'm not going to lie and say that the Sharks are boy scouts. They have their share of chippy play and hidden hooking / holding. I don't think anyone can really refute the pugilistic histrionics of previous Duck teams, and while Randy Carlyle says they've gotten a bad rap this season, my big fear is that this is all part of Carlyle's master plan. (See how I'm going conspiracy with this post?) Get the sympathy vote from the refs during the playoffs by paying off Don Cherry and lobbying in the press, then when the refs start looking the other way, use chainsaws instead of sticks to dismember the Sharks -- of course, Corey Perry's specific target is Evgeni Nabokov. And when an armless Milan Michalek is writhing on the ice at the feet of a maniacally cackling Rob Niedermayer, roaring chainsaw in hand, ref 1 will turn to ref 2 and say, "Nah, I didn't see anything. We should give the Ducks the benefit of the doubt."

However, one thing that I am looking forward to is the back and forth here on the BoC posts. As much as we "hate" each other, 99% of the comments are usually done with a good sense of humor, unlike Red Wing commenters who have a persecution complex bigger than OJ Simpson.

* * *

I'm not sure what the comments will be like tonight -- I'm going to be unavailable until sometime in the 3rd period and Mike will be attending the game. Still, feel free to stop by and let us know what scares you about the intrastate opponent.

Sleek's prediction: Pronger gets booed.  Go Ducks.

Chen's prediction: Perry gets booed more than Pronger.  Go Sharks.

Go BoC.

0 recs  |  Comment 274 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

More from Battle of California

If We're Being Fair...

Feb 2010 by RudyKelly - 83 comments

Comments

Display:

I have one prediction about this series: Sharks fans will complain that the refs are letting too much go (even though they get twice as many power plays as the Ducks), while Ducks fans will complain that the refs are picking on them because they’re the Ducks (even though the power play disparity should be around 6-to-1).

I’ll be here tonight to make sure people aren’t being jackasses. No idea who’s going to make sure I’m not being a jackass.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 8:05 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

If this series turns out stressful enough, we may all become jackasses.

I’m also looking into whether or not we should change the blog name temporarily to “Bottle of California” — to better represent the liquor-dependence that becomes common this time of year.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

sleek what are consuming today?

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Today I’m not getting slammed, unless it happens all in the third period / multiple overtimes.

Stupid NHL scheduling — ask me again for Sunday’s game 2, though; I should have a more satisfactory answer.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yea bad answer sleek..i thought i knew…you…but that ship sailed..when u informed me of the choir….

whats next….your gonna say…u hated phalsson this whole time…it was just a shame ? hehe

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

speaking of that…how are u in choir if you"lite up" (just in case your parents are reading)

I guess it could help you if your part of the low sounding section….but wouldnt you run out of breath all the time…..somthing smells fishy and it aint the sharks…ooooooh bad joke right there

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess it could help you if your part of the low sounding section….

I am a bottom-bass with an increasingly limited amount of lung support. How’s that?

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

whats next….your gonna say…u hated phalsson this whole time…it was just a shame ?

That would indeed be a shocker, huh? I guess I won’t reveal just yet that I’m the president of the Brian Hayward fan club — have to keep some surprises for later.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

naw rudy wrong fans…we duck fans accept the fact our boys are stupid and un-disciplined…out of 100 penalties we take…maybe one or two are bogus…anything we get called for well deserve…

but your right the sharks will whine and complain…i do remember them doing that even after they got double the penalty calls

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

hey now! we do not whine!!

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

that theory will be tested if the sharks lose tonite..i shall take a peek at fear the fin if that happens

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

dont’ take a peek … come chat with us during game time

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 9:02 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

naw i will….ill be really drunk…so should be a show

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

When it should have been 4 times the calls your damn right

Please tell me how Pronger does not get called for interference every shift.

My prediction is Perry does something stupid and gets pounded until he wets himself.

"AN, Reducing Work Productivity since 2003", connie mack 11/06/08

by adragon on Apr 16, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Usually you pound it when it’s already wet itself, but I see where you’re going with that.

Fear The Fin: Where The Past Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Apr 16, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yea….makes it a rough ride…also shortens the experience

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Please tell me how Pronger does not get called for interference every shift.

They let someone other than a Sharks fan do the refereeing?

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I dunno Sleek- we do a pretty good job from the couch, I think.

Imagine if Remenda and Hayward put on the zebra outfits though. That would be a treat.

