Ducks Gameday—Do or die, part 1 of ?
by Earl Sleek on May 12, 2009 8:09 AM PDT
503 comments
Detroit Red Wings (2nd in west) at Anaheim Ducks (8th in west)
Red Wings lead series 3-2, JavaGeek Odds: DET 81%
Winging It In Motown, A2Y, On the Wings, IAmJoe, Triple Deke -- their table is all set, just waiting on the duck meat.
First off, for any Ducks (or Blues?) fans who feel cheated by the refs for the non-goalie-interference on Detroit's third goal on Sunday, please do me the favor of reading Wing fan IAmJoe's piece following the Red Wings' loss in G3, after a much more costly and controversial call. It's worth reading the whole thing, but I'm only stealing this portion:
I have always maintained, and will maintain until my death, that while a referee may make mistakes, the really good teams put themselves into positions where they don't allow the referee to change the game against them. Especially in a 7 game series, this ought to be true. Maybe you got screwed out of a game. Hey, ok, there's 6 other games you can win.It's way true -- we all know that refereeing has never been perfect, we all could stand to stop blaming them for every postseason decision. While they do have impact on games, especially ones that are closely fought, what they do in one minute shouldn't trump what the other team has done for the other fifty-nine. And really, there's no ref decision I've seen in this series that seems inconsistent with regular season practices. Really this is what fans of both teams should be used to by now -- political referees have been a part of every hockey game I've ever seen; idealism about any other style of refereeing may be useful chatter for the offseason, but in this best-of-seven series, it is irrelevant.
Now coaches and players probably carry some blame for why fans seem overly whiny this time of year -- they're required to put their faces in front of microphones and they're paid for things like referee gamesmanship. But we needn't put too much stock in that -- almost as a rule, player/coach quotes are pretty useless, and usually I feel stupider if I pay attention to them. Their talking is always less interesting and less critical than their play on the ice.
I guess my general point is that this series could probably use less whining from fans on both sides -- I don't think it promotes this series or the sport well at all to outsiders, I don't think it's flattering to our image as knowledgable hockey fans, and I don't think it does justice to the team that emerges victorious. After all, that's really what this series is -- forget any notion of "better" team, that's better proven over an 82-game haul than a best-of-seven -- it's really just a race to four victories in a highly pressurized format, with referees playing the role they always have.
The Red Wings have been dominant the last decade-plus, and the Ducks have been upstarts who in two previous meetings have withstood the assault. The teams have met five times in the last dozen years, battled to a G6 tonight, and it's quite possible it could go the distance. It could be an epic series for some all-too-familiar rivals, and I think the last two cup winners deserve better out of us as fans; we should be focusing on the teams' roles in the series outcome, not on the guys with orange armbands. Even if the referees do make a game-deciding call, credit the other team for not allowing the game to be decided at an earlier stage.
See? I told you this graphic would show up again. Hooray for laziness!
As to the actual hockey game tonight, I'll provide one key for Anaheim. Don't fall behind by two goals. Looking back on the 2003, 2007, and 2009 series between the Ducks and Wings, somehow Anaheim has managed to avoid the two-goal deficit in all but three games (G3 of the '07 WCF and G4 and G5 of this series). The Ducks have never made up any of those two-goal deficits, losing all three decisions, but in the games where they've avoided falling behind by two, they have a 10-2 record.
Of course easier said than done, but that seemingly is the key. I should be around for the comments tonight -- stop on by and share in the stress of facing elimination.
Prediction: Referees call an imperfect game, just as expected. Fans whine about it, just as expected. I guess we're just a YouTube-complainy generation.
Go Ducks.
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BTW, I do hope that tonight’s game is exciting as the G6’s I saw last night — both those games were crazy. Probably bad for my stress levels, but good for the league as a whole.
I forgot to bring this up — I think this year’s round two is shaping up to be way better than last year’s. Last year, three of the four series started with one team taking a 3-0 lead. Two series saw a G5, and only one saw a G6. In terms of competitiveness and intrigue, this year’s version has it in spades.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
did somebody say spade?
Yippe ky yea...mini sirloin burgers!!
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions
wont be like last nites games..caryle is changing his lines way too much…were not getting any sustained forecheck..
plus both teams play defense…not like east coast hockey..
does RC throw in jiggy for a spark?..im kinda in the throw the kitchen sink and pull every trick out of the book to try to win this game…(by the way hiller was better in game 5..i know i trashed him for game 4)
Yippe ky yea...mini sirloin burgers!!
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions
We’ll see, though — desperation does change the stakes a bit — I wouldn’t rule out a crazy game.
As for RC, I suspect he’ll keep doing what he’s been doing. I don’t mind spreading the top line out a bit — it would be a nice game for B. Ry to show up for, though.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I thought maybe he was changing the lines in order to not have to change so much..but i was wrong…was tough to watch….u go watch the pens-caps games….where the opposite is happenning…and turnovers and great scoring chances are generated by cycles…..maybe like i said its because both pens-caps play poor D…IDK
it was a re-run in game 5…our D making long passes into the neutral zone…they either got picked off…bounced off the players..or shot in….and a change in lines….so basically the ducks were playing a trap…just hoping for turnovers into the neutral zone and a fresh duck coming off the bench i guess was suppose to pick it off and go in with speed…shitty ass strategy
Yippe ky yea...mini sirloin burgers!!
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions
The Red Wings are better than the Caps or Pens, and there are days when they’re going to beat you. Yeah, the Ducks could have played better on and off the puck, and that’s really what I’m hoping to see tonight.
C’mon, desperation.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
yea thats true..im watching the pens-caps game last nite..thinking..no way the wings just let there forwards..just prance around doing a million backwards passes all over the place or get such good looks at the net…etc…was like watching a nhl arcade game…not even real…entertaining i guess…but its like watching the rockey movies were nobody blocks any punches hehe
we could pull it out….just gotta outwork the wings
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions
I think he’s going Hiller again today. That bit of consistency has worked well (minus game 4). I’m indifferent on the line mix ups however. Before the mixups, they weren’t necessarily perfect through the first 3 games, but they did manage to get the Ducks 2 wins…which is what we need right now. Maybe it’s best to just let BR figure his shit out on the top line and let the other 3 lines who were looking pretty good stay as is.
I don’t really care who bothers to “show up” tonight…just as long as they’re scoring goals for the Ducks.
GO DUCKS!! DUCKSandPUCKS.com
You gotta go Hiller. Hiller’s was fine in the last game. The offense needs to deliver.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, and honestly, I don’t even care who RC starts for G6. Whoever it is, the five skaters in front of him need to play a better game or it probably won’t matter.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
yeah, no kidding
what the hell happend to Bobby Fuckin Ryan?
This series has been awesome. CHI – VAN was great, the east coast matchups have been awesome. We have really been treated to a great 2009 playoffs.
Win or Lose, I am very pleased with this years Anaheim Ducks. I have a lot of respect for Detroit, they are very skilled and fun to watch.
The dives suck, but last game there were only two the whole game, and one was Teemus (plus I see diving in the other matchups as well, particularly the Pens – Wash.)
Here’s to making it interesting tonight guys! Cheers.
what the hell happend to Bobby Fuckin Ryan?
We’ll find out later. I’m hoping that he’s trying to keep his next contract at an affordable level, but it’s probably an injury.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
not worried about ryan..still young…hell get better in years to come
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
I guess I meant Fuckin Bobby Ryan then
yea, I hate that’s what it’s been lately…
although, I agree with Sleek…I really think he’s hurting. He looked in pain during game 5 agsinst SJ. They keep giving us that “skate” issue, but I don’t buy it…but I understand the lies in PO hockey. He seems so timid out there…which was very unlike him during the regular season.
