BoC Gameday—Four games to go, the circle is now complete
by Earl Sleek on Apr 4, 2009 8:22 AM PDT
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PrintAnaheim Ducks (bubble) at San Jose Sharks (atop the league)
Fear the Fin – where everything’s scarier in April.
How much progress can a team really make in nine games? Ten games ago, the Sharks came to Anaheim and Omen’d the Ducks ("Omen’d" = to win 1-0 with the only goal going to Moen), and Spade and I figured the Ducks' chances were toast. Since then, however, the Ducks have stormed back to life, winning 8 of 9 games and scoring a whopping 37 goals, including 15 on the power play -- a tremendous 41.7% during that run. Never mind that the Ducks haven't scored a goal against the Sharks since October 17 -- this offense is roaring.
The Sharks haven't been slouches since that game either, going 6-2-1, scoring power play goals in every one of their games (37.0%), and actually winning more regulation decisions over the stretch -- 5 to the Ducks' 4. The Sharp-Toothed Ones are still plenty dangerous and hold a decent lead on the President's Trophy, despite injuries to key players (no Marleau this weekend, significant!).
And now this weekend their paths collide again for what should be a pretty intense home-and-home in what still could very much become a playoff preview (JavaGeek says the odds are 31%). Both teams are playing well, both teams want the points -- break out the lightsabers.
Duck Vader confronts Obi-Shark Kenobi after being left for dead in a volcano factory ten games ago.
The Ducks are right about one thing; this game isn't about measuring sticks; it's still about standings points, and Anaheim especially still need them. Part of me hopes that the Sharks likely want Anaheim in the postseason, if for no other reason than to throw a significant speedbump to Detroit’s repeat chances. Since the lockout, the story of the playoffs has been a simple Choose-Your-Own-Adventure: (a) Detroit wins a Stanley Cup, or (b) Detroit gets eliminated by Chris Pronger. But realistically, there won't be any mercy in these games -- it's likely to be a good old fashioned Battle of California. Good fucking times.
A special "miss ya" shoutout to Sammy Pahlsson, who scored a couple of huge goals that directly helped the Ducks' playoff chances -- a game-winner against St. Louis and an opening goal against Nashville. The Red Wings have been trying to shepherd all five Central Division teams into the playoffs by giving points away (probably to quell the old notion that the "Central Sucks" -- and yes, the Central and Pacific have seemingly switched roles in that regard), but at least Sammy's still watching out for us. Now if Moen could just stop stabbing us in the back.
Update 11:45 AM from Mike: Just letting both sides know that Patrick Marleau won't play in either game. However, I can sense the fear in Ducks fans knowing that Tomas Plihal will be back tonight.
Prediction: Pronger gets booed.
Go Ducks (and for today, go Blue Jackets and Stars).
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one your best posts…by far…anytime u use star wars references you get an a….could writing too
i might miss this fucking game!!!! shiiit
i too think the sharks will bring there A game….
and the other 2 bubble teams have easier games than us…..
were fucked…i think…the magic ride is over!!!
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 9:24 AM PDT reply actions
Yeah, you’re right. I totally messed up the Stars Wars reference. The Sharks should have been the Death Star and the Ducks should have been a handful of X-Wings.
It’s impossible to beat the Sharks, even for a computer!
http://www.battleofcali.com/
im hoping the sharks are like dart maul….menacing…and evl….but loses in the end
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Don’t forget, Darth Maul was one of the separated-at-birth candidates for the Minnesota Wild logo:
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Love the Star Wars references Sleek, and I agree the Sharks should have been the Death Star. Reminds me of this post from PPP.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
I should have given a better lead in. I was hoping for this response:
“That’s not impossible! We used to bullseye womprats in my T-16 back home; they’re not much bigger than the Sharks!”
http://www.battleofcali.com/
hey!! I actually like it that you drew us as the good guys … didn’t know you cared that much … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Apr 4, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Choose-Your-Own-Adventure: (a) Detroit wins a Stanley Cup, or (b) Detroit gets eliminated by Chris Pronger.
Ugh, I had never thought of it that way.
I’m going to go crawl into a hole now.
The Red Wings have been trying to shepherd all five Central Division teams into the playoffs by giving points away
Oh no, please stop Earl. Your truth is hurting me. Urgghhhhhh…..
Yeah, there’s an upside and a downside to most of this taunting, though.
The upside is I don’t think Wings fans or Sharks fans want to face the Ducks — another instance of Hot Potato. The downside is one of those fanbases seems probable to end the Ducks’ season, and I’m not exactly looking forward to that.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Damn it!!!!
