We're still searching for a No. 1 Goaltender. The Coyotes ended the Ducks three game homestead winning streak on Sunday in overtime. The Ducks don't exactly have a number one goalie just yet. Giguere has definitely improved, his confidence has sky rocketed and he had his first season shutout against the hottest team in the NHL in a 3-0 win over the Chicago Black Hawks, who went to lose against the Kings in overtime. As with Giguere, he has won three out of four of his last games he's started in. The Ducks have won four of their last six games, a sign the Ducks are starting to turn their game around but they still need to prove that they can keep winning, they need to prove; yes, we can win and with some losses in between we are out of this losing funk.
Hiller was benched after he was in for the 3-2 loss against the division and California (So Cal vs Nor Cal) rival San Jose Sharks. With the mantra of Randy Carlyle's "You Win. You're in" Hiller rode the bench, while his teammate J.S. Giugere stole the show and has showed he is back to the old form Giguere. When Giguere is hot he's hot. The issue still stands, the " Win. You're In" as I've stated in previous blogs and on Twitter I don't like it. Hiller being benched after losing to the Sharks, especially after just one goal shouldn't of had him benched. Take for granted, Giguere was able to show himself, to reveal the fact that he's back to form. Giguere also lost in shootout in the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on November, Friday the 13th. Giguere lost against the Penguins and Hiller was in goal for the overtime win against the Tampa Bay Lighting; where Scott Niedermayer would win it for the Ducks. Hiller would be in for the loss against the Sharks. The switching of goalies isn't helping either Giguere or Hiller. Hiller had one of the biggest chances to show himself, while Giguere was out on injury. As Giguere got healthy, he was in net but then would lose and would ride the bench then Hiller would be in and Hiller would lose and then he'd ride the bench. Doing this to a goalie may very well kill his momentum, in fact it does kill it. Win or lose a goalie should start the next game, especially if the game was lost by a goal or in the ever so controversial shootout. In Carlyle's case, it shows his lack of education within goaltenders. Not sure what either goalie thinks about this. There's certain things some players keep to themselves (unless you're name is Sean Avery or in a goalie's case Ray Emery) at least via media. We all know how much controversy the Giguere "I'd rather retire than be back up goalie" comment turned out to be. Hiller is a fairly quite guy, he isn't one who'd talk a lot and he's a lot more shy than Giguere is. And from what has been said; Hiller is one of the most quite guys in the locker room.
Here's another issue with the "You Win. You're In" we're going to continue to look for a No 1 goaltender, if the goalies keep being switched up. One isn't going to completely establish himself. He's sitting on the bench the next game, after he was in for the loss the previous game. This seems to make either goalie believe, not only does he have to bail out his team when needed but he also has to WIN in order to play the next game. Everyone likes the word win there's a blatant obvious fact. The needing to win and only win so he can play the next game isn't exactly prime time, great experiment but it obviously doesn't work, so why continue using that? Give both goalies, Hiller and Giguere at least 3-4 games, then go off of their performance. A goalies performance mattes more than whether he wins or loses. One player can only do so much in winning a game.
Giguere has been doing very well but was in for the loss against the Coyotes in overtime. Most likely Hiller will get the start against the Kings, again not goign off the performance of a goalie. Problem: Hiller has sat on the bench for four games, playing in a game and practice is a whole different manner. Since Hiller has sat on the bench for so many games his momentum which he had in the game against the Sharks despite the goals he let in shouldn't of gone in and was off of his mistakes. Though at least one goal my look off of his mistake but also came from the lack of defense in front of him just for a second; however the Ducks did outplay the Sharks. Hiller will perform his best and hopefully we'll beat the Kings. But if you noticed when Giguere sat on the bench for a couple or so games, due to Hiller winning. He also had trouble finding momentum in his own self.
We're still searching. Yes, we're still searching as this entire blog article has been about. For number crunching and on paper. Giguere has a better GAA than Hiller, but Giguere's GAA is in the goalie world mediocre. Hiller's is somewhat stomach churning in goalie language:
J.S. Giguere's record: 3-3-3 with a .915 save percentage and a 2.69 Goals against Average.
Jonas Hiller's record: 7-8-1 with a .909 save percentage and a 3.02 goals against average.
On paper, number crunching, for a goalie can be a little deceiving, despite on average how many goals a goalie lets in. The stats only show the negative side if his SV% or GAA is high on an average basis. It doesn't show how well the team in front of him performed, nor does it show how he performed in the game. Was he spectacular, Average, Mediocre, okay, horrible, terrible? Those stats don't exactly show it but those stats are mainly what hits hardest among many fans and stats aren't just that way for hockey it's in every sport.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Giguere's New Mask
If you've watched the last few games that Giguere has stared, which he as won all three including his first in a shootout against the Calgary Flames. You've noticed there's something different about him other than his noticeable play. He also recorded his first shut out of the season against the Team to Beat Chicago Blackhawks. Teemu Selanne had two goals and Nick Boynton had his first goal of the season and as a Duck. All three goals came on the once struggling power play. The shutout against the 'hawks puts number 32 in the books for Giguere.
The difference about Giguere? His mask, Jiggy has a new mask
This is also featured on the other side of his mask, there is a ref with his hand up, which may be calling for icing, he's hanging off of the silhouette of a palm tree there's gusts of winds blowing. Not exactly sure what that means, though.
Jiggy's new mask
Here is a comparison with with his new mask and his old mask, this is by someone who is on the Ducks boards The Duck on his new mask is more conservative than his older mask,but still is the tron duck as half of it. And has become his trademark white duck. The duck on his mask has always been intricate. Though his mask looks more conservative, it still looks mean; there's a giant screw protruding from the duck's neck which makes it look like frankenduck andblood dripping from the bolt.On the front of the beak and the head, there looks to be fresh cuts with more blood dripping from it. It makes the duck look even more hostile. The new duck still has the robot cyborg on one side but like said, not as much as his previous mask. He still has the Ducks D with the lighting strikes going to the back of his mask. He also has the names both of his sons Maxime and Luka on his backplate which is what I believe is the L in cursive you see in the first provided photo. On the chin of his mask it is the same I believe as his old mask, which has the Honda Center on the front with silhouttes of trees blowing in the winds, which is most likely representing the Santa Ana winds that Southern California Natives are used too. The right side of the beak on his Duck has is in black and white and the rest goes into color.
The difference about Giguere? His mask, Jiggy has a new mask
This is also featured on the other side of his mask, there is a ref with his hand up, which may be calling for icing, he's hanging off of the silhouette of a palm tree there's gusts of winds blowing. Not exactly sure what that means, though.
Jiggy's new mask
Here is a comparison with with his new mask and his old mask, this is by someone who is on the Ducks boards The Duck on his new mask is more conservative than his older mask,but still is the tron duck as half of it. And has become his trademark white duck. The duck on his mask has always been intricate. Though his mask looks more conservative, it still looks mean; there's a giant screw protruding from the duck's neck which makes it look like frankenduck andblood dripping from the bolt.On the front of the beak and the head, there looks to be fresh cuts with more blood dripping from it. It makes the duck look even more hostile. The new duck still has the robot cyborg on one side but like said, not as much as his previous mask. He still has the Ducks D with the lighting strikes going to the back of his mask. He also has the names both of his sons Maxime and Luka on his backplate which is what I believe is the L in cursive you see in the first provided photo. On the chin of his mask it is the same I believe as his old mask, which has the Honda Center on the front with silhouttes of trees blowing in the winds, which is most likely representing the Santa Ana winds that Southern California Natives are used too. The right side of the beak on his Duck has is in black and white and the rest goes into color.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Justin Pogge re-assigned to San Antonio
Pogge
(Side note: I just wanted to take in a game fully watching so that is why there is no Carolina update even though I watched the game. Friday most likely no update but maybe, I'm most likely busy on that day or will come in too late into the game and just take that one in)
Justin Pogge
Justin Pogge has been re-assigned to the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League; the Rampage who the Ducks are sharing with the Phoenix Coyotes. Pogge was 6-2 with the Condors and he had a 2.69 GAA with the Bakersfield Condors. The Ducks have spread their players to two main teams the San Antonio Rampage (affiliate and of the Phoenix Coyotes) and the Toronto Marlies (Affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs) Pogge is a former player of the Marlies, when he was owned by the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs also drafted him
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Condors Weekly
Condors
Well, haven't written about the Condors in awhile but here's the rise of the glass to the last four games, which were all won. I'm tryig to update people on the Condors, and J.P. Levasseur plays for the Laredo Bucks in Texas. It's the minor leagues it's not like get minor league hockey all around so like before all the Condors posts will feature a must-read link to get the full update.