GO DUCKS!! DUCKSandPUCKS.com
what the hell happend to Bobby Fuckin Ryan?
It’s Bobby EFFIN Ryan :)
Although it originally started as Bobby Mother Fucking Ryan, but I wasn’t comfortable blogging it that way when I was over at GWAP…therefore it was edited to Bobby Effin Ryan…or just Effin for short. Although, lately, he’s been Effin Bobby Ryan-which is no good!
GO DUCKS!! DUCKSandPUCKS.com
I don’t believe I’ve used any of those nicknames. The kid hasn’t pissed me off enough as a fan — or at least he’s got some leeway for being a rookie.
Now Brett Effin Hedican — that’s probably got a chance.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Actually, it’s Mr. Yamaguchi
When I'm not battling in California:
http://www.cyclelikesedins.com
by jamestobrien on May 12, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions
hahaha, no Bobby Effin Ryan is a GOOOOOOOOD thing!
It started for me after the hat trick in LA. I was there for that game, and so bummed we lost, but the whole way home I just kept saying Bobby Mother Fucking Ryan! He had sealed his deal with me after that.
I’m not ready to give up on him…not even close.
Now when Fucking Ryan Getzlaf makes 5 extra fancy passes a shift…well that name is more deserved. Then he goes out and actually does something fantastic and I remember that he’s amazing…
oh these Ducks! make my head spin!
and yes, that would be EFFIN Bret Hedican
GO DUCKS!! DUCKSandPUCKS.com
Well, I understand how you’re using it as a positive, but unfortunately, the attachment of the work “fucking” to a player’s name is a personal tradition that pre-dates B. Ry’s NHL debut.
I’m too stuck in my old habits to turn it into a positive now. But do as you will.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Great post. Despite all the hub-bub, I don’t think there is a single game that has been stolen in this series. The Ducks deserved Game 3; the Wings made a nice little comeback, but if they had played 3 full periods, they might not have needed to make that sort of late game comeback. Same with Game 5; even if you believe it was interference, the Ducks (sans Hiller) didn’t deserve to be in that game the way they were playing. But I digress.
I think Game 5 solidified where they Ducks really are right now; tired and lacking the depth to keep up with the Red Wings for a full 60 minutes. They have spurts of dominance, but after which the Red Wings go back to rolling 4 lines on them. Getzlaf, as great a player as he is (And I, even as a Wings fan, have to admit that the Perry/Getzlaf/Ryan line has been the most consistently good line in the series), is getting worn down from playing too many minutes. The Ducks won’t get blown out; they’ll get in goals to keep it close. But the Red Wings will be too much at this point. 5-3, Wings.
But seriously, even in a loss the Ducks have won a lot. I thought you were going to be an 8th Seed going in, but not in this condition: You had a bad post-season, your offseason pickups were uninspiring, and your front office and ownership was in chaos. Then things turned around; you got rid of Pahlsson and Kunitz for the Wiz and Whitney (Both moves that have benefited all three teams, amazingly enough), and you righted yourselves. You’ve reestablished yourselves as a playoff power, and probably the third best team in the West right now (or better, if you move on to the WCF). I’d argue you’ve taken over the Avalanche’s old “Consistent Contender” spot in the West, and you’ve got a few years on most of your older guys.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 9:27 AM PDT reply actions
Oops, meant to mention Bob Murray in there. You got, at the very least, a good GM in him. I think he was the biggest key to getting your franchise back into order.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
The Ducks won’t get blown out; they’ll get in goals to keep it close. But the Red Wings will be too much at this point. 5-3, Wings.
Probably fair, but honestly, I don’t really mind. I don’t know any time in any of the playoff matchups that the Red Wings haven’t been too much on paper for the Ducks — but the game on the ice can still go either way.
Front office was a bit of a mess, but looking back, I think it was the exact right time for B. Burke to take off. He had pretty much played out the salary cap on the current-year roster, and all that was really left to do was to (1) promote Bobby Ryan when salary permitted it, (2) start negotiating with some UFAs, and (3) deal with futures at the trade deadline. If Burke’s future was indeed in Toronto, it makes a ton of sense that his replacement make these future-impacting decisions, not Burke.
Still have to love the way Burke set up this team, though — tons of contracts expiring when his contract expired, and some good contracts for the kid stars. Except for his North American racism, I think the Ducks and Burke had a great short-term marriage.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
sleek made a good point…every time we played the wings in the playoffs..they were always the better team on paper…our forwards just not getting it done…
so who knows really…but expecting a wings win isnt automatic…not with these 2 teams history
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions
…and your front office and ownership was in chaos.
BTW, since this post is mostly about referees and you brought up our owner’s legal troubles, I may as well repost this cartoon. A classic:
Larger version here.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I’ve been quoted by Earl! This makes me like, official and shit!
http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/
Check out the Wings/Ducks coverage over at CycleLikeSedins!
I got mentioned once a long time ago… I remember something saying “Sorry, brokenyard” or something similar. I don’t quite remember, but I do remember it was pretty awesome. It was like seeing yourself on TV, except that no one knows or cares except you. Amazing, really.
Nobody cares about your opinion.
LOL, I know the feeling…I’ve had a few as well. Does make you feel special! :)
GO DUCKS!! DUCKSandPUCKS.com
So here’s something that’s driven me batshit for years: the concept of the referees deciding the game because they have the sheer bloody gall to blow their whistle at all.
Example 1: Referee sees a blatant hook. Referee raises arm. This is not the referee deciding the game, because he’s doing his fucking job, you ignorant twatburger.
Example 2: Referee sees a player hit the ice out of the corner of his eye. Referee’s arm remains at waist height. That is not the referee deciding the game, because he can’t call what he can’t see.
Example 3: Referee sees a blatant hook. Referee’s arm remains at waist height. That is the referee deciding the game, because he is steadfastly ignoring a foul that very obviously should be called.
And yet for some reason, Example 3 is the one that traditionalist pundits — a lot I typically find myself in agreement with — laud as “letting the boys play,” while Example 1 is trashed as some sort of crime against sport, even though the entire purpose of an on-ice official is to keep play from transgressing significantly from the mutually agreed-upon rules of the game. You really want the players to decide the game in that fashion? Take all four officials off the ice and see how that ends. I’m betting there’s going to be blood, tears, and not much real hockey past the second period, as The Code takes over. (Either that, or every player pretty much takes the role of referee simultaneously, penalties are decided by committee, and you get something roughly equivalent to what you would’ve had with the refs, anyway: an imperfect game where everyone feels slighted at some point.) The reality is, the players decide the game by their own actions, and if one team takes more penalties than the other, then political refereeing effects aside, it’s probably because they earned it with the way the players played, and maybe you should shut the fuck up.
End rant.
SNN Sports - A theoretical Oilers blog (i.e. theoretically, I write stuff there)
I've said it many times...
…that “letting the players play” means making the damn calls so that the skill guys can play. Things are better than they used to be pre-lockout but still not perfect by far.
But anyways, I try to refrain from “the refs screwed us” type of complaining as the refs eventually screw every one. Sometimes we notice, sometimes we don’t. The crazy woman who sits behind me at Sharks games sincerely believes there’s a conspiracy out to keep the Sharks down. She also honestly believes that Anaheim has a set play where one Duck pushes a Shark into another Duck, the second Duck dives and draws a penalty. I tried reasoning with her that we don’t notice the times the Sharks get away with calls because of our viewing bias, but that wound up like trying to bang my head against a brick wall.