I wonder if the Sharks should let the Ducks win………………..
I'm warning you! I have ADHD and I know how to use it!!!
Well, its either that or face a fully healthy Detroit BBQ Wings team in the third round................
I want the Sharks to win, but hopefully Anaheim will get a point.
I'm warning you! I have ADHD and I know how to use it!!!
by Diamondback15 on Apr 4, 2009 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Resist the urge!
Unless the Rangers somehow pull through (like that’ll ever happen), the Bruins will be trailing the Sharks by just one point. In the interest of home ice advantage throughout the playoffs, as well as a bit of variety among the banners in the rafters at the Tank, the Sharks need to win to regain a more sizable lead over Boston.
Yes, I know
but I’d rather face a depleted Red Wings team, or not at all that would be even better
I'm warning you! I have ADHD and I know how to use it!!!
by Diamondback15 on Apr 4, 2009 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions
but I’d rather face a depleted Red Wings team
And it might even be fitting justice — didn’t the Sharks injure Mathieu Schneider in ’07?
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I don't remember that.
I don’t think he was injured during the 06-07 season. I know the Kings injured him in a pre-season game in 07 after he had signed with the Ducks.
I'm warning you! I have ADHD and I know how to use it!!!
by Diamondback15 on Apr 4, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Seriously though- hanging Division Title banners are cool and all for a relatively young franchise, but at some point we need to get some more cloth up there.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
I'd rather have the Stanley Cup cloth than the President's Trophy cloth.
I'm warning you! I have ADHD and I know how to use it!!!
by Diamondback15 on Apr 4, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m loving what the unexpected return to the playoff bubble has done to the Sleek cartoon muse. Darth Vader with a duck tail makes me see a new, cuddly, water-resistant side to the character.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
The cartoons over the last two weeks have been excellent Sleek. Coupled with the fact that the Ducks would be an ideal first round matchup for the Wings, and I think I would be okay with handing out two overtime losses this weekend.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
See, it makes sense.
Better for the Red Wings to play the Pacific division’s version of the Broadstreet Bullies (it was something like that) Instead of playing an opponent they would easily sweep.
I'm warning you! I have ADHD and I know how to use it!!!
by Diamondback15 on Apr 4, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions
probably to quell the old notion that the “Central Sucks”
I always said that the Central Division was underrated, but someone didn’t believe me. Remember this?
(from Jan 21)
Nobody cares about your opinion.
Here’s what I said a week before that (unrelated, but I’m proud of it):
Here’s a fun fact for you: in its franchise history, Anaheim has qualified for the playoffs six times, and in every odd-numbered year they’ve qualified, they have met up with Detroit (‘97, ’99, ’03, ’07). In 2006 and 2008 the Ducks qualified but the matchup was avoided. For sure 2009 is an odd-numbered year; the only question remains whether Anaheim’s going to play past game 82 this time around.
It could be destiny.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
A special “miss ya” shoutout to Sammy Pahlsson
Heh, do you ever read Mike V’s blog?
If at the beginning of the season you would had told me that trading Kunitz, Pahlsson and Moen away would make the Ducks a better team I would have punched you right in the face.
Nobody cares about your opinion.
Apparently not, but I like it so far. Is he the celebrity blogger/skateboarder guy?
http://www.battleofcali.com/
yea remember sleek..we saw him at that game hehe
yea good anylasis by him
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Mike Valley writes a hockey blog and it actually makes sense? I guess that makes him the 2nd coolest blogger in the world. Behind me. Because I’m awesome.
The West Coast is the Best Coast.
I love how he threatens violence against his readership and everyone says “Hey, this guy’s pretty smart!”
Nobody cares about your opinion.
Mike Valley was a crazy bastard. I remember watching the old CKY videos when I was in middle school, and in CKY2 (I think it was 2, don’t quote me on that though), he fought four frat dudes at one time and beat the shit out of them.
It was fucking awesome. Isn’t he in a band now too?
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
Here’s the fight, and here’s his music.
Kind of sounds like Every Time I Die, which is a totally kick ass by me.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
Ugh
I can’t believe I just cheered for a Mike Ribeiro goal. 2-1 Stars 5 minutes into the 2nd.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
spoke too soon sleek
ill be in the comments today by the way….
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I’ll probably be here for some of it. I’ve got a friend coming down from L.A., and we might start the game over when he arrives.