Ducks prospect goaltenders: Timo Pielmeier and Justin Pogge have done well along with the team in front of them. A win is a win whether it's regulation or ovetime or a shootout.
J.S. Giguere First Win
Right when trying to get a picture of Jiggy (with my phone) he moved so it didn't come out clear. haha
March 24, 2009 against the Nashville Predators was when Giguere had his last win on November 23, 2009; Giguere got the win in a shootout, after the Ducks gave up the goal to Jarome Iginla with just 18 seconds left. Giguere's determination won it all in extra time. Teemu Selanne's clutch goal helped push the Ducks over the bump.
The Anaheim Ducks were coming off of a disappointing loss to the rival San Jose Sharks, who Jonas Hiller helped defeat and upset in the first round of playoffs last season. The Sharks won the President's Trophy for having the most points in the entire NHL.
Coach Randy Carlyle still continues with his system of "You win. You're in" Jonas Hiller was in for the 3-2 loss against San Jose on Saturday, this put in J.S. Giguere against his former team the Calgary Flames. Giguere was steallar and made spectacular saves, he kept out pucks which should of been past the red line. He saved 41 out of 43 shots. The Ducks would have a 1-2 lead but eighteen seconds left in the game, big winger and Captain Jarome Inginla for the Flames would score to tie up the game. The opposing goalie, Mikka Kippursoff was also solid for the entire game, the Ducks would score on him with goals from Bobby Ryan and Ryan Getzlaf in 1:08 between goals. The game went into overtime for five minutes but neither team nor goalie would let in a goal. It went into the shootout. Where Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry would fail to score for the Ducks. Teemu Selanne would have the lone goal in the shootout winning it for the Ducks. J.S. Giguere would stop all three shooters from the Flames: Nigel Dawes, Olli Jonkinen, and Curtis Glencross
Giguere would jump up in the air in celebration while Glencross skated off the ice. The entire Ducks' bench cleared and mobbed Giguere. Giguere, a goaltender who usually struggles in the shootout was very poised and ready for every shooter. As Giguere's name was announced for First Star of the Game the Ducks fans would cheer him on. When he was interviewed the Honda Center was nearly deafening with fans standing up giving Giguere a standing ovation. Kent French who interviewed Giguere would have to wait for the fans to quiet down enough to continue the interview. Giguere had the biggest smile on his face as he listened to the fans soaking in his first and much deserved win of the season.
With Giguere's performance this is the Giguere all Ducks fans are used to his solid play and his breath taking saves. The standing ovation had to make Giguere's confidence absolutely sky rocket and he'll most likely get the nod in the game tomorrow against the struggling and the 2006 Stanley Cup Champions the Carolina Hurricanes.
Quotes from Boys in the Crease:
"It wasn’t always pretty," Giguere said, "but we found a way to win. It was a big game for our team. It was a tough play at the end, but we answered back pretty well. We would have liked to win in 60 minutes, but sometimes it takes a little longer."
Monday, November 23, 2009
Flames@Ducks
Flames
Stolen. Absolutely Stolen game by J.S. Giguere. The combination of a very poised and confident Giguere and Teemu has won t he game to give the Ducks two points! Although the Flames did steal a point
Starting Goaltender: J.S. Giguere
Giguere started off very well, the team in front of him were connect.Giguere made a big save against Phaneuf.The "ref you suck" spread over the Honda Center, as Bobby Ryan had been called on a hooking call. He had fallen and his stick had been caught on one of the Flames players, but the ref called it on him regardless.
Giguere made, maybe go lucky save on the penalty kill, as he got a little too far away from the post and he had thrown her leg and pinned the puck against the post to keep it out of the net.
Glencross came across with a breakaway as the puck went over Nick Boynton's stick and onto the former Ducks' Glencross caught Giguere down in the butterfly position, as he put it on the top shelf into the net.
Bobby Ryan scored from a pass from linemate Corey Perry his 10th goal of the season, the Flames goalie Mikka Kippursoff, he made an excellent save and then the rebound as Bobby put it in the back of the net. A few seconds later, Ryan Whitney shot it from near the boards, he created a rebound which Ryan Getzlaf got for his fourth goal of the season.
Giguere made a glove save on Olli Jokinen as he kept the Ducks ahead in the game.
Phaneuf's shot went off the mask of Giguere, Dion Phaneuf who got a redirect on the puck, the penalty on Kyle Calder had just expired.Corey Perry fell on Mikka Kippursoff as he tried to avoid a Ryan Whitney shot.
Bobby Ryan's excellent back checking during the Ducks power play prevented a short handed goal. A great thing for Giguere.
Kippursoff robbed Teemu and he couldn't believe his shot did not get through Kippy who kept his team in this game.
Giguere steered Brandon Prust's shot aside as the Ducks fourth line had a very energetic and high intensity shift.
Jay Bouwmeester was robbed by Giguere as Giguere had been forced to come out of his crease, he made a spectacular save on the big name defenseman. Giguere made a beaut of a glove save on Mark Giordano from the point.
Giguere made an excellent save on Olli Jokinen and the puck went flying in the air, Corey Perry cleared out the puck.
Giguere made an excellent save on the Flames as David Moss and other players pounded away at the puck, he withered the battle in front. Giguere was pushed into the net and Giguere got a new stick as his stick had been broken during the battle.
Curtis Glencross had a breakaway from the Flames zone, he was robbed by a very poised J.S. Giguere.
Mikka Kippursoff starts a push and shove brawl as Corey Perry went into Kipper, he started swinging at Corey Perry, as he was down on the ice. The penalties were to Nick Boynton and Dion Phaneuf for unsportmanship like conduct, which have made it 4 on 4.
Jerome Ignla scores to tie up the game a tough break for the Ducks as the goal was just barely off sides but was not called off the goal came with 18 seconds left in the period.
Gigure made a leg save on Dawes. He makes another pad save on Olli Jonkinen. Teemu Selanne scores as he roofs the puck past Kippursoff. Giguere made the save for the win on Curtis Glencross. Giguere jumped for joy as Glencross, who has been a thorn in the side of the Ducks the entire game skated off. The Ducks bench came and mobbed Giguere for the win. This is Jiggy's first win of the season a much deserved win for Giguere, who should of had this in regulation.
As Giguere was interviewed he had a standing ovation by Ducks fans and applause, the fans were loud, and Jiggy has the biggest smile on his face. And thank you to TEEMU SELANNE for scoring in the shootout!
Scorers:
1st Period:
Calgary: Curtis Glencross Assists: Olli Jonkinen, Cory Sarich
Anaheim: Bobby Ryan Assists: Corey Perry
Anaheim: Ryan Getzlaf Assists: Ryan Whitney, James Wisniewski
2nd Period:
No Scoring
3rd Period:
Calgary: Jerome Iginla Assists: Olli Jonkinen
Overtime:
No Scoring.
Shootout:
Anaheim: Teemu Selanne
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Lighting@Ducks
Hiller
TB
Quotes from Boys in the Crease:
"We’re not that far off. One game, one win and then your whole perspective can change and you move forward with confidence. Our focus should really be on trying to get that win tomorrow. It’s a big game for us." - J.S. Giguere
The Ducks kicked off with Eastern Conference game, the Tampa Bay Lighting, who have been doing pretty well. The Ducks host the Lighting on the first game of a 7-game homestead. Evgeny Artyhukin and also Steve Eminger are former players for the opposing team.
Starting Goaltender: Jonas Hiller
Final Score: Overtime: Tampa Bay 3 Anaheim 4
This was something different, as Coach Randy Carlyle started Nokelainen/Selanne/Artyhukin to begin the game.
The Ducks had their first penalty kill for tripping by Nick Boynton. Lighting goalie Mike Smith had an interference call on Corey Perry after he went behind his net to play the puck, he pinned Perry against the boards; talk about goalie interference right there (haha)
Hiller had no traffic in front of him as he made a blocker save.