The whole ref mistake thing balances out eventually, but the winning team is decided by the players — or player (singular), if it’s just a hot goalie that takes over the series. I believe that in any series with any team. Or, to cite one of my favorite quotes, there’s no such thing as luck, only what you make.
The one type of ref whining I will make is when they don’t call crap consistently, then fall over themselves trying to do make up calls. If you call it consistently from the beginning, none of this would happen.
I will say, however, that after trying to watch the other series as unbiased as possible, I’m fairly certain that the Ducks do get away with more interference than other teams, mostly when the Wings/Sharks try to dump and chase from the neutral zone.
The one type of ref whining I will make is when they don’t call crap consistently, then fall over themselves trying to do make up calls. If you call it consistently from the beginning, none of this would happen.
Sure, but there’s a proper time and place for that kind of whining — certainly not immediately after your favorite team takes a loss. To act shocked that refereeing is as it was two months ago is silly. If expect differently, shame on us.
I will say, however, that after trying to watch the other series as unbiased as possible, I’m fairly certain that the Ducks do get away with more interference than other teams
Shrug, I can’t complain — it’s gotten the team this far, and it’s not like it’s a only-one-team-does-it crime. It’s a strategy that’s not for the feint of heart, though — thus far in the playoffs the Ducks have spent 55+ minutes on the power play and 80+ minutes on the penalty kill. If you think that ratio needs to be higher, I suppose you could make that argument, but it still should be the opponent that beats the Ducks, not the refs.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Shrug, I can’t complain — it’s gotten the team this far, and it’s not like it’s a only-one-team-does-it crime.
Oh, definitely. It’s the refs fault for collectively letting any team use a strategy like that to win. And if it’s “legal” (in a sense that it doesn’t call), there’s no blame in a team using it as a weapon. That is, unless we’re using some sort of moral code as a standard but I think that goes out the door with the first face wash in the pre-season.
It’s the refs fault for collectively letting any team use a strategy like that to win.
Even then, I’d probably shift blame from the refs to the coaches and owners. I believe that referees are a fairly direct result of expectations laid upon them, and it’s hardly a clear-cut message there. I actually think refs do rather well with the unrealistic set of expectations thrust upon them from all angles.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I can’t complain
I forsee this appearing a lot if/when the Ducks are eliminated. Please, don’t use that phrase, it’s too predictable. Say that you can and are complaining! Why didn’t we get even further!!?!?! Rawerwer.
Nobody cares about your opinion.
"letting the players play" means making the damn calls so that the skill guys can play
Bingo; that’s the crux of my argument, I guess I just let the momentum carry me after a while. What can I say, I get tired of the same horseshit from analyst after analyst.
The one type of ref whining I will make is when they don’t call crap consistently, then fall over themselves trying to do make up calls. If you call it consistently from the beginning, none of this would happen.
Oh yeah, that drives me crazy, too, but that should drive you crazy, really. Still, refs are human, too, and there’s only so much you can get upset about it, right? Besides, as you said, it tends to balance out, so I still don’t think that it’s necessarily “the refs deciding the games.”
SNN Sports - A theoretical Oilers blog (i.e. theoretically, I write stuff there)
Just drove all the way to Tustin for lunch
only to be denied a seat because the Ducks were eating there. They better win because I had to eat effin round table pizza instead of awesome Italian. Mike sacrifices for everyone.
hopefully they’ll be so stuffed, they won’t be able to perform tonight
:)
pizza is always good anyways
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on May 12, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions
What’s wrong with round table? I usually stop by there at least once when I visit family in San Diego.
http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/
Check out the Wings/Ducks coverage over at CycleLikeSedins!
Pizza is good
but Borolo is just awesome. it’s on another level.
oh well. Scott was funny, he knew we were getting snubbed, but he justy stared straight forward chewing his food. He seems very non-confrontational.
Getzlaf is giant.
Well, that’s inconvenient. But if they play well, I may e-mail you and find out where I’m eating lunch tomorrow.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Hmmm…Ducks force you to eat at Round Table Pizza…and RTP is the “official” pizza of the Sharks…and…uh… well, shit, there’s SOME form of BoC connection in there. Just don’t know what it is.
You know what I would do if I were you and the Ducks win tonight — eat RTP every game day. Cause I’m stupidly superstitious like that.
So are you still riding that high from playing with “house money,” Sleek? Over at CLS, I said this:
Despite what Earl Sleek has been saying about playing with house money, I think everyone has to realize that this Ducks team, if it can beat the Wings, has a very good chance to win the Stanley Cup. I’d pick them over Chicago. I’d take them over any Eastern team. When you’re that close to getting over the wall, you’ve been playing this well, and you can see the light, I don’t think I believe that whole playing with house money thing.
I really think if the Ducks were to pull off this comeback, they win the Cup. If the Wings keep the Ducks down, they win the Cup. At that point, and having seen what this team is capable of, even if they made it to the big dance in completely ass-backwards fashion, doesn’t the whole “happy to be here” house money kind of mentality get pushed aside? Given the way the Ducks have appeared to almost give up on this series, if our positions were reversed, I’d be going nuts, I think.
http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/
Check out the Wings/Ducks coverage over at CycleLikeSedins!
I probably should be going more nuts than I am — certainly down to seven teams does start chipping away at that house money theory. But still, it’s a weird thing when you call a season dead, as I did after a 1-0 loss I attended with Spade against the Sharks late in the season. Even when things start going right after that, it’s not quite the same thing as had they held some promise all year long.
Besides, there’s really no way that this postseason comes off as a disaster, or anything close to it. It’s still house money in that sense — no matter what, we’ve gotten better than we’ve deserved.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
There were points during the regular season that the team looked like it could not beat anyone. They would lose “easy” matchups and win “tough” ones. I don’t think they had 3 straight wins until March or April, and by then no one here had any confidence in this group. Even after the trades it took a couple weeks for the team to start clicking, and then right when you thought "crap, they may not suck after all" they would shit the bed.
Even the last game of the season they lost to a PHX team that was playing for nothing.
The minute they made the playoffs they exceeded my expectations (not my October expectations mind you, but my Jan / Feb expectations)
Disagree With Joe
I’m gonna disagree with Joe…kind of. While no call in this series or most hockey games ever really DECIDES anything, there’s the .001% of calls that are dripping with grave injustice and DO decide the game.
In hockey, Bufallo in 99. Those were two evenly matched teams, headed into overtime where BOTH teams hit the post. It was decided on a bad call, completely inconsistent with the rules for the season. In boxing, Meldrick Taylor vs. Julio Caesar Chavez I. You give the guy a few seconds, and he wins on all cards. Instead, Steele stops it: TKO. In basketball, Game 6 2002 WCF. Foul trouble for every Kings center, and 27 Laker free throws in the fourth quarter. The refs took that game out of the players’ hands.
Every now and then, in every sport, the referees actually do decide a contest. But it behooves every fan to know the difference, and not belittle the suffering of Buffalo— I mean, others —by whining about their comparatively small misfortunes.
by Arthur from Anaheim Calling on May 12, 2009 1:34 PM PDT reply actions
I really think in hockey the agenda starts and stops with extending the matchups to 7 games (if there even is one).
I wont say for sure there could not be though, because from what I’ve seen in basketball, I would say there is serious mob influence and major betting upsets. It’s really nothing new, boxing has been fixed for years. 8 men out in baseball. I guess the good thing about hockey is with penalty killing, it’s hard for a ref to change a series all by himself.