Fear The Fin: Where The Past Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Apr 16, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Remenda would flip the fuck out when his microphone cuts out in the middle of calling a penalty.

by I.C. Wiener on Apr 16, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hayward would call a fair amount of two minute minors, but by the time he was done explaining the call to everybody the power play would only have about eight seconds remaining.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

no heyward would go hump the nearest goalie’ leg..and tell him that none of the goals were his fault

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, except for goalies that go down to one knee for a wrap-around save. Hayward would make it very very painfully clear that he’s not a fan of that goaltending style. And he’d list the top thirty-seven reasons why he doesn’t approve, twice for emphasis.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

holy shit …the whole office heard me laugh my ass off right now hahaha

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

im more scared about the ducks…our PK…have no faith what so ever…its like russian roulette every time…painful to watch

nabokov making saves hes not suppose to….or a joe thorton with the puck behind the net is also bit other than that the sharks dont scare me much…the ducks brain farts do mostly…

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:30 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

bit scary

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:30 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I was chatting with Finny from Girl With A Puck yesterday, and consensus was: we’d much rather the Sharks beat the Ducks than the Ducks beat themselves.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

true..if they smoke us 5 on 5….jumbo joe..is on fire…cheecoo the duck killer….has a hat trick…all while on 5 on 5…hey hats off…there the better team….but if its last playoffs all over again..that will piss me off

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

last years…damn…no edit button..

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Spade, I don’t even think I’d be able to recognize you with an Edit button.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’m lucking forward to seeing Blake punch Corey Perry in the back of the head after he checks Nabakov and then looks around like, “whaaat?”

by Nut on Apr 16, 2009 8:53 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

as long as blake gets penalized…right on man!!!

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

by the way….you might have caught spade-idus “lucking”

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It must be postseason — only at this wacky time of year does Spade pick on other commenters’ spelling errors.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That’s a pretty ridiculous spelling error. I deserve the mockery.

by Nut on Apr 16, 2009 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seriously, that’s like the pot calling the kettle retarded.

No offense, Spade!

by I.C. Wiener on Apr 16, 2009 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

he must just be nervous / anxious / something bout the first game …. like we all are

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

damn … did I just make an excuse for a Ducks’ fan? shoot me!

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

we talking pearl necklace?

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ha ha !

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i thought everyone would get a kick out of that….some love to “nut” (that sounds um weird)
his icon-picture gotta be one of the funniest Ive seen…probally not funny if you were in that costume

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bailey would never make a fool of himself like that

by Nut on Apr 16, 2009 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

hes still new…give him time

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"you might have caught spade-idus "

Is there a shot for that?

"AN, Reducing Work Productivity since 2003", connie mack 11/06/08

by adragon on Apr 16, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

this is the longest day at work

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 10:05 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, seriously. And I’m a guy who thinks every workday is way too fucking long.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree!!! ugh!!! I want it to be 7:30pm already!!!!!

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It’s one downside to getting the Sharks matchup instead of the Red Wings.

Now we have to wait an extra three hours. Thanks a lot, time zone system!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

We should all move to China. One timezone for the entire country.

by mymclife on Apr 16, 2009 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

and people fly around on roofs……over there..didnt u see that one movie

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That made me laugh really fucking hard.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

glad to return the favor..rudy +112 spade now +1

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

unlike Red Wing commenters who have a persecution complex bigger than OJ Simpson.

Lol, which one wrote that, Earl or Mike? Those dipshits at A2Y were going crazy at Mike the other day for his (mostly accurate) post at KK on Franzen’s new 11 year deal.

by IAmJoe on Apr 16, 2009 10:11 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That’s a Chen-ism right there. And a fantastic one at that.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, don’t think I didn’t notice that. I didn’t even bother to look at what the Fox Sports Red Wings commenters said after it was posted on there too. And it made it on to the general FoxSports.com home page, which should have made it even more interesting.

What amuses me about Wings commenters is that you don’t even really have to say anything bad about them and they get all flustered. I did, however, get some emails from Wings bloggers who gave some calmer rebuttals while acknowledging my points.

So let’s go Blue Jackets!

by Mike Chen on Apr 16, 2009 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Couple of years ago at A2Y I got into it with several red wings fans. Let’s just say there were several references to the proclivities of San Franciscan men and California’ hispanic population. In other words, it got good. Then the whole comment thread was then deleted. Haven’t been back since.

by mepex on Apr 16, 2009 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

To be fair, Mike, you did pick on Ken Holland. Not even God passes judgment on Ken Holland, cause compared to Holland, Got don’t know shit about running a hockey team!

Boo Red Wings… and most Red Wings fans (I’m sure, like the rare Ducks fan, that non-idiot Red Wings fans do exist… though even the internet has yet to introduce me to one)

by ruben398 on Apr 16, 2009 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Boo Red Wings… and most Red Wings fans (I’m sure, like the rare Ducks fan, that non-idiot Red Wings fans do exist… though even the internet has yet to introduce me to one)

Hello, nice to meet you.

To be fair, Mike, you did pick on Ken Holland. Not even God passes judgment on Ken Holland, cause compared to Holland, God don’t know shit about running a hockey team!

Well come on now, this is obvious. Ken Holland has a proven track record of doing good things with a hockey club. God, at least as far as we know, does not.

Although, if you want to continue the parallel of God being at the top of the proverbial food chain, I guess the more apt comparison would be God as Gary Bettman. Yikes.

by IAmJoe on Apr 16, 2009 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

God=Gary Bettman!!! I just went from agnostic to atheist…

Yeah, God doesn’t care about hockey. Now football, you know he is in on that. If a player doesn’t point to the sky after a TD…oh snap.