Teemu Selanne scored on the power play which overlapped on Boynton's tripping penalty; the pass game from Corey Perry. As the puck was shot all the way across the ice: Hiller put his body over the puck.
Hiller made a closed butterfly save on Kapiler.
Hiller made an excellent save on Zenon Konopka to keep the Ducks with their lone goal of the first period by Teemu Selanne. Corey Perry barely missed as he tried to go top shelf on a falling Smith.Smith had stuck out his glove hand as he tried to keep the puck out, but the puck looked like it got more of the cross bar than it did of Smith.
"I almost had that" was what could be seen Perry seeing.
James Wisniewski went into the locker room after he got a shot off the foot. Hiller had made a pad save, Malone was tripped by Selanne, falling backwards as he didn't connect to score on Hiller who left a wide open net for Malone. What a lucky break.
Lets trade these goals: Teemu Selanne passed the puck to Ryan Getzlaf and Getzlaf scored on the power play.
Mike Brown and Tampa Bay's Konopka dropped the gloves. Kopnoka took down Brownie, who has his fifth fighting major of the season. Bobby Ryan was clipped by a stick in the face, which triggered a Power play for the Ducks on David Hale. It was a four-minute double minor penalty.The stick caught Bobby right under the visor and Hale drew blood on Bobby's right eye.
Bobby Ryan scores on Hale's penalty a power play goal as Bobby pulled the trigger to beat Mike Smith short side.
Hiller saves the puck to keep the Lighting on the narrow butter fly. Jeff Halpern scores, then Steve Stamkos scores on a very short time, 18 seconds apartt from Halpern's goal; Stamko's fell down he nearly did the splits and he has some great hands. Stamkos is 19 years old annd a big name young player. A highlight goal. Good god this boy has some great hands.
Hiller made an excellent save on Walker with a leg save it was all him that time. The Ducks play has improved from the road trip, but the Ducks gave the Lighting two goals.
Bobby Ryan has had the last three penalties in the 2nd period called for him by the Lighting, the second one, he completely sold it as he threw his head back to make it look like high sticking.
Hiller made a save with the puck in midair an excellent save on St. Louis, a highlight save, maybe he got lucky on that one but he did save it.
Update on James Wisniewski: He has a bruised right foot, but the X-Rays are came back negative, he may be on a day to day basis. Ryan Carter also is out with a bruised foot he received in practice for the second time this year.
The Tampa Bay giving out diving lessons Todd Marchant got a tripping call against him, as the Lighting player dove. Ryan Whitney got a piece of the puck on Alex Tangauary as it went out of play.
Jonas Hiller absorbed the puck aned he held on as Steve Downie got a piece of the puck, he prevents a goal.
From the blue line on the power play. Did Ryan Malone get a piece of that? Malone, regardless has not been credited for the goal. A bad goal given up by Jonas Hiller
The Ducks had given away a 3-0 lead the Lighting on the power play tied the game at 3-3. Mike Smith robbed Selanne as he had thrown out his glove hand and the puck did not get past.
Bobby Ryan didn't get a goal as it went off of the hip of Mike Smith, it was so close.
Jonas Hiller made a leg save on Andrej Meszaros a great save by him, Sheldon Brookbank made a smart play in front of Hiller as he had shot it to the cornter. An excellent leg save by Hiller with his leg. Hiller holds up the Kapiler shot as he takes it all in
The Ducks had a huge penalty kill on a Corey Perry tripping call. Hiller made a point blank save, as the puck was turned over.
The game went into overtime as the score kept tied at 3-3.
The Lighting's Ryan Malone took a penalty, which was a great thing for the Ducks, it was a cross check on Ryan Whitney.
Scott Niedermayer scores on the power play a much needed two points for the Ducks, the Lighting get two points. Patience paid off as passing was slowly made out in front of Mike Smith's crease. As they say it Patience is a Virtue.
Scorers:
1st Period:
Anaheim: Teemu Selanne Assists: Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry.
Anaheim: Power Play Goal: Ryan Getzlaf Assists: Corey Perry, Teemu Selanne
2nd Period:
Anaheim: Power Play Goal: Bobby Ryan Assists: Joffrey Lupul, Nick Boynton
Tampa Bay: Jeff Halpren Assists: Steve Downie, Victor Hedman
Tampa Bay: Steven Stamkos Assists: Vincent Lecavalier, Ryan Malone
3rd Period:
Tampa Bay: Power Play: Martin St. Louis Assists: Steve Downie, Ryan Malone
Overtime:
Anaheim: Power Play Goal: Scott Niedermayer Assists: Ryan Getzlaf, Teemu Selanne
TB
Quotes from Boys in the Crease:
"We’re not that far off. One game, one win and then your whole perspective can change and you move forward with confidence. Our focus should really be on trying to get that win tomorrow. It’s a big game for us." - J.S. Giguere
The Ducks kicked off with Eastern Conference game, the Tampa Bay Lighting, who have been doing pretty well. The Ducks host the Lighting on the first game of a 7-game homestead. Evgeny Artyhukin and also Steve Eminger are former players for the opposing team.
Starting Goaltender: Jonas Hiller
Final Score: Overtime: Tampa Bay 3 Anaheim 4
This was something different, as Coach Randy Carlyle started Nokelainen/Selanne/Artyhukin to begin the game.
The Ducks had their first penalty kill for tripping by Nick Boynton. Lighting goalie Mike Smith had an interference call on Corey Perry after he went behind his net to play the puck, he pinned Perry against the boards; talk about goalie interference right there (haha)
Hiller had no traffic in front of him as he made a blocker save.
Teemu Selanne scored on the power play which overlapped on Boynton's tripping penalty; the pass game from Corey Perry. As the puck was shot all the way across the ice: Hiller put his body over the puck.
Hiller made a closed butterfly save on Kapiler.
Hiller made an excellent save on Zenon Konopka to keep the Ducks with their lone goal of the first period by Teemu Selanne. Corey Perry barely missed as he tried to go top shelf on a falling Smith.Smith had stuck out his glove hand as he tried to keep the puck out, but the puck looked like it got more of the cross bar than it did of Smith.
"I almost had that" was what could be seen Perry seeing.
James Wisniewski went into the locker room after he got a shot off the foot. Hiller had made a pad save, Malone was tripped by Selanne, falling backwards as he didn't connect to score on Hiller who left a wide open net for Malone. What a lucky break.
Lets trade these goals: Teemu Selanne passed the puck to Ryan Getzlaf and Getzlaf scored on the power play.
Mike Brown and Tampa Bay's Konopka dropped the gloves. Kopnoka took down Brownie, who has his fifth fighting major of the season. Bobby Ryan was clipped by a stick in the face, which triggered a Power play for the Ducks on David Hale. It was a four-minute double minor penalty.The stick caught Bobby right under the visor and Hale drew blood on Bobby's right eye.
Bobby Ryan scores on Hale's penalty a power play goal as Bobby pulled the trigger to beat Mike Smith short side.
Hiller saves the puck to keep the Lighting on the narrow butter fly. Jeff Halpern scores, then Steve Stamkos scores on a very short time, 18 seconds apartt from Halpern's goal; Stamko's fell down he nearly did the splits and he has some great hands. Stamkos is 19 years old annd a big name young player. A highlight goal. Good god this boy has some great hands.
Hiller made an excellent save on Walker with a leg save it was all him that time. The Ducks play has improved from the road trip, but the Ducks gave the Lighting two goals.
Bobby Ryan has had the last three penalties in the 2nd period called for him by the Lighting, the second one, he completely sold it as he threw his head back to make it look like high sticking.
Hiller made a save with the puck in midair an excellent save on St. Louis, a highlight save, maybe he got lucky on that one but he did save it.
Update on James Wisniewski: He has a bruised right foot, but the X-Rays are came back negative, he may be on a day to day basis. Ryan Carter also is out with a bruised foot he received in practice for the second time this year.
The Tampa Bay giving out diving lessons Todd Marchant got a tripping call against him, as the Lighting player dove. Ryan Whitney got a piece of the puck on Alex Tangauary as it went out of play.
Jonas Hiller absorbed the puck aned he held on as Steve Downie got a piece of the puck, he prevents a goal.