Oh yeah, absolutely it happens where a ref does decide a game on a bad call. This is a bigger problem in sports where you’re only playing one winner-take-all game, like football or boxing or something. But in a 7 game series, a ref might cost you a game, but there are 6 other chances to get your 4 W’s. Sure, a bad call in a Game 7 OT would on the surface appear to have decided the series. But at the same time, part of being a good team is putting yourself in a position such that you’re not as vulnerable to poor officiating or bad puck luck or whatever else. When you lose G7 in OT on a bad call, sure, you’re mad at the ref right that minute, but you’re kidding yourself if you think the only reason you lost that series was because of the ref. You could’ve won any of 3 other games and saved yourself the situation. The blame for that rests on your own shoulders.
I guess I’m probably overlooking the underdog here. By definition, the underdog has the odds stacked against them, and is less likely to win, and less likely to be able to control their own destiny, in the sense that I’m discussing it here. It’s hard to expect an underdog to control a series such that they didn’t end up in a position where they could be shafted by a bad bounce of a bad call. Buffalo in 99 probably falls into this category, as I think they were definitely an underdog in that series. I guess I’m not entirely sure how to reconcile that end of it. Fortunately, very very few calls are ever on such an impact of the Hull G6 goal in 99.
http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/
Check out the Wings/Ducks coverage over at CycleLikeSedins!
Late response, but I was at the game tonight. So, forgive me.
I don’t think one ref call can reshape a series in the middle of things, and I’ve certainly never seen pervasive bad calls in one game do that in the NHL. BUT you have to consider something like what happened to the Kings in 2002 against the Lakers. Home team takes the first four games, Kings steal game 5 like they’re supposed to, and then in game 6 the referees call what many called the worst officiated game in NBA history. It’s unnatural and kills any momentum that the lower seed gained by stealing a game on the road. And going into Game 7, they had to wonder if they really could guard Shaq without fouling out all of their four and five spot players.
On the whole, though, one call only decides a series in that rarest of rare Buffalo moments, where they refused to even look at a video replay. Only in that situation, where the Cup gets awarded to a team that didn’t actually earn it would I ever cry foul.
by Arthur from Anaheim Calling on May 13, 2009 2:37 AM PDT up reply actions
I do have to add my standard caveat: I have no idea what I’m talking about when it comes to any other sport but hockey. I have no idea about refereeing in other sports, really.
Maybe I can speak on refereeing in Ninja Warrior, but even then it’s based on bad translations.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I agree with Arthur
One play or call can turn a game AND series as he points our, to say otherwise is just not being objective. Earl’s suggestion that teams pad in a couple goals to counter a bad ref or call is not what teams should be burdened with. The best team should win fair and square, not the team who padded in enough goals to overcome sloppy ref and linesman work.
Hockey is a mental game, you can only come back and gain the momentum so many times in a game. At some point your spent and you just cannot overcome the hurdles anymore. Look at how a game can swing off just one penalty call. Yeah it’s only one game, that one game might be game 7 to decide the whole deal.
Goalie interference, either call it or don’t. I think replay is a good idea since the ref may not see the forward’s leg tying up a goalie or the bump right before the shot. If there is any question, review it to make sure and get the call RIGHT. This also prevents the acting some goalies are known for. Why this is not reviewable doesn’t make sense because interference can affect a goalie’s ability to make the save.
Dum spiramus tuebimur
Why this is not reviewable doesn’t make sense because interference can affect a goalie’s ability to make the save.
Right. plus, they never had a problem reviewing the play to see if 1/4 inch of a players skate was in the paint before. Use the video.
I say that fully realizing that it would come back and haunt ANA if these were reviewable. I still remember a goal where Perry gloved the puck in the crease, and threw it to his winger, who then shot it in the goal. It held up.
Eh, it didn’t always work… ;-)
And I’m against it, frankly. Not only does it slow down the game, but you’re still going to get as many bad calls as you get good ones. Goalie Interference is very vague and very much open to interpretation. If we start reviewing instances where a goalie complains, we’ll have to start reviewing times when interference is called, and then you’re going to get complaints of bias from guys who the referees go against, etc… I’m not sure that’s a great solution. It’d be similar (though not as completely time consuming) to being able to review strikes or balls in baseball.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions
The best team should win fair and square, not the team who padded in enough goals to overcome sloppy ref and linesman work.
I suppose — but that’s not dealing in reality. Generally the teams that do win are the ones who don’t count on refs winning games for ’em.
I don’t mind dreaming of a better day or hearing suggestions for improvement — though I guess I’d prefer to have that conversation in the summer. But I don’t think we should expect anything to suddenly appear in the postseason that really hasn’t been a characteristic of hockey previously.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I suppose — but that’s not dealing in reality. Generally the teams that do win are the ones who don’t count on refs winning games for ’em.
I dunno, I’ve seen some funny post game interviews where the winning players acknowledged getting some help from the ref. Most won’t come out and say it directly but when asked they just smile and say they caught a break maybe.
Hockey speak translation = The ref handed it to us.
Dum spiramus tuebimur
No doubt. And in plenty of instances, games are so close that a lucky bounce can decide them. But I think in either instance, the underlying point is that the teams themselves played to a stalemate, which is probably just as important.
Not every referee goof decides a game, however. Sometimes it’s the other 59 minutes that matter.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I get what you’re saying Erl, go out, bust azz and don’t leave it to chance.
On the other hand, some games and series are so razor thin close it’s heartbreaking to see a official decide the outcome. The best compliment a ref can get is no one even noticed they were there.
And we have even brought Andy Van Hellemond yet LOL
Dum spiramus tuebimur
The best compliment a ref can get is no one even noticed they were there.
Unless they miss a penalty you wanted, of course. :-P
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions
You trolling again? why not just take the night off dude? Enjoy the game here and I’ll do the same? We both crapped the bed here last game if you didn’t notice
Dum spiramus tuebimur
… I can’t make a comment? Wow, you are crusty.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Like I said, I don’t want to start it up again over the call last game. Why can’t you drop it?
Dum spiramus tuebimur
I’m not starting up! I wasn’t even referencing the call; I was pointing out that people like the referee quiet… unless the call is going to go their way. Then they cry bloody murder.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions
You picked a fight here in game 4 by telling folks to shut up when they didn’t agree with you.
We went round and round in game 5.
Why not just let it go?
Dum spiramus tuebimur
Actually, that was Game 1, I apologized, and left. I wasn’t here due to work for 2,3, and 4. If you’re going to remember things, remember correctly.
I’m not starting anything. You’re just paranoid.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions
/Sigh
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Chris Pronger is here?
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions
very very few calls are ever on such an impact of the Hull G6 goal in 99.
This is another instance where the NHL is a joke. They istitute a stay out of the crease rule to protect goalies, which is good, but over enforce it to the point that they ruin games. With video re-play they should only have been checking if the player in the crease effected the play, not if a lace was accross the line.
Hull’s call makes them remove the rule, and last night I watched Luongo get destroyed in net. they ran that boy mutiple times. He was smelling asses all night. teams employ big guys to stand right in front of the goalie, 2 feet in the blue paint. It’s crap. (but I’m glad CHI won)
Why can’t they use video and logic to correct this? Why is it so black and white?
There’s a difference between “running” and “screening”. At moment, I think they’re fine on screening, because goalies are hard enough to score on as-is; you need screens because the quality of goalie has gone up enough that if they see it, they’ll block it.
Now “running”, that needs to be cut down on. Tackling the goalie after he has the puck, Luongo getting a face full of stick, and hell, what Franzen did in Game 1, needs to be cut down on. No doubt.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed. Screening is actually one of my favorite parts about hockey these days — such a balanced art form, and such a necessary element.