We shall see.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
wont be drinking..drank the last 2 days like a drunken irish-korean….need a day off….
should be quite a game..i hope for a early score for us
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 6:27 PM PDT up reply actions
shit the blues score again…3-2
im watching over at yahoo
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions
OK, so I'm going to catch up a bit later
My friend called and is on his way, but I’ll be starting the game late and skipping intermissions.
Back later.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
well, looks like that game is over…only 1 point for SL.
Also, Nash and CBJ all tied up too
GO DUCKS!! DUCKSandPUCKS.com
Wait, is my video feed on delay? I’m at 6:50, and the score is 2-1, Ducks. But the scoreboard says 2-2!
your telling me….sharks start turning it on there at the end…
the d gotta be prepared for the shitty ice (talking to you whitney)
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions
i hate joe thortan by the way….fuckin guy is crafty
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 7:52 PM PDT reply actions
joe thorton is the evil emperor by the way
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Huge PEEVE!
I hate it when opposing goal tenders get an assist. That frustrates me like no other.
GO DUCKS!! DUCKSandPUCKS.com
I think the main part of the phrase is: f*ing right. Only it’s not just “f*ing,” it’s “f*ing A.” And “doggy” thrown in for kicks.
At least, that’s how I read it. tu madre?
Haha, the Sharks announcers couldn’t keep the glee from creeping into their voices as Perry got pasted.
the ducks gotta stop allowing those passes from behind the net to streaking d….its gonna cost us
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 8:32 PM PDT reply actions
hillers descion making over the past games…making me nervous…
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 8:38 PM PDT up reply actions
what? You don’t appreciate it when he streaks out to the blue line to make a save? or sprawls on his stomach 3 feet from the crease?
me either.
GO DUCKS!! DUCKSandPUCKS.com
yea true….still..scary scary
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions
hes a pro though hes got kneepads…hehe
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions
i take that back…knee pads are not required to be a pro
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions
agreed.
Infact I’ve never had a chick actually wear knee pads.
hmmm…..sounds fun though (and funny)
hooked on quack
now if shethrew on goggles on top of the pads…..that could be intresting
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions
aww u picked up on it sk hehe
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes, opponents’ analysts LOVE harping on this. “Hiller automatically goes down on everything.”
…Wait…um…
maybe thats not a good thing….you dont want your significant other going down of everything….only you…and maybe another chic if u got a 3 way going
hiller sounds like a whore lol
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions
OH WOW…I didn’t realize that was so terrible sounding until after posting!
GO DUCKS!! DUCKSandPUCKS.com
you kiss your momma with that mouf lol
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions
i know right…..damn..one more period
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Mini update
I’ve just finished the first period — so far, so good, but I’m not reading anything yet.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I love hearing that the team who eliminated the Ducks last year is not going to the playoffs…
suckas!!!
GO DUCKS!! DUCKSandPUCKS.com
i got a personal hate for the stars…so yea i am loving it
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions
seriously, I just looked at the clock and realized that there was WAY more time than I thought there would be!
GO DUCKS!! DUCKSandPUCKS.com
where sleek..hes usally posting…go clock go!!!
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions
yea wtf moen….this is the second game….u that mad man?
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I thinks he’ll be in goal tomorrow.
Giguere will be put in for one of the last two games.
hooked on quack
no way…think jiggy tommmorw
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I post over here and the Sharks lose. Looks like I can’t post here when the Sharks are playing the Ducks. That game was terrible (for us)
I still blame Sleek.
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com
i blame sleek for everything….death in world…..brian adams…..
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 4, 2009 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions
I know Columbus has a game in hand on the Ducks, but we’re only one point behind them. They’ve got a home-and-home series with the Blackhawks and then finish with back-to-back games in St. Louis and then hosting Minnesota.
Hmmm….
Oh, you’re probably right. I was initially thinking about Calgary b/c they’re currently in the 3rd spot b/c of the wins tiebreaker, but Vancouver’s schedule is slightly more favorable. The Canucks face the Avs twice and the Kings once, in addition to a head-to-head matchup with the Flames. The Flames, in addition to the game against the Canucks, play the Kings and have a home-and-home with the OIlers.
Anyhow, this is probably pie in the sky. But with the way the Ducks have played recently, it’s hard not to get a little tipsy on Positivity.
Woo hoo!
Sorry I missed out on the comments — I got sidetracked, but lately that’s worked out just swell.
I’ll be around for the comments tomorrow, though, so I’m sure the Ducks are bound to blow it.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
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