And nice to meet you too, IAmJoe… I was thrown off by the logic and actual conversational ability. The hypothesis has been proven, cool Red Wings fans do indeed exist.

by ruben398 on Apr 16, 2009 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Most Wings bloggers I know are relatively level-headed. It’s their readers (or the ones that post comments) that are the assholes.

by Mike Chen on Apr 16, 2009 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eh, A2Y is a shithole anyways. I don’t even really go to many Red Wings blogs. A2Y just sucks. Winging It In Motown/Behind the Jersey ain’t bad, Christy does some good work, but most of the stuff there is more in the way of game recaps and such. I want statistical analysis and I want sillyness. I find it odd that a team so popular in real life is one of the more underrepresented teams on the internet. I end up rooting for a lot of teams based on their bloggers, as long as they aren’t facing the Red Wings.

by IAmJoe on Apr 16, 2009 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

So let’s go Blue Jackets!

Dammit Mike. Just hours away from these franchises’ first explosive confrontation, and you have to spout out something we can all* agree on?!

* everyone but IAmJoe, that is.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

By the way

Just looking at the Teemu picture…who’s the guy with the ‘stache? It makes me think of Stan’s dad from South Park if he were real.

by Mike Chen on Apr 16, 2009 10:37 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

hope thats not a hot tub below…didnt stans dad jerk off in front of kyles dad at a hot tub once?…looook out!!

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe he paid for the sauna visit with space cash.

by Mike Chen on Apr 16, 2009 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dude — did you just watch that “space cash” episode last night, because I sure as hell did.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ha! Randy Marsh! Good call.

And while we’re on “By the way” stuff: the most surprising thing that I’ve read about this series isn’t really about the series at all, but Ducks’ goalie consultant Francois Allaire’s contract is set to expire at the end of this year — he’s a huge reason why we’ve enjoyed guys like Giguere, Bryzgalov, or Hiller.

It’s too early to talk about now, but re-signing Allaire should be a huge priority this summer.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

damn..really….yea sign him now….

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It’s too early to talk about now, but re-signing Allaire should be a huge priority this summer.

Its never too early! I’ve always been a big believer in showing personnel that they’re an important part of the organization by getting them taken care of early. Especially when you start talking about a behind-the-scenes type guy, like a goalie consultant/coach, who isn’t commanding big bucks, or isn’t getting the spotlight, thats a great way to really say, “Hey, we realize what an important piece you are here, even if no one else does, and we want to get you taken care of”. Helps keep everything nice and happy.

Of course, I’m talking about helping the Ducks continue churning out quality goaltenders. Maybe you oughta just drop him off on someone’s doorstep, free to a good home… Hey, I know where you could drop him….

by IAmJoe on Apr 16, 2009 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

hook us up with your european scouts…and well call it even….burke….must have fired all of ours

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice!

I wonder if you can trade personnel like that anyways? I know in the NFL coaches can be traded (thank you Gruden). No idea about anything else. I’d trade some European scouts for some sort of hope of having a competent AND consistent goalie.

by IAmJoe on Apr 16, 2009 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey, are you guys getting shafted on the scheduling for tonight too? As I saw the schedule last night, today is DET/CLB, then they’ll cut to CHI/CAL already in progress, then when that’s done, they go to ANA/SJ already in progress. I don’t want the damn Flames on my TV. And I don’t want to see partial games. Give me the whole thing. Being in the team’s area, are you guys getting shafted out of the first period or so too?

by IAmJoe on Apr 16, 2009 11:00 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

i dotn know but i dont like the way that sounds

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

gametimes -
DET/CLB – 7:00
CHI/CAL – 8:30
SJ/ANA – 10:30

all times eastern

CHI/CAL will only get the third period aired nationally. If things go as they normally do, 2.5 – 3 hours per game, the SJ/ANA game will not have the first period aired nationally. I just want to watch some Sharks/Ducks man, those are always such good games. Kipprusoff and Khabibulin can go break into a jersey factory and steal all the K’s and drive off a cliff.

by IAmJoe on Apr 16, 2009 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Being in the team’s area, are you guys getting shafted out of the first period or so too?

Locally I don’t think it’s an issue — Prime Ticket will be carrying only the Sharks/Ducks game, and Versus will be blacked out when they try to show any BoC, I think.

But yes — any attempt to “switch over” mid playoff game is about the worst idea ever. Frustrating. As. Hell.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

What is Prime Ticket?

And how could Versus be blacked out? They get exclusivity on their national broadcasts, so local feeds get killed for games that are going national, I thought.

by IAmJoe on Apr 16, 2009 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

sleek is right..its on prime ticket(west coast channel) so will be blacked out on versus….sweeeeet

but gotta listen to gayward…small price to pay to watch the full game though

directtv.com dont lie

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think in the first (and maybe second) round of the playoffs it’s a different deal. Local feeds get priority in the local markets. As the playoffs progress, however, that disappears and games get covered nationally-only.

Prime Ticket is a Fox Sports West channel — they just like fancy names, I guess.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Versus can request exclusivity on one game per series in the first and second round (if it’s not that, it’s something similar). Conference and Cup final are Versus/NBC exclusive.