From the blue line on the power play. Did Ryan Malone get a piece of that? Malone, regardless has not been credited for the goal. A bad goal given up by Jonas Hiller
The Ducks had given away a 3-0 lead the Lighting on the power play tied the game at 3-3. Mike Smith robbed Selanne as he had thrown out his glove hand and the puck did not get past.
Bobby Ryan didn't get a goal as it went off of the hip of Mike Smith, it was so close.
Jonas Hiller made a leg save on Andrej Meszaros a great save by him, Sheldon Brookbank made a smart play in front of Hiller as he had shot it to the cornter. An excellent leg save by Hiller with his leg. Hiller holds up the Kapiler shot as he takes it all in
The Ducks had a huge penalty kill on a Corey Perry tripping call. Hiller made a point blank save, as the puck was turned over.
The game went into overtime as the score kept tied at 3-3.
The Lighting's Ryan Malone took a penalty, which was a great thing for the Ducks, it was a cross check on Ryan Whitney.
Scott Niedermayer scores on the power play a much needed two points for the Ducks, the Lighting get two points. Patience paid off as passing was slowly made out in front of Mike Smith's crease. As they say it Patience is a Virtue.
Scorers:
1st Period:
Anaheim: Teemu Selanne Assists: Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry.
Anaheim: Power Play Goal: Ryan Getzlaf Assists: Corey Perry, Teemu Selanne
2nd Period:
Anaheim: Power Play Goal: Bobby Ryan Assists: Joffrey Lupul, Nick Boynton
Tampa Bay: Jeff Halpren Assists: Steve Downie, Victor Hedman
Tampa Bay: Steven Stamkos Assists: Vincent Lecavalier, Ryan Malone
3rd Period:
Tampa Bay: Power Play: Martin St. Louis Assists: Steve Downie, Ryan Malone
Overtime:
Anaheim: Power Play Goal: Scott Niedermayer Assists: Ryan Getzlaf, Teemu Selanne
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
"You win. You're in"
Sound familiar? Of course it does. This is what Coach Randy Carlyle and staff have said about Anaheim's goalie situation. One goaltender is in if he wins the game most of the time, if he loses he's not going to play the next.
Giguere.
Hiller.
Does putting in one goalie and then not starting him the next game work? A goalie relies off of rhythm. Hiller has starting more games than Giguere, especially when Giguere was injured. Hiller starting and finished every game. Justin Pogge was called up from the Bakersfield Condors.
Giguere has another year on his no trade clause (NTC) after this season. Hiller at the end of the season becomes a free agent. Both of them want the No. 1 spot but the situation is just pushing it. The goalie situation is burnign a hole in itself. Here's one way that it's burning a hole. Giguere and Hiller don't have a consistent team in front of them the talent is there but this team just isn't showing it. Another hole burning is neither of them have had a consistent start by those means, I mean they are constantly being switched up. "You win.You're in" system doesn't really work, it was something that was good to experiment with but it's not something what should be kept, start Giguere 3-4 games and then do the same exact thing with Hiller. This really shows who is who. Give the goalie time. Give this team time.
The goalie situation most likley isn't going to get any better, if Giguere or Hiller aren't started on a consistent basis. This makes a goalie unfocused, unenthusiastic, and a team losing, struggling in front of him. A team which is uninspired such as the Ducks; the question is still in the air: Does this help Giguere or Hiller with their confidence? Or does it help bring it down? It probably does help bring it down, if you've noticed both goaltenders are frustrated. With the comments Giguere has made to the media and with Hiller each puck that gets past him, he gets more and more frustrated. His body language shows frustration and so does his facial expressions.
We cannot stand to name a No 1 goalie if we don't give them consistent starts. A goalie needs to get into a situation, this really needs to help for both of our goaltenders. Both Hiller and Giguere came out strong in the beginning of the season, they did in the off-season, and they did in training camp. Also, in order for a goalie to win, the team in front of him must play consistently. Here's this, the season is still young and the Ducks have only played 19 games and obviously are on a current losing streak.
On the road trip, both goaltenders have had an equal amount of starts, they have had two games each and those games both goaltenders have gotten the "L" they're name has been put under the term: "Losing Goaltender" in the recaps of games.
We must change this, this team must step up, the goalies must step up. Both the team and Giguere and Hiller can do better. We need to win we need to take this one step at a time and we need to take in the right direction. Everyone does.
Come on, Ducks. We can do this.
Play for the name on the front not the name on the back. Lets go by Herb Brooks.
Giguere.
Hiller.
Does putting in one goalie and then not starting him the next game work? A goalie relies off of rhythm. Hiller has starting more games than Giguere, especially when Giguere was injured. Hiller starting and finished every game. Justin Pogge was called up from the Bakersfield Condors.
Giguere has another year on his no trade clause (NTC) after this season. Hiller at the end of the season becomes a free agent. Both of them want the No. 1 spot but the situation is just pushing it. The goalie situation is burnign a hole in itself. Here's one way that it's burning a hole. Giguere and Hiller don't have a consistent team in front of them the talent is there but this team just isn't showing it. Another hole burning is neither of them have had a consistent start by those means, I mean they are constantly being switched up. "You win.You're in" system doesn't really work, it was something that was good to experiment with but it's not something what should be kept, start Giguere 3-4 games and then do the same exact thing with Hiller. This really shows who is who. Give the goalie time. Give this team time.
The goalie situation most likley isn't going to get any better, if Giguere or Hiller aren't started on a consistent basis. This makes a goalie unfocused, unenthusiastic, and a team losing, struggling in front of him. A team which is uninspired such as the Ducks; the question is still in the air: Does this help Giguere or Hiller with their confidence? Or does it help bring it down? It probably does help bring it down, if you've noticed both goaltenders are frustrated. With the comments Giguere has made to the media and with Hiller each puck that gets past him, he gets more and more frustrated. His body language shows frustration and so does his facial expressions.
We cannot stand to name a No 1 goalie if we don't give them consistent starts. A goalie needs to get into a situation, this really needs to help for both of our goaltenders. Both Hiller and Giguere came out strong in the beginning of the season, they did in the off-season, and they did in training camp. Also, in order for a goalie to win, the team in front of him must play consistently. Here's this, the season is still young and the Ducks have only played 19 games and obviously are on a current losing streak.
On the road trip, both goaltenders have had an equal amount of starts, they have had two games each and those games both goaltenders have gotten the "L" they're name has been put under the term: "Losing Goaltender" in the recaps of games.
We must change this, this team must step up, the goalies must step up. Both the team and Giguere and Hiller can do better. We need to win we need to take this one step at a time and we need to take in the right direction. Everyone does.
Come on, Ducks. We can do this.
Play for the name on the front not the name on the back. Lets go by Herb Brooks.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Anaheim's Goalie Situation
With the Ducks being in 15th place just one point behind a struggling Minnesota Wild team after they lost in the shootout to the struggling Carolina Hurricanes. The Ducks struggle to find themselves, a falling team picks of their image like a sniper picking off his victims. While the true fans hold on for dear life, some how shelter themselves from the threat but yet still have hope on winning. While frustrations fume between every fan, here's what players coming to Anaheim learn quickly: The fans are laid back but at the same time they're harsh. They also learn, California likes winning as with everyone but California does have a "strong" following in sports by a winning team. While the Dodgers and Angels were blown out of the water in a couple playoff games. People were looking for the Ducks (or Kings which ever you're a fan of, really there are people who like the Kings but not he Ducks but like the Angels and visa versa) to win. The Ducks continued to struggle the frustration with California baseball getting so far, yet so close to a World Series Ducks fans clamored to the Ducks looking for wins, looking for this team to ease their pain of a loss from baseball. They got that but then it started all going hill
Here's an issue Anaheim faces: Struggling goaltenders, the fight for the No 1 spot, frustrated goalies and what about the defense?
One of the most notable and most crushing that happened during the off-season is goalie coach Francois Allaire's contract ending, he moved to Toronto after he served thirteen years in Anahiem: Allaire who has worked with J.S. Giguere and worked with Jonas Hiller. Hiller who chose the Ducks over any other team due to the fact Allaire was here in Anaheim. Thanks to San Jose Sharks' Joe Thornton during the lock-out played in Switzerland and then introduced Hiller ot the NHL. Thornton was part of the Boston Bruins then. In all regards, losing Allaire was a huge blow to the head for Anaheim.
