Ducks Gameday -- Nashvillains!
by Earl Sleek on Mar 24, 2011 10:00 AM PDT
Email
PrintAnaheim Ducks (41-27-5) at Nashville Predators (39-25-10), 5 pm
Anaheim Calling and On the Forecheck -- from Tennessee to shining sea.
Back to Hollywood for inspiration for today's cartoon...
After a few cartoons in a row involving a Predator, I think I'm getting better at drawing them.
Speaking of Hollywood inspirations, jeez -- another incredible ending last night, with the Ducks stealing another two points from Dallas. Two points I wanted to make today after the jump, though I'm a bit short on time -- feel free to discuss either of them in the comments:
* It's tempting as a Ducks fan to look at the standings and feel cheated by the lack of Overtime Loss points -- Anaheim is last in the west with only five. But that's not really an accurate way to think about it -- it's not that Anaheim is being cheated by the system; rather, it's the other way around. The Ducks are 9-3 in overtime and 4-2 in shootouts; their excellence in these areas, while it doesn't carry over to the postseason, is going to be a really key factor in them qualifying (both with standings points and with tiebreakers).
Too often people think about the "loser point" as being the extra point awarded in a three-point game, but it's really the "winner point" that is awarded based on 4-on-4 and 1-on-0 sideshows, and the Ducks are getting way more than their fair share of these bonus points. Especially lately -- Ducks have won 10 of the past 11 games that have gone past regulation, which is pretty amazing. Sure, the Ducks could have more OTL points if they were a .500 team past regulation, but if that were the case they'd be sitting two points back of Calgary this morning in tenth.
Now normally, I wouldn't want to be a team that makes the playoffs because of their overtime/shootout success -- those skills won't have much use in the playoffs -- but in this year's madhouse west, there are no useless standings points. Keep it up, Ducks!
* I don't want to say this the wrong way, but it's very possible that this season has been saved by Jonas Hiller's mysterious case vertigo. Before Emery or Ellis made their Ducks debut, Anaheim was outshot by an average of 27.9 to 33.0 (-5.2) -- they were relying on their goaltender for wins, rather than winning for their goaltender. Since the "E" goalies entered the picture, the Ducks have produced much more respectable results, outshooting their opponents by an average of 31.3 to 28.8 (+2.5), and picking up a fairly lucky record of 9-2-1 (I say "lucky" because the Ducks have only outscored opponents 32-29 in regulation over that stretch). And that's with half the games going into overtime -- the shots-allowed-per-game totals have been much improved.
Had the Ducks not improved their play in front of Hiller's replacements, it's tough to envision them sitting where they currently are -- had Ellis and Emery been .500 goaltenders over the past dozen games, for example, the Ducks would be five points behind Calgary in tenth this morning. With Hiller set to return to the playing lineup possibly as early as today, it'll be interesting to see if the Ducks' focus remains -- Anaheim skaters have stepped up their collective game in his absence; if they can continue their competent play while he's in the net, watch out!
Prediction: I'll be around for the start of tonight's game, but then it's off to choir practice karate school inner-city crime fighting. Ducks win this one in regulation for a change; game-winner by the Sex Offender.
Go Ducks.
148 comments
|
2 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I’m being charged with a crime? Is that what this is? I’m being charged with a crime? This is funny. That’s what this is. This is… : … I’m gonna rip the eyes out of your head and piss into your dead skull! You fucked with the wrong Marine!
Meg bows down to my fantasy greatness
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 24, 2011 10:17 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
but it’s very possible that this season has been saved by Jonas Hiller’s mysterious case vertigo
u might have somthing there…your right they probally felt more obligated to protect emery and ellis…but an added bonus of hiller being out..it gave him some added rest….that and hopefully he made part 2 of that freezer commerical
Meg bows down to my fantasy greatness
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 24, 2011 10:19 AM PDT reply actions
but then it’s off tochoir practice karate schoolinner-city crime fighting
don’t drive your prius when you go crime fighting in these rough neighborhoods…
Meg bows down to my fantasy greatness
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 24, 2011 10:22 AM PDT reply actions
But they’ll never hear me coming! :)
www.battleofcali.com
by Earl Sleek on Mar 24, 2011 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
might want to ditch the green anahiem shirt…the korean and prius is gonna piss them off enough…pencil in a mustache and sport a bandana and glasses..I think sneak attack is your best weapon
vato: Hey where you from esse?
Earl: Los patos 13
vato: Huh?
Earl: heeeeeyyyyyyyaaaa !!! Karate taekwondo Chop!!!
Meg bows down to my fantasy greatness
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 24, 2011 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
It feels like cheating since 2 of them were OT games. It’s like using rohypnol.
by RudyKelly on Mar 24, 2011 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
wins are wins, no? And its was the trifecta, they got a regulation loss, OTL, and SOL, right?
lost in every way possible
No, it’s true — they qualify, and I was too lazy to make it happen.
But hey — isn’t state rape a little more special when it’s not automatic? (I hope?) :)
www.battleofcali.com
Is there any other kind of rape? they are never planned.
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
well not by the woman…Im sure those bastards out there doing that shit plan it
Meg bows down to my fantasy greatness
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 24, 2011 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Statutory.