Running is always tough — everybody always seemingly is pushed in, but that’s obviously not always the actual cause of contact.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
But you can screen without beign in the crease. Face it, the goalies don’t get a whole lot of real estate to begin with. thay need that to come forward and challenge shooters, cut off angles, SLIDE accross the crease with the legs. They need all that space. If there is a guy standing right in front of him 2 feet INSIDE the crease, he may not be making contact, but if the goalie wants to move forward to challenge a shot, he can’t.
The forwards are big enough these days to screen the goalie from 6 feet away. There is other ways to increase scoring, let the goalies play.
I’ll debate that. If you’re not in the crease, your screen is exponentially less effective; you need to be in their face to keep them occupied, otherwise scoring is going to go down to pre-lockout levels. Screening has been balanced by the referees being more liberal with goalie interference.
And on running, I think the NHL should pay attention when teams are repeatedly running a goalie. I wouldn’t be averse to fines as well, as it’s the same as targeting any player for injury; you run a guy a dozen times with a 200 pound guy, and he’ll get injured, even if he plays through it.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Well part of the thing to consider is that most screens are NOT happening two feet inside the crease. Obviously, that’s hyperbole, but most screens are not that bad. The goaltender’s special area ends at the edge of the blue paint. A player can do anything he wants outside of the blue paint. And for the most part, they stay out of it, because they know it can cost their team a goal. Sure, they’re stepping into and out of the crease sometimes, often because of contact with a defenseman, but for the most part, they stay out. Even when guys do get into the crease, its usually just their heels sitting on the line. I don’t think thats significant enough to get too worked up over. Very rarely do you see screens actually happening with guys actually being significantly in the crease.
A lot of the problem is that the goalie’s protected area only extends to the blue paint, and he wants to get everything he can out of it, meaning he’d like to stand there with his heels on the edge of the crease, and call the entire area that his body sticks out of the crease as his protected area. Not only that, but a lot of the contact between goalies and screeners is not because the screener is in the crease, but because he’s simply in the goalie’s sight line, and the goalie doesn’t like it. If you spend an entire game looking at where people’s feet are relative to the crease, while they’re in control of themselves, and attempting to screen, you will see that a lot of what happens is guys being outside the crease but in the way, and goalies just don’t like it.
As for your assertion that forwards are big enough to screen a goalie from 6 feet away: first of all, they’re cutting the angle on their shooter. They’re doing the goalie’s job for him, by moving closer. Second, they’ve also taken themselves out of rebound position. Third, its simply not as effective. Put a 6 foot guy 1 foot in front of you (but in legal ice) and at 6 feet in front of you, and what you can see is suddenly much larger.
The bigger problem for goalies that goes almost hand in hand with running them (which I agree with you on), I think, is the fact that crashing through the goalie, even when you’re under your own control, causing the puck to go in, tends to stand as a goal. Crosby’s goal from round 1 is an example of a guy who just sold out completely, knew he was going to drill the goalie, and went sliding right on into the net (skates first, even!) to try and crash the puck into the net in some manner off of his body. These kinds of plays promote crashing the net and trying to kill goaltenders, int he hopes of getting the puck to bounce off your head or something and into the net. Goalies shouldn’t have to save the puck AND the 200 lb+ player coming in behind it.
http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/
Check out the Wings/Ducks coverage over at CycleLikeSedins!
To add on, it gets insanely difficult to keep a screen going the further away you are. With the puck moving quickly, you’re moving more and more distance. What was once a foot or less right in front of the goalie becomes three or four feet. When part of the game is the east-west movement of the puck, you’re making screening not only impossible, but counter-productive.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree with most of what you said Joe except I do think players 1 – 2 feet in the crease is more and more becoming the norm.
BTW, Sidney did that in last nights game as well. Ran the goalie. Goalies have to give up the body to make the save. They know that they can make the save, but that a 200 lb players is coming down on top of them right after.
Obviously both of our teams take full advantage of the aggressive screen so I’ll just let it rest now.
Running Lu was the key
Several of us Blues fans pointed out how Lu didn’t like company in the crease and cheered for more crashing his pad. Only in game 4 when Perron started to bump around in the crease did we see any success at getting Lu off his game.
Too little too late as they say.
Dum spiramus tuebimur
That’s true — Ducks in ‘07 really had to crowd Luongo’s crease to score many of their goals. Roberto had a tough time battling through traffic in SoCal.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
LOL, he was smelling a lot of Hakw butt as Arthur put it.
Some goalies dig the traffic and feed off it and don’t get rattled. Billy Smith, Roy, Hexstall for example. Broduer just plays the cool cucumber.
Other goalies have meltdowns when just touched. Lu took it as an insult when bumped, you could see him chase guys after the whistle.
Dum spiramus tuebimur
Belfour is a perfect example, he melted down real bad against the Blues in Game 4 of the 1993 Norris Semi-Finals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GASf9QcUDGg
Dum spiramus tuebimur
LU and their slow D were their Achilles heals
Teams with tough, slow plodding Ds are not going to be able to compete in this new uptempo game anymore.
Dum spiramus tuebimur
Just scored a ticket.
Anaheim needs to hold Detroit back, but they can’t take the lead too early. Hopefully ANA can get a 1 or 2 goal lead with +- 5 minutes to go. That same 1 or 2 goal lead in period one will kill them. Don’t want Detroit to open it up too early. Detroit is very good and I never feel safe with any lead, so the late leads are way better for my stress levels.
My buddy said Raffi is playing tonight. Fuck I miss Chelios!
3-0 in playoff games...
when I attend. I will sacrifice lunch every day next week, and attend the game tonight. You can look for me, I’ll be the dork not wearing a green shirt somewhere in 435.
Quiet brain, or I shall jab you again with a q-tip
Fun fact of the day
Did you know? The Ducks have actually spent more time leading games in this series than the Red Wings have. Ducks have led for 89:04 vs. the Red Wings’ 80:39.
I guess the counterpart to this is that in the 2007 WCF, the Red Wings spent more time leading games in that series than the Ducks did. In that series, the Ducks led for 114:24 and the Red Wings led for 128:37.
Go figure.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Fun fact #2: The Red Wings have not closed a series out at home since the 2002 Stanley Cup finals. Every series they’ve played since then has been closed out on the road.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions
C’mon, you guys know you want a G7 at the Joe. You’ll need all the cash you can muster to keep Hossa on that roster. :)
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I eat Little Caesars’ Pizza often enough to know that Mike Ilitch can spare a dime. :-D
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Heh, I think clever line of the day goes to some dude at the Detroit News:
The Stanley Cup playoffs are must-see TV again; it’s just a shame that for many, it’s can’t-find TV on Versus.
Probably an old joke, but well played here.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
A STL fan called into HNIC radio yesterday about the NHL and Versus BS coverage. They have to come up with a better way for the fans to watch games. The blackouts, channel hopping, partial game stuff is getting old.
In this age on the Interwebs a fan should be able to pick the video & audio feed they want. I miss the CBC stuff and Canuck broadcasts. I have Center Ice but it’s a pain to figure out where and when a game is on. I’ve missed a couple goals while playing hide and seek.
Dum spiramus tuebimur
Hey, and there should be a way by now that I can pay a small fee and never watch a commercial for a year. Just distribute that money to people who think they’re influencing my buying decisions.
But sigh, technology never quite catches up with imagination.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Well, if you think about it, the internet is really the best way for the NHL to broadcast in certain respects. One of the biggest problems with the NHL has been drawing in sponsors because of the rather limited advertising time; that’s much easier to do on an internet broadcast even during a game (Using little side windows and such). Sure, it won’t replace the TV Broadcast, but it could generate some revenue that could help out…
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Commercials = beer bathroom breaks. LOL
We talked about a fee on Nucks Misconduct yesterday to cover a good solid bit torrent stream to all NHL games.