Ahlers does Versus games though, so you might see him popping up. Not sure where he is in the pitching rotation, I saw the VAN/STL game had the dude from Tampa Bay on last night/

by Mike Chen on Apr 16, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not sure where he is in the pitching rotation, I saw the VAN/STL game had the dude from Tampa Bay on last night.

The play-by-play guy was from TB, you mean? Because the Stars’ Razor was the color guy.

I think for SoCal at least, G5 will be on Versus only.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ducks came out with a revised TV schedule today.

Now G3 and G5 will be Versus only. I definitely had to re-learn what channel that was last night after a full season of it not mattering.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Prime ticket = Fox Sports West 2. They call it PT for some weird reason. I think probably because that’s what the channel that broadcast kings/angels/dodgers/lakers used to be called before they got bought by FSN.

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

by Morbo on Apr 16, 2009 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

where u been all day mang?

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Trying to get shit done at work so I can leave early. ha

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

by Morbo on Apr 16, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

me too..leaving an hour early…need to pure a glass of wine pronto…cool the nerves a little bit

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

and you were mocking my spelling…

by Nut on Apr 16, 2009 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

holy shit pure?…damn..thats worse than usual

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Once you get some of that wine in you, all these misspellings start to make more sense.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

im on glass 2….already…..starting to make sense

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But yes — any attempt to "switch over" mid playoff game is about the worst idea ever. Frustrating. As. Hell.

Being in the Santa Barbara area, I know this all too well. Same thing happened last year in the Sharks-Flames series. Luckily I had Center Ice so it didn’t affect me, but just thinking about it makes me want to grab a machete and lop off Brian Engblom’s hair. This is before he got the haircut, mind.

Fear The Fin: Where The Past Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Apr 16, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

is it just me or hes the biggest fuckin douche

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He’s a douche, but I like him better than the other color whatsamafuck they have on there. Can’t remember his name at the moment.

The guy who runs the thing is alright though. Probably because he just lets the other two dudes do the yapping.

Fear The Fin: Where The Past Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Apr 16, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Keith Jones? I’m struggling, too. Haven’t watched a lot of Versus this year at all.

With Center Ice, a Pacific-Division rooting interest, and the NHL Network, it’s been a very non-necessary channel this season.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Keith Jones is correct, I think. Pretty sure you nailed it.

I’ll drink to NHL Network knocking Versus out of the park. It’s not even close.

Fear The Fin: Where The Past Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Apr 16, 2009 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

keith jones look funny cuz hes in the middle…hes constantly moving his head from side to side…like some kind of bobble head…robot thang..am i the onyl one that notices that?

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sometimes that guy pisses me off too because he’ll pop up 3 times a period to say, “stay tuned at intermission as Keith, Brian and I will be back with highlights”. Like I was expecting a different trio of studio guys other than the ones that started the game to show up and talk about Snuggies or something. Not really his fault, more Versus sucking ass. Also, the fake goal horn for visiting teams is still ridiculous.

by Nut on Apr 16, 2009 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yea those pop up…tune-in messages from him piss me off too….wtf the fuck man

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sometimes that guy pisses me off too because he’ll pop up 3 times a period to say, "stay tuned at intermission as Keith, Brian and I will be back with highlights".

Yeah, yesterday they spent a mid-game break telling me that “there was an update coming from the Devils/Canes game”, and that it was something to look forward to at the intermission break.

And for all its hype, it would have been quicker to just say the damn updated score. Stupid Versus.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Damn

A really good looking Sharks-Ducks cartoon from Couch Tarts. Really makes me regret my non-art-school background.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 11:51 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

your not fired yet…the shark kinda looks like a bunny rabbit….but yea its impressive….

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hopefully this doesn’t count as Gray showing up in today’s thread- it’s been bad news bears for the Sharks in the past.

Fear The Fin: Where The Past Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Apr 16, 2009 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i think it has to be grey..his icon shows like a beat up shark…i think that has somthing to do with it….shows weakness

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You really have no clue which commenters are guys and which ones are girls, do you? Part of the ol’ Spade-o charm, nice!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yea im 0-2 on guessin the sex of commentators…Im gonna go crocidile dundee and grab everyone crotch now to make sure

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He’s a she.

Unrelated, but don’t you hate when you find that out the wrong way? Shit, I meant that the other way around. Forget I said that.

Fear The Fin: Where The Past Is Overrated

by Mr. Plank on Apr 16, 2009 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

its like wow that was the greatest Bj every….then the bottom comes off….and you feel like a….woops…that was a funny story i heard form one of my friends…seriously

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

mmmmhmmmm … yeah … from one of your friends … (behave Angie)

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I stopped by FTF comments for a little bit — it should probably offset, if my working understanding of comment-thread-karma is up-to-date.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I suppose I’m pulling for the Ducks here, thanks to my Thornton dislike if nothing more. Still, with really busy work and school schedules and a huge Bruins series, I believe I won’t be able to follow this as closely as I’d like to. That sucks, because I’ve read this blog long enough to find a true BoC series really cool.