Just ask Hank Moody.
Taylor Morgan: "My abortion was botched!"
Teemu Selanne: "Wow. That sounds awesome."
by DodgerBlueBalls on Mar 24, 2011 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, it’s a little weird with all the OT points — a trip through Cali where you pick up two standings points isn’t normally that awful.
And yeah, their playoff chances are severely hurting, but they’re not dead just yet. I might wait for it to become official.
www.battleofcali.com
even though they got ot loser points cali still really “screwed” them in the playoff race…
Meg bows down to my fantasy greatness
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 24, 2011 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Is it province rape if we only beat half of the teams in the province?
by meetyourmako on Mar 24, 2011 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Sure — we had a New York rape and a Florida rape earlier this season, even though only one team from each state was truly the victim.
Want to control your own destiny? Move to your own state! :)
www.battleofcali.com
by Earl Sleek on Mar 24, 2011 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
hahahahaha
Meg bows down to my fantasy greatness
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 24, 2011 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Mannn, Leightnon is awful. We are going to be a facing a lot better goaltending tonight. I hope we can pull of another dramatic victory. Just not as dramatic as last night. =/
Leightnon
you are now my apprentice…I shall call you darth Know
Meg bows down to my fantasy greatness
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 24, 2011 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions
your first dark deed..get me christana applegates panties and 2 tall cans of blue ribbon
Meg bows down to my fantasy greatness
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 24, 2011 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Good job confirming what everyone already knows.
In Lou We Trust/Twitter
I wish there was something I could do. But What?
by Kevin Sellathamby on Mar 24, 2011 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions
nothing wrong with reinforcement..!!!
(I better defend I do it all the time)
Meg bows down to my fantasy greatness
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 24, 2011 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Go Regulation!!!!
Also, because I like to remind all Duck fans that their namesake is from Disney movie, I offer this delightful gem.
I like how Lubo is a plus 12 and Lidstrom is a minus 2 on a better team… who says that swede should win the norris!? OUTRAGE!
by camfowlerisaboss on Mar 24, 2011 11:59 AM PDT reply actions
haha
Meg bows down to my fantasy greatness
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Mar 24, 2011 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I didn’t read this, but I rec’d it for the cartoon.
Proud member of the "Bring Back Semenov" Club
"The only crying allowed in hockey is when you lose a playoff series, retire or JR is speaking publicly." - Jamie Baker
"You are down with the homies, my friend." - Randy Hahn
Kent Huskins cares.
This may not be a frequently-discussed record, but because it’s Teemu it’s awesome:
Teemu Selanne is the first player in NHL history with four score-tying goals in the final 3:00 of the third period in one season. Selanne has scored all four such goals (all in the last 2:07 of the third) over the last 18 games, including each of the last two contests. The Ducks won all four games in overtime.
Suomi!
www.battleofcali.com
Lilja back in! And Emery gets to kick back in the pressbox.
3 D LILJA, ANDREAS
4 D FOWLER, CAM
5 D SBISA, LUCA
8 R SELANNE, TEEMU
9 R RYAN, BOBBY
10 R PERRY, COREY
11 C KOIVU, SAKU
15 C GETZLAF, RYAN
17 D VISNOVSKY, LUBOMIR
19 L WINCHESTER, BRAD
21 D BROOKBANK, SHELDON
22 C MARCHANT, TODD
23 D BEAUCHEMIN, FRANCOIS
32 D LYDMAN, TONI
33 L BLAKE, JASON
37 L RUUTU, JARKKO
42 R SEXTON, DAN
64 C MCMILLAN, BRANDON
1 G HILLER, JONAS
38 G ELLIS, DAN
www.battleofcali.com
Go Dan Ellis!
I was almost going down and then I didn’t go down and then it came and it was too late to get down.
Battle of California
Defense coughing up the puck quite a bit
They need to tighten up or this is going to get ugly, quick.
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions
…feelin’ those vertigo blues….
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
…Fuck I remember why I hate Rinne…
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
Its best to suck as soon as possible to give you the most time to come back…
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
We shall see — as of now, it looks like I won’t be distracted at all during choir practice.
www.battleofcali.com
The bad thing is that we're not having much time with the puck in the offensive zone
Way too many shots and chances from Nashville in Jonas’ first game back.
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions
holy cow … I’m watching the Blues vs Oilers game but took a peek at the score for the Ducks vs Preds game … 3-zip Preds? really???
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
Good job Angy!
I was almost going down and then I didn’t go down and then it came and it was too late to get down.
Battle of California
What did I do?
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
Successfully read the scoreboard, like Earl said.
I was almost going down and then I didn’t go down and then it came and it was too late to get down.
Battle of California
Jonas sucks so bad right now…I think I ended up with fucking vertigo…
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
Maybe he came back a game too soon.
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
Don’t worry you guys, Ellis has got this locked down.
I was almost going down and then I didn’t go down and then it came and it was too late to get down.
Battle of California
Alright top line
More of that, please.
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 5:33 PM PDT reply actions
….I don’t want to brag but I muted the game again…..It fucking works!