I’d like to hear the STL radio feed with Kerbs and Chaser but it’s delayed when played with Center Ice video. I can use the DVR to delay the video to synch them but it’s a pain to do every game.
Dum spiramus tuebimur
I can use the DVR to delay the video to synch them but it’s a pain to do every game.
o.0
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions
I hate Hayward, Anaheim’s color guy, but I usually take the lazy way out. Ignore him. I have trained myself to hardly even listen to the guy. :)
http://www.battleofcali.com/
You’re not agaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaainst Hazy?
He has some good insider moments. Homer to the hilt. He’s okay, the BJs I think it was had a team that was unwatchable
Dum spiramus tuebimur
Mickey Redmond has the homer problem, but he’s not as distracting and he has a clue about what’s going on. Ken Daniels is an excellent play-by-play guy, though.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Plus I really like Larry Murphy when he makes appearances, on DET broadcasts or on NHL on the Fly.
I think it has something to do with the fact that I remember him as a player. Hazy, Reaugh, Panger, Clement — I believe they all were players, but it’s a bit different — I never really saw ’em play.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
What is this, the second time this playoffs that the first game of a Versus doubleheader hasn’t overlapped with the second? A banner day for Versus.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Of course, this is completely destroyed by the interviewer.
“Good game, a complete game…” Wait, were we watching the same game? Carolina had the Bruins on their heels the entire 3rd period.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions
I mean, two Game 7’s is enough, right? I mean, we don’t want to get Game-7’d out before the Conference Finals…
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 6:07 PM PDT reply actions
I’m officially nervous for this game.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
You’re nervous?! ;-)
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions
lol. The Wings must go down. Yes, I’m nervous.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Well, take heart. The Ducks rarely have followed their expectations this season.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
So
Are they expected to lose tonight? Does this mean they win? If their expect to win does that mean they lose?
My head hurts.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Yup
Drop the puck already.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
i have memorized every single commercial on versus.
quizno’s: “put it in me”
freecreditreport.com band dudes at renaissance fair
vonage
geico: “somebody’s watching me”
Earl, anyone in Socal
I lost the Versus feed here on DTV, blacked out now. Center Ice. Anybody got the pregame on yet?
Dum spiramus tuebimur
In SoCal, the game is on Prime Ticket or FSN HD. Versus will be bull fighting.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
FSN Detroit has it. 663 on DirecTV
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions
WHOA. Selanne!
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 7:13 PM PDT reply actions
Oh Wow
I guess when Ducks players say they’re ready to play, they mean it. Unlike some team’s players I know…
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Oof. C’mon, guys. You should make clean line changes in this game, please.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
You got to get your Ducks Penalty Quota, Sleek.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Oof. Well, we gotta convert on this…
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 7:17 PM PDT reply actions
Ducks don’t seem very comfortable with the pucks on their sticks. I wonder if they’re still using the wrong-handed versions from that scrimmage.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
they need to make a statement. be authoritative! score a goal early! do what the bruins did earlier tonight.
sigh.
To be honest, the “early goal” thing hasn’t exactly worked well for either team in this series.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions
I dunno if it’s the ice or something, but it seems like passes aren’t connecting as often as they normally do for either team.
Ahahahahaha@ the Lineman getting tripped.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 7:32 PM PDT reply actions
Oh boy, here comes Goal 1…
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 7:33 PM PDT reply actions
Yeah, Hayward said 3, but none of the “I can remember them less than two minutes later” variety.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
That stat is just not right. Not right at all. /shakes head
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Least important, IMO. There is little correlation between face-offs won and game wins, although face-offs should be quantified as to their importance.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Did the Canucks win a lot of faceoffs? Everything is much, much more important to a game when you are really good at it.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions
I’d say they’re pretty important. More so than stats, probably close behind shots. Especially when it comes to PP’s, with the new “always start in the offensive end” rule, it definitely makes them more valuable. I wonder if Mudcrutch or someone has done a study on faceoff/win correlations.
http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/
Check out the Wings/Ducks coverage over at CycleLikeSedins!
Hiller With the Stick Tap
I love goalies. Just sayin’.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
The Ducks can’t catch a pass — everything explodes off their stick, it seems. Maybe everybody is using Hedican’s sticks for tonight’s game?
http://www.battleofcali.com/
It’s teh same with the Wings. It keeps slipping off it feels like.
And fuck, another penalty.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions
i wonder how people would react if i drove one of those polaris xp ATVs around the streets of brooklyn. hahaha.
Not a bad period for the Wings. 12-8 Ducks on shots, but they weren’t dominated by any stretch. A bit sloppy for both teams, though.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 7:46 PM PDT reply actions
Was it Helen Elliott in the Times that said they need to keep Getzy under 20 mins a game? He’s at 7:16 right now.
Dum spiramus tuebimur
Whatever, Helene. It’s do-or-die. No need to worry about tomorrow at this point.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
It helps that Selanne’s line has also amped up their play. They’ve been near invisible the last few games.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions
gonna take a another line to chip in to win it i think. Hawks got help from Buff and Burr last night, Course it was a wild wild west shootout too.
Dum spiramus tuebimur
Hawks got help from Buff and Burr last night,
Anyone else notice how Buff has become a damn effective NHLer ever since Sammy Pahlsson was inserted on his line?
Miss ya, Sammy.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
intermission humor time. speaking of Hawks
Promo FAIL. Kane’s taste in footwear color
Dum spiramus tuebimur
Nice flip-flops, guys.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions
LOL. Is he wearing Crocs?
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Helping make Forsberg riotch biotch.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
please
don’t mention forsberg in relation to those hideous things. i need to be in denial about it for many important reasons. ;-)
I Hear Ya
But I live in CO and they are all the rage here for some reason (lazy MoFos?). I don’t own a pair, if that makes you feel better.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Hell No
You cannot catch me dead in a pair of Crocs. Shit, I’m in what ppl consider “heels” when I go fishing.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
seriously, they look like gardening clogs for martha stewart-ish suburban housewives from those fancy garden catalogues.
What is this? — “Let’s get a shot of all you guys who aren’t captains or alternates”
http://www.battleofcali.com/
They deferred it to these guys. “Yeah, I’m totally not putting all that bullshit on today…”
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions
WOOT
PP converts!!! Ducks score!!!
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
You’re the Avs fan in Korea, no?
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Ahh
I got confused. Apologies.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
but obviously, we’re gonna be good friends with mattman too, considering his meme: “I don’t like you Detroit.”
Gah
I have a total goalie-crush on Hiller.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
It is May in Southern California…
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions
It takes a certain level of douchebaggery to really get as good as Perry, though.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Losing the races on the Power Play. Not good.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 8:26 PM PDT reply actions
Chipmonks
are cute. Holmstrom not even close. How many times do we have to cover this? ;)
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Niedermayer > Holmstrom
Hey Cali dudes. I’m back!
Can I Post This Now?
lolol Fuck It.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Call it good luck for the rest of the game? The ensuing Ozzzz-goood chants were enough to affirm it for me. When it comes to the Wings, I throw caution to the wind. Don’t mean to rain…
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Don’t worry about it. I just meant I only get an “x” on my screen, but I’m never going to gripe about what others want to say.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Actually, that’s not true. I often gripe about what others say — I’m a blogger.
Damn — caught in my own lie.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
LOL
That’s what make’s you special.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
there was a big to-do several games ago about a very lucky leprechaun-green shirt that earl wears to bring ducks victory
Yeah, you can see a picture of it a bit down this post.