I’m in full playoff mode anyway: I added a moustache to go along with my mullet just for the occasion. Looking like an old-school hockey player rocks. For some reason I get odd looks, though.

by Malurous on Apr 16, 2009 12:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

stick with the mustache…handbar version if you can…you get an added mean menacing look…porn stache/moustache ride references….and you get savor flavors of the foot youve eaten all day long…the mullet….well…..you can leave that in the mid-west and canada were it belongs

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah I’m guessing I’m in the porn stache category, at least going by the feedback I’ve gotten. And no worries, it’s not a Jagr type mullet but more like a cross between the 80s mullet and the more balanced hockey hair of the 70s.

by Malurous on Apr 16, 2009 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

o forgot

add some of those thin sunglasses..instant highway patrol officer….or lueitenant Dingle

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hehe, already do. It’s part of the package.

by Malurous on Apr 16, 2009 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

We fully endorse “lesser of two evils” support!

I suppose especially in this series, where Anaheim by most metrics is the “lesser” team.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

lesser of two evils?? Sharks have never been the evil ones!

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Besides, I think I would categorize this as “greater of two secondary goods” or something.

by Malurous on Apr 16, 2009 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Come now, Ang. Quickly — name the last Presidents’ Trophy winner that was not evil.

You want the hardware, you have to accept the labels that comes with it.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

name the last Presidents’ Trophy winner that was not evil.


The Sabres

by I.C. Wiener on Apr 16, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

you cant be evil when no one gives a shit about you..I agree

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Aww Spade

You sound like my mom when you say things like that.

by I.C. Wiener on Apr 16, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Sabres

They just weren’t evil for very long.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Isn’t that the truth. Sonsofbitches.

by I.C. Wiener on Apr 16, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

we are the exception to the rule … :)

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Even that carries a bit of evil baggage to it. May as well accept what you’ve become.

Don’t worry, though — I’ve had tons of fun as a blogger for an evil team. There’s plenty of perks.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

like winning a cup!!!

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

wait … so one has to be evil to win the Cup … then we’ll accept the label!!!!

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

your uniforms have to not look like clown outfits…so u might be in trouble ang

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

hey now you are just being mean!

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

you really liked the change? be honest

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

not really … but … (shrugs)

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

so one has to be evil to win the Cup …

Not sure which comes first, the chicken or the egg. But yeah, it’s sort of hand-in-hand.

Off-topic: Congrats to James Mirtle, SBN megalord, for completing his quest for 30 team coverage. Just in time for their first postseason game ever (and thus their first foray into being evil), a Blue Jackets blog!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

reasons sharks are evil:

1.hello look at your logo? pretty evil ang..

2.sharks on PP….jaws music

3.joe thorton must have made a deal with the devil…no one passes that good

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe Joe gave up postseason success and/or performance as part of the deal?

by Malurous on Apr 16, 2009 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

you call that evil?? not like it’s a zombie shark after your brains or anything! and jaws music?? no one is afraid of jaws anymore! (not commenting on #3 – some things are just as they are)

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

So

Will this thread hit 300 or more comments by the end of the game? I think so.

Nobody cares about your opinion.

by brokenyard on Apr 16, 2009 1:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I know at other SBN sites comment threads start to break down if there’s too many comments — we may have to open up an overflow thread someday.

Is this the year?

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ill do my best….be hard cuz my big screen is another room from my comp…ill have to run back n forth…well c what i can do..i need a laptop

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, don’t hurt yourself. As I mentioned, I probably won’t be around until somewhere in the 3rd.

By which point I expect the game to be largely decided and you guys to tell me who to blame / credit.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

true running around with red wine in a carpeted hallway…probally not too smart

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah I was going to mention how the Angels blog has Pre-Game, Game, and Post-Game threads, but I think they delete all except for the Post-Game once the game ends. But they also lack… how shall I say this… “personality” in their writing, which is something this blog has lots of, and I used a comma there to avoid ending this sentence in a preposition.

Nobody cares about your opinion.

by brokenyard on Apr 16, 2009 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Shameless self-promotion!

I’m contributing on the Wings end of the DET/CLB satellite blog over at James’ Cycle Like the Sedins, and just threw up my first blog entry there. Make me feel special and read my thoughts about two teams that no one here cares about!

http://redwingsvbluejackets.blogspot.com/2009/04/five-questions-iamjoe-on-2-detroit-vs-7.html

by IAmJoe on Apr 16, 2009 3:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice work, Joe. Especially liked the discussion about goalie-goats (CuJo got an unbelievably unfair amount of blame for 2003), and this line about slot control:

If you weren’t aware, its hard to score on your back… unless you’re Alex Ovechkin.