The Ducks lost Francois Beauchmin in free agency to the Toronto Maple Leafs, GM Bob Murray traded the 6'6 and a 214lb Chris Pronger to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for draft picks, former Duck Joffrey Lupul and young defenseman sensation Luca Sbisa on July 1, 2009 at the NHL entry draft. This may be one of the most ironic trades in Ducks history. In 2006, Lupul was traded to Edmonton, where he had an off year for Chris Pronger who left in a snow storm among media and fans. A situation which Pronger is lightly humored at now. Chris Pronger in 2007 helped bring the first Stanley Cup to California and on the West Coast. Lupul spent one year with Edmonton before he was traded to Philadelphia where he spent two years then was traded again back to Anaheim who drafted him in 2002.
Here's the goalie situation, our goalies have more losses than they do wins. J.S. Giguere and Jonas Hiller both with a cringing save percentage (SV%) and goals against average (GAA). Hiller allowing six goals in the game against the red hot and big rival Detroit Red Wings has drastically raised his GAA and save percentage. Hiller current record is 6-7-1 with a .910 SV% and a 3.03GAA. The night before, the Ducks played the Columbus Blue Jackets where they failed on all occasions on the power play including a 5 on 3 man advantage in overtime. J.S. Giguere started the game and allowed two goals with Garon for the Jackets who started for Columbus due to a struggling 2009 Calder Trophy winner Steve Mason. The Ducks failed to score to put themselves ahead and win the game, instead the game went into shootout with Kristan Huseslsis and Rick Nash scoring and none of the Ducks scoring in the shootout. The Ducks would get a point but continue to fall in the standings a game which J.S. Giguere deserved to win. Giguere's record is 0-2-2 with a .902 SV% and a 3.24GAA.
Both these goalies are struggling to show themselves, specifically a goalie, their situation is while struggling they have more to prove to themselves than they do with anyone else. Of course, they have to prove something to their fans and their team but what if their team isn't playing well in front of them? Lacks scoring and defense, but in all reality the talent is there and they're just not showing it. This very much so brings in the Ducks as mentioned before the Ducks lost some great defenseman. The Ducks traded away for second line scoring which in the summer brought former captain and (Montreal) Canadien Saku Koivu, a fellow countryman and very good friend of Teemu Selanne.
As for needing to prove to themselves more than anything else here is what Hiller has set himself up to be: Hiller shined in the light in relief for J.S. Giguere who had personal issues and with the tragic death of his father gave Hiller the opportunity to show himself and he did. In the Stanley Cup playoffs Hiller went to play spectacular and help upset the President Trophy San Jose Sharks then helped take the (then) Stanley Cup defending Champions to Game 7. Hiller quickly grew poise that among Ducks and NHL fans and the media; Hiller has himself in a situation where he must prove that last season wasn't just a one hit wonder. As of now, the goalie situation seems to be burning a hole in itself. Giguere, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2003 one of the very few players to win the trophy on a losing team and in 2007 backstopped the Ducks along with Illya Bryzglov to win the Stanley Cup. Giguere is the winningest goalie in Ducks history. He too has more to prove himself. In all truth just about every team salivated over Anaheim's goalie situation: Any team would love to have goalies like both Hiller and Giguere, who were the big hype of two No.1 goalies.
Now, if the Ducks can shore up and shore up the defense the best defenseman is James Wisniewski and of course you cannot deny Scott Niedermayer; who has noticeably helped defenseman Brendan Mikkelson. If the entire team does better both Giguere and Hiller's stats will be less gut wrenching, we know this team is capable of winning we know our goalies are capable of doing better. We all want to see this and hopefully we see this sooner than later.
Here's an issue Anaheim faces: Struggling goaltenders, the fight for the No 1 spot, frustrated goalies and what about the defense?
One of the most notable and most crushing that happened during the off-season is goalie coach Francois Allaire's contract ending, he moved to Toronto after he served thirteen years in Anahiem: Allaire who has worked with J.S. Giguere and worked with Jonas Hiller. Hiller who chose the Ducks over any other team due to the fact Allaire was here in Anaheim. Thanks to San Jose Sharks' Joe Thornton during the lock-out played in Switzerland and then introduced Hiller ot the NHL. Thornton was part of the Boston Bruins then. In all regards, losing Allaire was a huge blow to the head for Anaheim.
The Ducks lost Francois Beauchmin in free agency to the Toronto Maple Leafs, GM Bob Murray traded the 6'6 and a 214lb Chris Pronger to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for draft picks, former Duck Joffrey Lupul and young defenseman sensation Luca Sbisa on July 1, 2009 at the NHL entry draft. This may be one of the most ironic trades in Ducks history. In 2006, Lupul was traded to Edmonton, where he had an off year for Chris Pronger who left in a snow storm among media and fans. A situation which Pronger is lightly humored at now. Chris Pronger in 2007 helped bring the first Stanley Cup to California and on the West Coast. Lupul spent one year with Edmonton before he was traded to Philadelphia where he spent two years then was traded again back to Anaheim who drafted him in 2002.
Here's the goalie situation, our goalies have more losses than they do wins. J.S. Giguere and Jonas Hiller both with a cringing save percentage (SV%) and goals against average (GAA). Hiller allowing six goals in the game against the red hot and big rival Detroit Red Wings has drastically raised his GAA and save percentage. Hiller current record is 6-7-1 with a .910 SV% and a 3.03GAA. The night before, the Ducks played the Columbus Blue Jackets where they failed on all occasions on the power play including a 5 on 3 man advantage in overtime. J.S. Giguere started the game and allowed two goals with Garon for the Jackets who started for Columbus due to a struggling 2009 Calder Trophy winner Steve Mason. The Ducks failed to score to put themselves ahead and win the game, instead the game went into shootout with Kristan Huseslsis and Rick Nash scoring and none of the Ducks scoring in the shootout. The Ducks would get a point but continue to fall in the standings a game which J.S. Giguere deserved to win. Giguere's record is 0-2-2 with a .902 SV% and a 3.24GAA.
Both these goalies are struggling to show themselves, specifically a goalie, their situation is while struggling they have more to prove to themselves than they do with anyone else. Of course, they have to prove something to their fans and their team but what if their team isn't playing well in front of them? Lacks scoring and defense, but in all reality the talent is there and they're just not showing it. This very much so brings in the Ducks as mentioned before the Ducks lost some great defenseman. The Ducks traded away for second line scoring which in the summer brought former captain and (Montreal) Canadien Saku Koivu, a fellow countryman and very good friend of Teemu Selanne.
As for needing to prove to themselves more than anything else here is what Hiller has set himself up to be: Hiller shined in the light in relief for J.S. Giguere who had personal issues and with the tragic death of his father gave Hiller the opportunity to show himself and he did. In the Stanley Cup playoffs Hiller went to play spectacular and help upset the President Trophy San Jose Sharks then helped take the (then) Stanley Cup defending Champions to Game 7. Hiller quickly grew poise that among Ducks and NHL fans and the media; Hiller has himself in a situation where he must prove that last season wasn't just a one hit wonder. As of now, the goalie situation seems to be burning a hole in itself. Giguere, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2003 one of the very few players to win the trophy on a losing team and in 2007 backstopped the Ducks along with Illya Bryzglov to win the Stanley Cup. Giguere is the winningest goalie in Ducks history. He too has more to prove himself. In all truth just about every team salivated over Anaheim's goalie situation: Any team would love to have goalies like both Hiller and Giguere, who were the big hype of two No.1 goalies.
Now, if the Ducks can shore up and shore up the defense the best defenseman is James Wisniewski and of course you cannot deny Scott Niedermayer; who has noticeably helped defenseman Brendan Mikkelson. If the entire team does better both Giguere and Hiller's stats will be less gut wrenching, we know this team is capable of winning we know our goalies are capable of doing better. We all want to see this and hopefully we see this sooner than later.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Igor Bobkov
(sorry for not putting the game against the Red Wings I was too busy)
For you full and best information please read this THN Article
Young Russian goaltender, Igor Bobkov, who the Ducks drafted in the 2009 entry draft was chosen in a select number of players from Russia along with fellow countryman and New York Islanders draft pick Kirill Petrov; the roster, which was released on Thursday will show the potential of a goalie who put the Ducks crest across his chest on July 1, 2009. This is a six game series in Quebec, Canada. Quebec a city known strongly for their hockey passion and former Canadien now a Duck Saku Koivu, who captained the team (Montreal Canadiens) for thirteen years. The 2009 All-Star game was hosted in Quebec, where the Ducks serviced J.S. Giguere who was born and raised in Montreal.