Basic story: I won it on an internet bet with a Canucks blogger in the ‘07 regular season, and have worn it to games ever since, both as a lucky gesture and as a way to be identified. It’s got a really good record in attendance, though I’ve never really done the math, and by now is kind of an Earl Sleek trademark.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I should add, it was damn lucky in the game I went to this round. Lucky that the ref couldn’t see the damn puck when most of the arena could.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Hell
I saw that puck go in clean and I was watching on Versucks.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Dunno what’s up with that. I always “preview” before I post ‘cause I’m not the best with posting pics. I see it, though.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Naw
It’s the Osgood “Exposed” image.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
that would be a damn shame
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on May 12, 2009 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Based on what we have posted at MHH, there is no nudity filter lol.
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
LOL
Hellz yeah. /puke at the thought of naked Osgood
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
but all the puck bunnies back home love him cuz hes so cute
http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/
Check out the Wings/Ducks coverage over at CycleLikeSedins!
youre just mad that Budaj and Raycroft arent cute
http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/
Check out the Wings/Ducks coverage over at CycleLikeSedins!
aw mother fucker
I finally get out of work and we’re down 2-0? shit
http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/
Check out the Wings/Ducks coverage over at CycleLikeSedins!
Nice of You to Join In
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Basic message: 5 of Detroit’s top-6 forwards and 3 of Detroit’s top-four defensemen are European, and they are “trained to go into the grey areas”, referring to the moving pick on Wisniewski.
No need to make this continental.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
oh that, I heard it. I think he’s right, not really racist, more style of play. I played in the Elite league in Germany. Euros do run picks more. Give and goes too. The cycle they like to do is great for running picks. Bigger ice = different game
Dum spiramus tuebimur
Probably some truth, but if he’s going to bring it up as a whine against a non-call, that’s usually when Hazy’s at his worst.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Wow, Detroit is just marching to the penalty box.
Make ’em pay, Duckies!
YES
THATS ONE
ONE MORE DAMMIT
http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/
Check out the Wings/Ducks coverage over at CycleLikeSedins!
Too bad they waited 57 minutes and 35 seconds to score once.
C’mon Wings. Wake up. :)
Just to clarify..
That was sarcasm. Go Ducks!
- Stars (Ducks, for now) Fan
Sure thing.
My.. distaste.. for the Red Wings overcomes all feelings of enmity towards the Ducks.
no shit. >_<
http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/
Check out the Wings/Ducks coverage over at CycleLikeSedins!
come on come on come on come on
http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/
Check out the Wings/Ducks coverage over at CycleLikeSedins!
The clock right? Go Ducks? ;)
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
No actually I was talking about the Avs’ return to being a competitive team. Come on come one come on….
http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/
Check out the Wings/Ducks coverage over at CycleLikeSedins!
Oh, there’s years before that.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Niedermayer v. Datsyuk
Hahaha I love this.
WOOT!!!
Gawd. Ducks did it. They did it. Snap.. fight?
An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.
Some douche canoe threw a fucking octopus on the ice, too.
I hate that shit so much.
Yep.
One of the refs picked it up (I think) as he skated over to start breaking people up.
Mother fucker
This is a hell of a series, but i could certainly stand for it to be a little less competitive. Why couldn’t the Ducks just finish rolling over? Shit.
http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/
Check out the Wings/Ducks coverage over at CycleLikeSedins!
HOLY SHIT!
Getzlaf fighting Hossa? Getzlaf on Rafalski? SCOTT NIEDERMAYER on DATSYUK???
Craziness.
When I'm not battling in California:
http://www.cyclelikesedins.com
It’d be sickly twistedly funny if somehow they were all suspended for G7.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
leagues’ been saying no more end of period nonsense.
This could end badly for the Ducks if they come out on the short end on suspensions?
Scotty for Datsuk? I don’t like that trade. Datsuk has been quiet.
Dum spiramus tuebimur
The funniest part is that none of those Red Wings looked like they wanted to fight. Particularly Rafalski.
When I'm not battling in California:
http://www.cyclelikesedins.com
by jamestobrien on May 12, 2009 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m concerned about the fight for the elbow Scotty threw. I don’t think Campbell will let him off Scott-free.
"Concentration, not strength." - Coach GB
True, but if Walker can get away with a criminal sucker punch, then I doubt a player with the caliber of Niedermayer gets a suspension.
Who knows. Campbell’s wheel of justice can’t get any more unpredictable.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
folks call that a sucker punch? I cant see it. Your brawling, a guy grabs your jersey and gloves are coming off and you stand there like a statue with your hands at your sides. Not me, I’m either ducking or swinging
There is sucker punching and that wasn’t it.
Dum spiramus tuebimur
Respectfully disagree, and I’ll leave it at that. I saw how things turned out in game five’s thread haha.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
You have a halo? That’s like Pamela Anderson claiming she has her virginity ;)
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
u gonna wear that plaid skirt?
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions
mr plank….what up mutha fucka!!!
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Nothing much man, just got off suicide watch last night. Life’s never been better and brighter!
(either that or I’m drunk.)
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
I’m not sure of the technical details, but on Thursday when the Sharks have their “State of the Franchise” thing, you should hold up a TV with the Ducks/Wings G7 and tell Wilson, “This is what we want.”
http://www.battleofcali.com/
sleek plank is gonna punch you dude…u member!!!
so are u gonna miss game 7 or is jesus giving u the day off?
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions
yea im really drunk and its a tuesday fuuuuuuck….pens tommroow…ducks thursday…….gonan be a long wek woohoo!!
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Haha, I don’t think I have the inner resolve to punch Sleek anymore. The bell was rung after that game six KO.
Unless you’re implying a WWE backstage attack. In that case, I’ll get my steel chair.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
you kinda look like jake the snake roberts…so i can totally see that..DDT!!!!
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions
With the Ducks, the suspense doesn’t end with the game. The holding-of-the-breath-for possible-suspensions is becoming quite the playoff tradition.
At least Anaheim’s the only franchise in California that has any playoff traditions.
Zinger! Oh, shit, wait….
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
Hoisted by your own Thorton there…
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions
To be fair though, we had that whole second round travesty tradition.
Then they go and muck that up as well. Oy vey.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
that was some madness
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Woof. Bad game. Detroit didn’t come out to play, Ducks did. Not much more can be said than that. At the very least, we have home ice for Game 7.
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 9:46 PM PDT reply actions
Who is broadcasting G7? Hope Versus doesn’t have exclusivity!!!
Also, which team is Sammy Pahlsson rooting for?
I doubt they will- Boston and Carolina are slated for that day as well, I believe.
Makes no sense to have exclusive rights for two games with coinciding start times.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
Nothing like a game seven folks.
Hold onto yer butts
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
Is this photo followed by him saying “a fu***** shark tried to eat me”, or is that a different movie?
This is Jurassic Park, right after he shut down the power to the complex I believe. That’s the line I was referencing at least.
No Sharks involved. They didn’t make it past the first round of killings in that movie.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
what i read here that detriot was gonna win 5-3….so much for that
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:00 PM PDT reply actions
Spade! You’re alive — we were going to send your cartoon to the police missing persons department.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
i know…got way too durnk too early…sorry…couldnt contribute…hehe
go ducks…!!!
scared though..other lines were MIA
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions
All that matters tonight is the W — details can be worried about later.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
aww good point….damn sierra nevada…stop talking for me
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Fucking awesome. That’s how you end a game. Non of this pansy cheapshot at each other and then not answer the bell bull shit.