I don’t keep up too much on Hollywood sluts, but I’m sure there’s an easy “score on your back” punchline somewhere in there.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Especially liked the discussion about goalie-goats (CuJo got an unbelievably unfair amount of blame for 2003),

No shit. I was soooooo psyched when the Wings got CuJo, and then they promptly ran him out on a rail for not being able to outdo what was probably the greatest playoff goaltending performance of all time. I liked Legace too, and thought he was “good enough”, but I wish they’d stuck with CuJo.

by IAmJoe on Apr 16, 2009 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don’t keep up too much on Hollywood sluts, but I’m sure there’s an easy "score on your back" punchline somewhere in there.

Ah, you’re right. This is why you’re a veteran, and I’m a rookie.

by IAmJoe on Apr 16, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Patience, grasshopper. You’re on your way.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know if this is a good sign or not

… but I was paging through today’s OC Register and stumbled on one of the weirdest stories ever.

Apparently a school board member and Chapman University is on trial for the theft of a (get ready) an already-open bottle of ketchup. Estimated value: $1.20.

I only bring it up because it’s (a) so goddamn weird, and (b) because ketchup is Teemu Selanne’s metaphor for goal-scoring.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 4:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Apparently a school board member and Chapman University

Uh, that should read “AT Chapman University”. Whoops.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

can you explain the ketchup metaphor? i don’t see how smashed tomatoes, salt, and vinegar equate to scoring goals.

by yinhole on Apr 16, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It’s something he was fond of saying particulary in the 2006 playoffs, if I recall correctly. I’ll misquote it here, but it was something like:

Goal-scoring is a lot like ketchup. Sometimes you shake the bottle but nothing comes out, but you just have to keep at it and the ketchup will start flowing.

For a good while, I was referring to Selanne as “Ketchup” just for his silly metaphor.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mayonnaise may be Teemu’s metaphor for defensive zone coverage — I’m not sure.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That metaphor is hardly Teemu’s invention, it’s pretty commonly used in Finnish hockey commentary. It does sound smarter in Finnish, but I suppose that could be because I’m used to it whereas his English explanation did sound pretty weird.

by Malurous on Apr 17, 2009 1:25 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice Image

… from 2006. I was wondering if that picture was ever going to see the light of day again.

by yinhole on Apr 16, 2009 4:44 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fortunately, I’ve got enough of a lazy streak that very few images ever die around here. That image was always pretty cool to me — something about the awesomely scary shark juxtaposed with a fairly un-scary-looking duck just makes me smile.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

the awesomely scary shark juxtaposed with a fairly un-scary-looking duck just makes me smile.

That was the first thing I thought when I saw it.

by IAmJoe on Apr 16, 2009 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hmm...

I’m really not against this, if you can believe the Mercury Sharks reporter:

Carlyle, for example, broke up his top line during the morning skate, moving Drew Miller into rookie Bobby Ryan’s spot at left wing with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry.

I’ve long held that you can play most anyone on the sidecar of the Getzlaf-Perry motorcycle, and keeping B-Ry there is a bit excessive. Interesting to see if this sort of big-line-split-up happens tonight. Thoughts?

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 5:23 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I think it might be nice to keep the big line together for the beginning of the game to see if they can come up with an early goal (or two). But overall, it’s probably not a bad idea to split them up.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It does help offset, I think, the Sharks’ advantage in forward depth. Getz & Perry better deliver without the wunderkid, though, or it’s probably self-defeating.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ill agree if it works…im skeptical

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You haven’t heard the best part yet. Coach Carlyle’s positivity quote of the day:

“And we’re not afraid to play George Parros with Getzlaf and Perry. We’ve done that."

Speak for yourself, Randy. I’m plenty scared of that :)

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

some shark mixed somthing in his drink….wtf is going on…i hope this is all a smoke screen

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You know Carlyle, though. That guy talks crazy all the time — definitely there’s some misdirection in there, but I don’t think he’s outright lying. It could happen.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would love to see this — if only just to hear fans freak out.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jody Shelley might freak out if he is put on Thornton’s wing as a response. “Dude, stop passing it to me! I’m Jody Shelley!”

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Haha, I can’t imagine George’s reaction being very different. He and Shelley would probably drop the gloves and fight just because it’s something they’re familiar with.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

grace in the house

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey Spade, good to see you around. We’ll either be cheering together or cursing up a storm together…

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

SHARKS!!!

FTF is quiet right now

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 6:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Everyone must be heading to the game, I guess. I have to get out of here pretty soon, too (dammit), but I think we’ll have some activity as gametime approaches.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

nervous…like me….

p.s. 2? really?

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

your so my hero

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

silly :)

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Alrighty gang

I’m out of here until sometime in the 3rd. Good luck, Ducks — make me proud.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 6:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

playing nhl 09..getting ready for the game…im almost close to finish a whole bottle of wine…think im ready

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 7:22 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

If the Sharks get ousted by the Sharks in the first round, I’ll LMAO. If the Sharks survive and live to play the Wings, I’ll be on the Sharks bandwagon. Where does that leave the Ducks? *Shrug

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on Apr 16, 2009 7:32 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Sharks ousted by Ducks. Gah. When will SBN let us edit our comments?

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on Apr 16, 2009 7:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

never cause it’s too funny to see the mistakes :)

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You definitely have a point there.