The Super Subway Series this will also present the top Canadian players.
Bobkov helped lead Russia in the Under 18 tournament in April he also received top goaltender.
For you full and best information please read this THN Article
Young Russian goaltender, Igor Bobkov, who the Ducks drafted in the 2009 entry draft was chosen in a select number of players from Russia along with fellow countryman and New York Islanders draft pick Kirill Petrov; the roster, which was released on Thursday will show the potential of a goalie who put the Ducks crest across his chest on July 1, 2009. This is a six game series in Quebec, Canada. Quebec a city known strongly for their hockey passion and former Canadien now a Duck Saku Koivu, who captained the team (Montreal Canadiens) for thirteen years. The 2009 All-Star game was hosted in Quebec, where the Ducks serviced J.S. Giguere who was born and raised in Montreal.
The Super Subway Series this will also present the top Canadian players.
Bobkov helped lead Russia in the Under 18 tournament in April he also received top goaltender.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Ducks@Blue Jackets
Jiggy
Final Score: Shootout: Ducks 2 Blue Jackets 3
The Ducks are 0-1-1 on the road.
J.S. Giguere is starting his first game since he re-aggravated his injury in the September 24 loss to Columbus.
(First five minutes of game missed)
Ryan Getzlaf passes the puck beautifully to Bobby Ryan who roofs it past Mathieu Garon.
The Ducks Evgeny Artyhukin got away with one on Mike Blunden a high sticking, which may even of cut him. Good luck for the Ducks, indeed.
Giguere hasn't really faced much challenge as the Jackets have not had made much shot.
Strollman took a shot on Giguere as Giguere kicked it all the way back to the blue line. Todd Marchant swats the puck away it looks like Giguere may gotten some of it, maybe not.
Antoine Vermette was robbed as Giguere made an excellent save in the butterfly position, the Jacket fans thought they had a goal but Giguere was all there.
Brendan Mikkelson's skating has become a lot smoother than it has in the past, he may be a late bloomer compared to others, but he's definitely getting there. Garon had a great glove save on Teemu as he had a backhand. Antoine Vermette broke free from a Rick Nash pass, he (Vermette) fumbled the puck as Giguere sticks it away. Giguere made a save and he covers up.
Rick Nash scores to tie up the game as Giguere is caught out of his crease, Giguere aggressively challenged Nash, but the shot was too quick and got past him as the defense stayed back.
James Wisneiwski pushes Rick Nash into the crease, but it looks like Nash stuck out his arm to hit Giguere in the head. Nash did not get a penalty, Getzlaf got the holding penalty.
Todd Marchant scores right went Ryan Getzlaf came out of the box for his holding penalty, Bobby Ryan forced the turn over, as Marchant shot it past Garon to get his second goal of the season.
Kristian Huselius scores on the power play on a diving J.S. Giguere, the pass was from Antoine Vermette, the Ducks on the goal were 1 to 2 on the power play. The Penalty was assessed to Evgeny Artyhukin for holding.
Perry was robbed by Garon who threw out his left leg pad and prevented Perry from a power play goal.
Giguere used his stick to stave off a shot from Antoine Vermette. Giguere kept at the top of his crease, as a Blue Jacket (couldn't get the name/number) tries to get the pass. Giguere keeps him at bay and does not allow him to come any closer than he already was on his crease.
A huge rebound was left as it went off of Giguere's pads, who thought it was stick to him, but it seemed to squeeze away. The play is even strength but it was 4 on 4 as Erik Christensen and Russell are called for roughing.
Ryan Getzlaf took a shot which hit Perry on the high ribs on his side, who appeared hurt and left the ice then went down to the Ducks locker room. Not good at all
Corey Perry returned to the game and didn't miss a shift great news for the Ducks. He's probably a little sore, and will definitely feel it tomorrow but he's okay.
Giguere played the puck way out by the boards he safely gave it to Getzlaf. Mathieu Garon stole a goal from Ryan Getzlaf on the power play. Getzlaf only has one goal currently in this season.
Giguere made a big save on Derick Bossard he stye on his feet then fell to the ice to cover up, Mikkelson slide across the ice, he prevented a potential slot pass.
Giguere made a similar save, he stayed on his feet preventing covered it up, and put it back in play; he prevented any potential goal. The second save the puck had rolled off of him into the corner.
Giguere made the save at the corner of his net as Jakub Voracek. James Wisneiwski made a sliding defensive play as he hit the stick of Umberger and Giguere made a quick and efficient save!
Giguere lost his stick, and looked like he lost his footing and he knocked the net off the its moorings.
Giguere saved the shot at the post a cross ice pass. Giguere executed the play. Giguere made a robbery of a save on Kristian Huselius, a excellent blocker save and again Huselius is denied a power play goal on Ryan Getzlaf's holding, as he made a pad save sliding across the ice the puck got a piece of the post. Giguere was back stopping and saving the Ducks as the Ducks were unable to clear the puck on the penalty kill. Giguere made another save, a kick save on Huselius preventing a goal.
Giguere is handling the puck more than he has in his previous careers, this is the works of newest goalie coach Peete Peeters.
The game went over time as there was no scoring in the 3rd period and we have gone into overtime at the Nationwide Center boys and girls. The Ducks got the extra man as the Jackets were caught with too many men on the ice. Confusion was shown on the Ducks bench, as well from the Jacket fans.
Ryan Whitney gets a boarding call Klesia which put the Jackets on the power play for at least 20 seconds.
The game has been extended to the shoot out.
Mathieu Garon and J.S. Giguere showed their goaltending skills, as the the shootout took place a heart pounding game.
Kristian Huselius took the first shot for the Jackets and he scored.
Ryan Getzlaf took the first shot for hte Ducks and it went off the post
Nikita Filtov's shot was saved as he lost control of the puck.
Corey Perry's shot was saved by Garon.
Rick Nash scores and wins the game for the Blue Jackets as he roofs it he scored it on one foot.
Giguere struggles on the shootout but overall after missing eight games, he played well and bailed the Ducks out more than once, the Ducks cannot score on the shootout either. Getzlaf what's with the slow approach and Perry going wide. Giguere is 0-2-2 right now.
Scorers:
1st Period:
Anaheim: Bobby Ryan Assists: Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry.
Columbus: Rick Nash Assists: Kristian Huselius, Antoine Vermette
2nd Period:
Anaheim: Todd Marchant Assists: Ryan Getzlaf, Nick Boynton
Columbus: Power Play Goal: Kristian Huselius Assists: Antoine Vermette, Antone Stralman
3rd Period:
No Scoring
Ovetime:
No Scoring
Shootout:
Columbus:
Kristian Huselius
Rick Nash
Final Score: Shootout: Ducks 2 Blue Jackets 3
The Ducks are 0-1-1 on the road.
J.S. Giguere is starting his first game since he re-aggravated his injury in the September 24 loss to Columbus.
(First five minutes of game missed)
Ryan Getzlaf passes the puck beautifully to Bobby Ryan who roofs it past Mathieu Garon.
The Ducks Evgeny Artyhukin got away with one on Mike Blunden a high sticking, which may even of cut him. Good luck for the Ducks, indeed.
Giguere hasn't really faced much challenge as the Jackets have not had made much shot.
Strollman took a shot on Giguere as Giguere kicked it all the way back to the blue line. Todd Marchant swats the puck away it looks like Giguere may gotten some of it, maybe not.
Antoine Vermette was robbed as Giguere made an excellent save in the butterfly position, the Jacket fans thought they had a goal but Giguere was all there.
Brendan Mikkelson's skating has become a lot smoother than it has in the past, he may be a late bloomer compared to others, but he's definitely getting there. Garon had a great glove save on Teemu as he had a backhand. Antoine Vermette broke free from a Rick Nash pass, he (Vermette) fumbled the puck as Giguere sticks it away. Giguere made a save and he covers up.