Oh, don’t worry about any suspensions, if Buttman didn’t suspend that flat out sucker punch on Ward in the boston/canes series, none of this will get suspensions. Just good old fashioned grade A playoff hockey bitches.
Don't bRuin your life. Practice safe sex. Make love with a Trojan
i was telling the pens roomate….bettman isnt gonna suspend star players like datsuyk and getz….hes a troll..but not that much of an asshole
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Plus he loves ratings — that’s probably what I’m relying more on than anything.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
so who gets the most from the brawl?
Wings shamed for losing all 3 fights?
Ducks feeling their oats about whoopin on some Euros?
Buttman gives stern lecture to the lads before G&?
Dum spiramus tuebimur
whoopin on euros…i vote for that
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Almost doesn’t matter, though — G7 is just a crazy, crazy thing. “Momentum”, “confidence”, etc. probably buys you like five seconds of gameplay.
It’s a damn open book as to how this bad boy turns out.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
just so Boc can continue on…i think thats a good reason for the ducks to win G7
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, I would say the game being held at Joe Louis probably carries more weight, but who knows. A game six fight most likely won’t put a puck in the net on Thursday.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
I have only been watching hockey for a little over 4 years, but I see this last fight as just another “turning point” in this series that is not related to a goal or winning an individual game. Could a fired up Scott Niedermayer (suspension-free please) and Getzlaf come firing out on all cylinders? Or do the Wings show some perseverance and get their revenge on the Ducks? I thought the Holmstrom hit in the ’07 series would swing in the Red Wings direction. Now, I have hope that this fight puts us over the edge.
Either that or some players just had bad gas.
"Concentration, not strength." - Coach GB
All I remember from the Ducks’ last game seven (at Calgary) is that Ruslan Salei and Ilya Bryzgalov were excellent. Let’s hope they can do it again.
What, they went where?
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I remember the last Game 7 the Wings played. I’m fairly sure at least one other person on the board also remembers it vividly. >=-D
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions
grace!!! yo yo
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions
the first time this playoffs that home ice seem to mean somthing….just a thought
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:18 PM PDT reply actions
… Ah fuck, I’m not going to sleep for two fucking days. This sucks. ;-)
"Don't touch my dream with your dirty hands!"
by Justice and Rule on May 12, 2009 10:20 PM PDT reply actions
Just saw the Niederelbow again on NHL on the Fly. It’s pretty vicious, but I guess he can use the Holmstrom excuse — he was kind of spinning around.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
haha
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions
wtf?
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions
just got it…drunk…
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s a weird internet phenomenon. I don’t fully understand, but it involves putting cute misspelled phrases with pictures of cats.
But it was spot-on, Grace. Well done.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
The young kids call them “memes” Sleek. You can read more about it here.
Heh.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
Haha, I guess that was a comment fail. Don’t do a lot of surfing over at http://icanhascheezburger.com/ , do you, Spade?
im mexican/dominican i dont surf
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions
im so behind…..hold me back a grade
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions
hey anyone wanna take out franzen’s kneecaps?
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:25 PM PDT reply actions
I bet you could make a killing by selling voodoo dolls of both Franzen and Hiller before G7. I’ll just make accessory money by selling push-pins.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
you can pin that franzen goal on me…right before he scored i said “hey…that asshole franzen has been queit” then BAM!!!!
my roomate was tried hard not to laugh his ass off
we still havent found anyone to stop him yet…im not watching close enough but im guessing pronger is too busy with holmstrom? maybe pair the whiz with pronger..
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 13, 2009 6:13 AM PDT up reply actions
gotta run, git my chores done I’ve ignored all night, see you round thursday nite
Dum spiramus tuebimur
you say doozy?
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 12, 2009 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions
New project for Sleek
Did you notice that Miller’s ice time seemed to be somehow…magically…almost intentionally linked to Datsyuk’s? Could Miller be the new Sammy “is god” Pahlsson? I’m just sayin’ if you’re not going to work anyway…maybe you could run some numbers to see if Miller is going to be the new shut down.
There’s a website I can check tomorrow that can show the 5v5 minute splits, but I will say I did notice one sequence where Miller Lite was “Datsyuking” Pavel Datsyuk — pushed the guy all the way back deep into his own zone with nothing but poke persistence.
He’s an odd cat, that Miller — seemingly he’s got some obvious deficiencies (he’ll never match anyone physically), but his assets are pretty good — he seems smart with the puck, which is never a bad thing.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Actually, here’s the link.
Per the data-scraping wizardry, Miller played 14.8 5v5 minutes — 11.8 against Zetterberg and 11.2 against Datsyuk. Good eyes.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
oh yeah.
you know that Getzlaf is my Pahlsson…and that guy put up some stats tonight (even in the FACEOFF circle?!)…But he was killin’ me with the ‘no look pass to the open Red Wing’ and the ‘drop pass to nobody in the defensive zone’ plays. Those don’t show up on stat sheets. But anyone who pulled their own hair out or yelled “what the hell?!” at the screen was probably frustrated by the play of 15. Please…Puh-LEASE stop trying to win a trophy and start trying to finish a shift!!!
by GordonBombay on May 12, 2009 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions
you know that Getzlaf is my Pahlsson…
Heh, yeah, but that sure sounds awkward — don’t ever tell that to Getzy’s face.
Getzlaf has a show-off factor that seemingly has been around since he got the ASG-nomination. It can be frustrating for sure, but I think all we can do is ride that horse and hope he steers straight. His desire to dominate was huge on that first goal.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
yea were gonna have to live with getz’s dumb ass passes…wouldnt hurt if RC have the video guy “trotta” i think his name is…..put toghter what i would call a getz blooper tape of all his ill advised passes this year….scare him straight ya know hehe
put man he looked good last nite…ryan looked a little better…wish he would shoot more…gawd damn his shots are scary good when he gets one off..
perry was a beast
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 13, 2009 6:19 AM PDT up reply actions
ebbet needs to sit a game…guy was driving me crazy with his stuipid penalties and ineffectivness….put peterri or even josh green on that second line…ebbet is wasting good efforts my selanne and carter…keeps giving up the puck or doing somthing stupid in the offensive end
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 13, 2009 6:15 AM PDT reply actions
I guess it’s G7 though — put your best lineup in and cross your fingers.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
sleek really need to sing well tommorow…need some help from jesus….
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 13, 2009 7:07 AM PDT up reply actions
QUOTE FROM GETZ
‘’Not a lot had to be said, we have enough guys in here who have been there before,’’ Getzlaf said. ‘’It was unacceptable the way we played last game. We were excited about tonight.’’
they need to have that mentality again for game 7 somehow…
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 13, 2009 6:22 AM PDT reply actions
yeah, it’s nice to know that with all the bad passes and mistakes we still got the win. To me that means we could see them play even better in G7.
Who knows, maybe G7 is the game Detroit totally craps the bed.
now thats some positivty right there sir…..keep it coming..
to add my 2 cents….maybe selanne breaks out with a 2 goal game…maybe he “lilja’s” another defensmen..
pronger also seems due for a goal
I wanna throw up on your new shoes
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on May 13, 2009 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions
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Pacific Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Jose
|
82 | 51 | 20 | 11 | 113 |
|
Phoenix
|
82 | 50 | 25 | 7 | 107 |
|
Los Angeles
|
82 | 46 | 27 | 9 | 101 |
|
Anaheim
|
82 | 39 | 32 | 11 | 89 |
|
Dallas
|
82 | 37 | 31 | 14 | 88 |
(updated 4.12.2010 at 6:21 AM PDT)
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