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on Apr 16, 2009 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yea ive made a career out of it here

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

OH YEAH. Nothing better than seeing the Sharks come out to Metallica’s Seek and Destroy!

by yinhole on Apr 16, 2009 7:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Why does everyone say San Jose has the goaltending advantage? Hiller’s better than Nabby in a short series.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 7:41 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I’m with you on that. Nabby is so inconsistent and seems to let in a lot of softies.

by IAmJoe on Apr 16, 2009 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

6 minutes in and I’m already screaming, “SHUT THE FUCK UP HAYWARD!!!!!” Man, this wanting Anaheim to win thing is going to be tougher than I thought.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 7:49 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

come on over to our side … you’ll like it … we have brownies … :)

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

brownies? where?

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

my place of course … but condition … you have to cheer for the Sharks!

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

depends if the set of two comes out

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

that can be discussed … :)

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry to hear it, Rudy. In my limited experience, he’s marginally less-annoying when the Ducks are leading. So…another reason to root for the Ducks?

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

good point

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It does seem like they’re letting some stuff go, though. Advantage Ducks?

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 7:56 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

thats what me and my pens fan roomate were talking about…there letting them play…our chances have just increased

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Holy crap. Skate in the face??? And no blood?

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 8:00 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Haha, Bobby Ryan is a little bitch. He looked like my brother does when he sees a bee.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 8:00 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Manly as hell?

by Nut on Apr 16, 2009 8:08 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

All that was missing was the girlish scream.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

hey

can we fucking set up a fucking power play?…..son of a bitch

is it that hard?

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

rc changing the d pairings on me….

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

It’s weird, both coaches are rotating everyone pretty evenly. Pronger and Niedermayer are on pace to play only ~22 minutes tonight.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Partially due to the lack of specialty teams play. The ice time will go up as the penalties are called.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

grace dont jix it…so far the refs are letting them play…..

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Call me pessimistic, but I can’t imagine that’s going to last.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

seeing frankie out there…is nice…dont know why

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

as a ducks fan….you gotta feel decent…1st line against 1st line has been in the ducks favor..and the 2nd line everyone seems to jerk off about on the sharks..has been queit…mike brown and nickolodeon has came to play

queit confidence….real queit

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 8:24 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

quiet before the storm … :)

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

still…you guys got the better chances…and still 0-0

your suppose to be blowing us out..

queit confidence continues…as long as rob nieds…eats pine

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ah but you guys know us so well

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

by ang6666 on Apr 16, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Phew. Nice PK.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 8:34 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hiller, you’re Killing me!

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 8:46 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

And here come the penalties…

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 8:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yup here they come

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hm, and elbowing call ON Pronger? Nice.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 9:02 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Seemed a little sketchy, but Hayward didn’t have a problem with it so I guess it was a legit call. You can trust Hazy on penalties, he’s pretty even.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Argh! Somebody staple Robbie’s ass to the bench.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 9:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Haha, Rob made the same face Scott always does when Scott doesn’t like a call. The best part was that Hazy was talking about how Rob always picks his game up in the playoffs.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 9:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

At this point, I can’t believe the game is still scoreless. Hiller has had some gaffes, there have been bad bounces, and the Ducks have had some good chances. Nail biting hockey, for sure.

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on Apr 16, 2009 9:08 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Can you call it a goaltender’s duel if one goalie’s made 22 saves and the other only 11?

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 9:08 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I would say the dual would depend more on quality scoring chances stopped than mere SOG.

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on Apr 16, 2009 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ew, I just realized thats a Avs jersey on your picture.

by IAmJoe on Apr 16, 2009 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Took you long enough.

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on Apr 16, 2009 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

caryle….i dont want to see rob on the fuckin ice….period!!!

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 9:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

C’mon, man, he’s normally your best defensive forward. Doesn’t he get a little slack?

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Really? I rated him the least of the Pahlsson-Moen-RNieds line. And even now, I’d say Marchant is better.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought he picked up his game when Pahlsson got traded.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe, but I guess I’m just saying he’s not immune from abuse for taking three penalties in a playoff game.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

On this team? Three penalties in a playoff game is only a medium-sized offense.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

no way marchant took that mantel…..hes the best duck tonite….or at least in the top 3

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 9:33 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Beauty of a pass by Getzlaf!

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 9:34 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ducks

Doin’ work and gettin’ it done.

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on Apr 16, 2009 9:34 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Holy crap!

I just got home, and it looks good on my TV.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 9:35 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Looks good on the computer screen, too! That goal was such a relief. The SOG have been so lopsided. Thank goodness for Hiller.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Also: Thank goodness for that crossbar!

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

scotty making up for his brothers shitty play…go scott!!!

go ducks!!!

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 9:38 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Go clock go!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Getzlaf has been outplaying Jumbo all night.

…And there’s the Corey Perry we all know and love.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

thank you sleek…need that clock manager…go clock gooooooooooooooooooo

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I haven’t followed the Ducks this season besides what I read here. However, based on this game so far, of all the potential first round series upsets, I think the Ducks have the best chance at pulling it off.