Rick Nash scores to tie up the game as Giguere is caught out of his crease, Giguere aggressively challenged Nash, but the shot was too quick and got past him as the defense stayed back.
James Wisneiwski pushes Rick Nash into the crease, but it looks like Nash stuck out his arm to hit Giguere in the head. Nash did not get a penalty, Getzlaf got the holding penalty.
Todd Marchant scores right went Ryan Getzlaf came out of the box for his holding penalty, Bobby Ryan forced the turn over, as Marchant shot it past Garon to get his second goal of the season.
Kristian Huselius scores on the power play on a diving J.S. Giguere, the pass was from Antoine Vermette, the Ducks on the goal were 1 to 2 on the power play. The Penalty was assessed to Evgeny Artyhukin for holding.
Perry was robbed by Garon who threw out his left leg pad and prevented Perry from a power play goal.
Giguere used his stick to stave off a shot from Antoine Vermette. Giguere kept at the top of his crease, as a Blue Jacket (couldn't get the name/number) tries to get the pass. Giguere keeps him at bay and does not allow him to come any closer than he already was on his crease.
A huge rebound was left as it went off of Giguere's pads, who thought it was stick to him, but it seemed to squeeze away. The play is even strength but it was 4 on 4 as Erik Christensen and Russell are called for roughing.
Ryan Getzlaf took a shot which hit Perry on the high ribs on his side, who appeared hurt and left the ice then went down to the Ducks locker room. Not good at all
Corey Perry returned to the game and didn't miss a shift great news for the Ducks. He's probably a little sore, and will definitely feel it tomorrow but he's okay.
Giguere played the puck way out by the boards he safely gave it to Getzlaf. Mathieu Garon stole a goal from Ryan Getzlaf on the power play. Getzlaf only has one goal currently in this season.
Giguere made a big save on Derick Bossard he stye on his feet then fell to the ice to cover up, Mikkelson slide across the ice, he prevented a potential slot pass.
Giguere made a similar save, he stayed on his feet preventing covered it up, and put it back in play; he prevented any potential goal. The second save the puck had rolled off of him into the corner.
Giguere made the save at the corner of his net as Jakub Voracek. James Wisneiwski made a sliding defensive play as he hit the stick of Umberger and Giguere made a quick and efficient save!
Giguere lost his stick, and looked like he lost his footing and he knocked the net off the its moorings.
Giguere saved the shot at the post a cross ice pass. Giguere executed the play. Giguere made a robbery of a save on Kristian Huselius, a excellent blocker save and again Huselius is denied a power play goal on Ryan Getzlaf's holding, as he made a pad save sliding across the ice the puck got a piece of the post. Giguere was back stopping and saving the Ducks as the Ducks were unable to clear the puck on the penalty kill. Giguere made another save, a kick save on Huselius preventing a goal.
Giguere is handling the puck more than he has in his previous careers, this is the works of newest goalie coach Peete Peeters.
The game went over time as there was no scoring in the 3rd period and we have gone into overtime at the Nationwide Center boys and girls. The Ducks got the extra man as the Jackets were caught with too many men on the ice. Confusion was shown on the Ducks bench, as well from the Jacket fans.
Ryan Whitney gets a boarding call Klesia which put the Jackets on the power play for at least 20 seconds.
The game has been extended to the shoot out.
Mathieu Garon and J.S. Giguere showed their goaltending skills, as the the shootout took place a heart pounding game.
Kristian Huselius took the first shot for the Jackets and he scored.
Ryan Getzlaf took the first shot for hte Ducks and it went off the post
Nikita Filtov's shot was saved as he lost control of the puck.
Corey Perry's shot was saved by Garon.
Rick Nash scores and wins the game for the Blue Jackets as he roofs it he scored it on one foot.
Giguere struggles on the shootout but overall after missing eight games, he played well and bailed the Ducks out more than once, the Ducks cannot score on the shootout either. Getzlaf what's with the slow approach and Perry going wide. Giguere is 0-2-2 right now.
Scorers:
1st Period:
Anaheim: Bobby Ryan Assists: Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry.
Columbus: Rick Nash Assists: Kristian Huselius, Antoine Vermette
2nd Period:
Anaheim: Todd Marchant Assists: Ryan Getzlaf, Nick Boynton
Columbus: Power Play Goal: Kristian Huselius Assists: Antoine Vermette, Antone Stralman
3rd Period:
No Scoring
Ovetime:
No Scoring
Shootout:
Columbus:
Kristian Huselius
Rick Nash
Thursday, November 12, 2009
J.S. Giguere isn't going anywhere
Jiggy
(By the way, sorry for the lack of the game coverage I haven't been able to watch games, sometimes I can get it via the Ducks site on the radio, and I rarely do games listening to it on the airways.)
You have to ask yourself about the issues other than being in 14th out of 15 place in the Western Conference and last in the Pacific Division, almost lie to yourself to keep yourself in check but at the end of the day, you know you're going to have to face reality; harsh or not. We all know we're staring a bad economy in the face, but now we comprehend jokes, we rarely hinder them anymore in hindsight this is good because it shows people are handling it well. People will make misery into humor, a police officer does it, a firefighter, CSI, a Soldier it's how people cope. It's the most inappropriate humor in which we get by.
As with the Ducks, there's more humor fans do this to keep themselves sane, to keep the rumors from completely getting to them. With the drought, we have to get onto someone: we have to find a scape goat and J.S. Giguere has been one of those.
Giguere has been talked about heavily for the last week or so, his comments which he was ousted for by people, but would you really expect a guy like Giguere to keep his mouth shut? No. That's the answer; it's no. Maybe the way he said it, the way it was interpreted is what surprised people, what got under their skin. In all honesty, at least Giguere isn't one to say, who cares I'm getting paid $6million this year, so why complain. He's competitive he wants to play, he said he doesn't regret what he said, but maybe it did come out the wrong way. We have two excellent goalies and sometimes you really can't understand what they're saying. One has a thick French (Canadian) accent and the other has a good Swiss/German accent. The goalies have shown their potential throughout the years. They may be struggling now but we all know they have their differences, we know they have the ability to come back.
According to the general manger Bob Murray J.S. isn't going anywhere (and neither is Coach Randy Carlyle or Scott Niedermayer)
From the Orange County Register:
“As coaches and management, you get upset with people who’ve sat out or who don’t play well but who also don’t show any emotion or passion,” he said. “A guy that’s frustrated and speaks out, he’s showing emotion and it shows me that he cares. Is that channeled the right way? Maybe not. Maybe his comments were misinterpreted.
“The most important is Jiggy is control of his own fate. The net is wide open. Somebody has to take the reins of this goal. You know [darn] well, we don’t care who it is. Randy and I have always said it’s whoever takes that net and runs with it is going to keep it. We’ll deal with what happens after that.”
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Giguere clarifies his comments
With the controversy over J.S. Giguere's comments made just a couple of days ago and the railing which game from fans and media has been clarified. J.S. Giguere's comments were taken out of context by media and by fans alike. The clarification of his comments doesn't show he was being negative, he said he was being more sarcastic than he was being serious about his "I'd rather retire than be a back-up goalie" comment to the media/The (Los Angeles) Daily. Giguere put the train back on the rails after having it nearly derail on him and at the same time avoided a fatal collision in the hockey world involving himself and the Ducks.
Quotes from Boys in the Crease:
“I want to be part of this team,” Giguere said after the club’s morning skate in preparation for tonight’s game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center.
“I want to be the No. 1 (goaltender) in Anaheim,” Giguere said. “I love playing here. I want to be here.”
“It didn’t come out exactly the way I wanted,” Giguere said Wednesday. “I just wanted to say that I’m not done. I still want to play. I still want to battle and have fun.
“Let’s be clear on one thing. I’m not about to retire. I was being a little sarcastic about that. But I’m not going to just sit on the bench and collect my money. I want to play. Hopefully, I’ll figure out a way to make it happen.”
I have been playing poorly since halfway through last year,” Giguere said. “For me to play regularly, I have to play like a No. 1 goalie. Hillsy has done that. It’s going to be up to me to grab my chance when I get it.”