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
It could be that I showed up. :)
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
No…If anything we’d be losing more…
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
No.
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
Don’t lie I saw what happened during that sharks game….
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
Fingers crossed on the GA front
Defense is way too sloppy tonight.
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Hasn’t been that bad — there wasn’t a goal that I thought Jonas couldn’t stop with a little less vertigo.
www.battleofcali.com
Not sure he could do much on the tip
but he was definitely responsible for the other two. I just think we’re not clearing the defensive zone enough (stop me if you’ve heard that before).
In other words, a healthy Hiller is all over that. But it was bad news to allow that much time and opportunity against a rusty Hiller.
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Dear Pekka Rinne,
Please die in a fire. Between periods.
Your pal,
Robby
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 5:39 PM PDT reply actions
All in all
the Ducks have to feel somewhat confident right now. They’re throwing everything at Rinne and getting rebounds. They should take some solace in these chances.
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 5:41 PM PDT reply actions
Hahahaha, Lilja breakaway.
One time I’d say, “Why couldn’t it have been Marchant?” :)
www.battleofcali.com
What a brilliant save
He clearly keeps that out.
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I drew a pp in class once, but my teacher got mad and said it was inappropriate.
I was almost going down and then I didn’t go down and then it came and it was too late to get down.
Battle of California
Rudy drew one and posted it on BoC once (I think only once), strangely enough it was very appropriate.
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
Anything thats not Hiller I suppose…
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
It makes me a sad panda that he looked so bad tonight
I was really hoping he’d look a little more solid.
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Shit
Unless we get it back here, I’m not feeling so optimistic about the third period.
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 6:30 PM PDT reply actions
Enjoy Ninja school or crime fighting or whatever…
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
by Steven Hida on Mar 24, 2011 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
has this place become a ghost town?
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
More or less dear…This place lives and dies with earl…
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
You should take his place when he’s gone. :)
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
Maybe if this game was worth watching at this point….
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
For better or worse …
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
Yeah I know I know….
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
At least we aren’t down by 7 goals…
Suck it Habs…
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
I was hoping they would win … I didn’t like that Chara hit at all … but oh well
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
What hit? Chara didn’t hit him the arena did :P
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
With a little help from the big guy … with the hot body … :)
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
Fuck that guy…some one send this fucker a bomb….
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
uh oh … what happened?
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
Their guy tried to screen Ellis
and, uh, forgot to hit the brakes.
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions
I was talking about Rinne…It was before that hit :P But yeah send that guy a bomb too. Just don’t let Daniel know or We’ll get labeled as racists…
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
My wife and I are dying in our living room
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Die in bed … it’s less messy … :)
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
Unless you die by explosives…The mess cleans itself up.
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
Very good point … I always tell people I want to die jumping out of the plane and forgetting to open the chute … I’m sure that will be messy
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
unless you’re over the ocean…No one is gonna find that mess…
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
I have a feeling that even if Emery/Ellis starts
we don’t win this game. Rinne is just ridonculous.
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 7:09 PM PDT reply actions
They're not seriously going to do this, are they?
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 7:23 PM PDT reply actions
Randy is fucking crazy…mother fucking crazy….
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
I was referring to the comeback at all
I think they’re just going to run out of real estate. Rinne was too good.
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Damnit
Should have had this one. Credit to the Ducks for hustling their asses off all game.
by PhantomPretender on Mar 24, 2011 7:34 PM PDT reply actions
Gives me lost of hopes for the games we have left though
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
lots of hope ? or lost of hope?
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
The second and third goal Hiller allowed, I’m pretty sure Emery and Ellis would too. The first one was just weird.. I just saw the highlights though and didn’t see if Hiller was rusty during the rest of the 6 shots.=/
Hiller looked pretty lost out there. Like everything was just moving too fast for him. Probably needs a conditioning stint in Syracuse to remember how fast the game is.
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for dinner.
Liberty is well armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin
Or he still has vertigo….
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
by Steven Hida on Mar 25, 2011 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
* Thanks, Kevin Lowe!
Related FanPosts on Battle of California
Related FanShots on Battle of California
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
5 years old and counting!
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Monday’s Three Stars: Parise scores, Brodeur saves in Game 4 Devils win
- Zach Parise, Devils respond after a quiet Game 3 to even series with Rangers in Game 4
- Mike Rupp shoves Brodeur, sparks Game 4 chaos as Devils, Rangers coaches squabble (VIDEO)
- Devils try to even series with Rangers; watch the ‘Sandley Cup’ get built (Playoff Puck Previews)
- Sean Avery: Not in NHL playoffs, getting a handle on semi-nude modeling (PHOTO)
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Brodeur, Parise lead Devils to 4-1 Game 4 win over rattled Rangers; East Finals tied, 2-2
- Brodeur, Parise lead Devils to 4-1 win over rattled Rangers; East final tied 2-2
- Brodeur, Parise lead Devils to 4-1 win over rattled Rangers; East final tied 2-2
- Wild prospects lead Saint John past Edmonton
- Labrie stars in Admirals 1-0 overtime win over IceCaps; Norfolk leads series 3-0