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on Apr 16, 2009 9:42 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Barry Melrose thought the same thing.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don’t know whether to take that as a compliment or an insult lol.

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on Apr 16, 2009 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey, Melrose is certainly a reasonable hire once a decade or so.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I haven’t followed the Ducks this season besides what I read here.

I hate to be the one to break this to you, but my level of reporting accuracy isn’t necessarily the strongest.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

But you rule so that has to count for something.

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on Apr 16, 2009 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, plus cartoon-based-reporting is more interesting sometimes than the actual story.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I absolutely agree.

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on Apr 16, 2009 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hiller’s expression while examining his mask? Priceless!

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 9:45 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

7:36 feels like an eternity.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 9:49 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

No shit. Imagine how long this game would have been had I watched the first 2 1/2 periods.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rob Blake still looks really odd to me in a Sharks jersey.

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on Apr 16, 2009 9:51 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Thank you, Mr. Post!

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 9:52 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Post and Crossbar are really trying to make the three-star leaderboard tonight.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

wow this is taking sooooooooooooolong

El Spade-o

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 16, 2009 9:53 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Wouldn’t be stressful without some lame-ass penalty, right?

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

These next two minutes are going to be an aeon.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would complain about that elbow but that Clowe penalty was exactly the same.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 9:56 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I’m exempt, as I have no sense of perspective on that.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wooooohahahahhahah

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 9:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fuck you, referee!

I mean, yay Getzlaf!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 9:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh, wow. What a goal.

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on Apr 16, 2009 9:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

he should shoot more, see what happens

hooked on quack

by tu madre on Apr 16, 2009 9:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

by the way…………fucking a, doggy right, Duck’s fans

hooked on quack

by tu madre on Apr 16, 2009 9:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ironically, with the building this silent and stunned, I’m now hoping the clock goes slower.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hee. It’s beautiful.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

time flies when your having fun, and I’m having fun watching this win

hooked on quack

by tu madre on Apr 16, 2009 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Getzlaf is just awesome.

Nobody cares about your opinion.

by brokenyard on Apr 16, 2009 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for letting me hang out. What a game.

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on Apr 16, 2009 10:03 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Any time! Hope to see you around on Sunday, too.

by g r a c e on Apr 16, 2009 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, thanks for stopping in — don’t be a stranger.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Post-game post up top.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Apr 16, 2009 10:03 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Nicely done. Your summary is exactly what I saw in my abbreviated look.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hayward

His problem isn’t whether he’s right or wrong – if he was right 100% of the time when he complained I still think people would have a problem with him. It’s because he dwells on it for too long.

Nobody cares about your opinion.

by brokenyard on Apr 16, 2009 10:09 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Add to that a tendency to be wrong and a habit of “talking down” to SoCal fans… :)

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Apr 16, 2009 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Takes and trash talk from all sides of the NHL's most pathetic* rivalry

* Thanks, Kevin Lowe!
Start posting on Battle of California »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Earl_sleek2_small
HOCKEENIGHT Dances For A Cure
0107001523_small
Spade and the King of Ptown visit the staples center
Small
Ducks fans - Who wants to go to Staples tonight?
0107001523_small
Thoughts from yesterday and some for today
Avatarheadshot_small
Ducks: Possible Combinations for 3 Scoring Lines?
Burke_small
A Question for you Kings Fans
0107001523_small
Battle of California T-shirts order yours now!!
0107001523_small
Just when you think your ahead someone steps on your nuts
Ducks_small
Feb 3 against those RW
Gary_bettman_s_nightmare_small
Developing Player Value: Penalty +/- per 15 Minutes (PPMp15)

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recent FanShots

One of the more revealing quotes comes from former Ducks and current...
is that sammy phals....?...o wait....earl are u pissed?

I posted this to prove there was a game yesterday haha

go ducks!!
I want to send this to all ducks players and coaches....the monkey pretty much says it all...

this gaurantees i will be so drunk next thursday at the ducks kings-game that I will forget what I witness...my plan is to just hoot and holler at hot LA chics and spend quality family time with my brotha....my moms would be so proud

I mean after the ducks see this photo I send them...I have to imagine they are gonna hate themselves and go on a tear...at least thats what im going for..he kinda looks like the rally monkey anyways maybe it will work
After the recent revelation that Zetterberg and Datsyuk become two-bit floozies for the betterment...
I decided to be an asshole at The Verizon Center in Washington DC when they were playing the Coyotes.  I was going to add "P.S. Ovechkin is overrated" but my girlfriend talked me out of it.
Does anyone else think this is hilarious?
haha,you mad
Ducks Teammate Quiz - FULL PICTURE HERE
The Toughest Division in Hockey? The Pacific
Calder placed on waivers

+ New FanShot All 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!

BoCTurnsThree


Managers

Earl_sleek2_small Earl Sleek

Dinoridertrexarmored_small RudyKelly

Awkwardmarleau_small Mike Chen

Editors

San2_small Cheechew

Shark_hat_small pj48

Small jamestobrien