Even with the heavy rumors of Giguere leaving Anaheim, he states he does not want to leave Anaheim and still continues to fight for the No 1 Spot with fellow goalie Jonas Hiller.
Quotes from Boys in the Crease:
“I want to be part of this team,” Giguere said after the club’s morning skate in preparation for tonight’s game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center.
“I want to be the No. 1 (goaltender) in Anaheim,” Giguere said. “I love playing here. I want to be here.”
“It didn’t come out exactly the way I wanted,” Giguere said Wednesday. “I just wanted to say that I’m not done. I still want to play. I still want to battle and have fun.
“Let’s be clear on one thing. I’m not about to retire. I was being a little sarcastic about that. But I’m not going to just sit on the bench and collect my money. I want to play. Hopefully, I’ll figure out a way to make it happen.”
I have been playing poorly since halfway through last year,” Giguere said. “For me to play regularly, I have to play like a No. 1 goalie. Hillsy has done that. It’s going to be up to me to grab my chance when I get it.”
Even with the heavy rumors of Giguere leaving Anaheim, he states he does not want to leave Anaheim and still continues to fight for the No 1 Spot with fellow goalie Jonas Hiller.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
J.S. Giguere
Quotes from Boys in the Crease: "I'd rather retire than be a back-up goalie"
Read the article, in my honest opinion some people may take this as maybe a shot against Hiller but I don't think it's one against Hiller at all. Hiller, though struggling to find his game this season is a very good goalie. The issue has been standing between the who's the No 1 goaltender? For the entire summer, Hiller was chosen (by fans) after his spectacular run in the remaining of the regular season and during the playoffs. Giguere had personal issues regarding his father, he had a rough time emotionally off the ice, and Hiller stepped in to relieve Giguere. This gave the chance for Hiller to shine to put himself in the spotlight, and to show his NHL potential.
The issue in Anaheim with goalies with both goaltenders to find their game and a relatively weak team that had the talent but didn't show it didn't help the goalies. Also given the fact that there's a lot of new faces on the team and the team is trying to click with one another. The Ducks have improved from the beginning of the year, they're trusting each other more and the confidence has risen.
As for Giguere's comments: Is he mentally focused? Did he make the wrong choice on commenting negatively? Maybe he's not mentally focused, however, it's obvious he's not happy where he stands right now he hasn't received a lot of playing time, as he's had three full games under his belt. In all honesty, Giguere probably should of kept Bob Murray out of it. Giguere has been rumored of being traded mainly to the Toronto Maple Leafs which if he does pack his suitcases and moves to Toronto that lands him with former Ducks goaltending coach, Francois Allaire, former GM Brian Burke and former teammate Francois Beauchmin. Giguere has probably shined himself in negative light within other teams, and the Ducks fans. Giguere, understandable about his frustration he may of jumped the gun on this. His comments are straight-forward and honest to what he's feeling right now and to the situation he's been stuck in for some of last season and the entire summer.
There's most likely going to be a goalie gone no later than by the end of this season: the prompting is going towards J.S. Giguere to be gone by the trade deadline, but Hiller also is a free agent at the end of this season and he has not signed an extension. Hiller is also digging for the No 1 goalie and most likely, if he doesn't win it he won't sign an extension and be looking for another team; that was no shot at Hiller, and it wasn't supposed to be negative, Giguere also wants to re-secure his No 1 spot. He would most likely waive his No Trade Clause (NTC) if another team were to pick him up, and give him the No. 1 spot.
J.S. Giguere is one of the most emotionally players on the team, he's extremely competitive when it comes to hockey. Here's another thing about Giguere, as from what I've seen and I believe:
Giguere takes younger goaltenders under his wing without question, he seems to be one who doesn't necessarily care what another one says about the young goalie if it's negative. His mentoring skills for a younger goalie are undeniable and it brings confidence into that goalie. He took Hiller under his wing when he first arrived in the NHL and gave him his full support. Another great thing about Giguere and Hiller, they're very supportive over one another and get along very well.
Given the fact that it is also the media, where a lot of things aren't printed and it's the digital world paper, we don't know the exact emotion of the player. So those comments can be taken and spun in many ways.
I own a couple of Giguere cards and my what I consider my most prized possession, which is his Stanley Cup photo I was able to get it signed by him personally. After waiting for a little more than an hour for him to come out he was the last player out. And was stoked out of my mind when I got it signed that I couldn't speak.
Read the article, in my honest opinion some people may take this as maybe a shot against Hiller but I don't think it's one against Hiller at all. Hiller, though struggling to find his game this season is a very good goalie. The issue has been standing between the who's the No 1 goaltender? For the entire summer, Hiller was chosen (by fans) after his spectacular run in the remaining of the regular season and during the playoffs. Giguere had personal issues regarding his father, he had a rough time emotionally off the ice, and Hiller stepped in to relieve Giguere. This gave the chance for Hiller to shine to put himself in the spotlight, and to show his NHL potential.
The issue in Anaheim with goalies with both goaltenders to find their game and a relatively weak team that had the talent but didn't show it didn't help the goalies. Also given the fact that there's a lot of new faces on the team and the team is trying to click with one another. The Ducks have improved from the beginning of the year, they're trusting each other more and the confidence has risen.
As for Giguere's comments: Is he mentally focused? Did he make the wrong choice on commenting negatively? Maybe he's not mentally focused, however, it's obvious he's not happy where he stands right now he hasn't received a lot of playing time, as he's had three full games under his belt. In all honesty, Giguere probably should of kept Bob Murray out of it. Giguere has been rumored of being traded mainly to the Toronto Maple Leafs which if he does pack his suitcases and moves to Toronto that lands him with former Ducks goaltending coach, Francois Allaire, former GM Brian Burke and former teammate Francois Beauchmin. Giguere has probably shined himself in negative light within other teams, and the Ducks fans. Giguere, understandable about his frustration he may of jumped the gun on this. His comments are straight-forward and honest to what he's feeling right now and to the situation he's been stuck in for some of last season and the entire summer.
There's most likely going to be a goalie gone no later than by the end of this season: the prompting is going towards J.S. Giguere to be gone by the trade deadline, but Hiller also is a free agent at the end of this season and he has not signed an extension. Hiller is also digging for the No 1 goalie and most likely, if he doesn't win it he won't sign an extension and be looking for another team; that was no shot at Hiller, and it wasn't supposed to be negative, Giguere also wants to re-secure his No 1 spot. He would most likely waive his No Trade Clause (NTC) if another team were to pick him up, and give him the No. 1 spot.
J.S. Giguere is one of the most emotionally players on the team, he's extremely competitive when it comes to hockey. Here's another thing about Giguere, as from what I've seen and I believe:
Giguere takes younger goaltenders under his wing without question, he seems to be one who doesn't necessarily care what another one says about the young goalie if it's negative. His mentoring skills for a younger goalie are undeniable and it brings confidence into that goalie. He took Hiller under his wing when he first arrived in the NHL and gave him his full support. Another great thing about Giguere and Hiller, they're very supportive over one another and get along very well.
Given the fact that it is also the media, where a lot of things aren't printed and it's the digital world paper, we don't know the exact emotion of the player. So those comments can be taken and spun in many ways.
I own a couple of Giguere cards and my what I consider my most prized possession, which is his Stanley Cup photo I was able to get it signed by him personally. After waiting for a little more than an hour for him to come out he was the last player out. And was stoked out of my mind when I got it signed that I couldn't speak.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Ducks Re-Assign Pogge
Justin Pogge vs the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pre-grame warm up.
The Ducks have re-assigned goaltender Justin Pogge, who served as an emergency call up for Hiller. Giguere, who aggravated his groin in the 6-3 loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 24, 2009 and missed six games . Jonas Hiller played all six games and his record is 3-2-1 including his first season shutout in a 0-4 win over the visiting Nashville Predators on November 4, 2009. Hiller has a mediocre 2.76 Goals Against Average (GAA) and a .919 save percentage, he has appeared in twelve contests and his current record is 6-5-1 Giguere has played three games before he aggravated his injury and his current record is 0-2-1 he has a cringing 3.64 GAA and a .895 save percentage.
Pogge was re-assigned to the Ducks Eastern Conference Hockey League (ECHL) Affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. Pogge has appeared in four contests with the Condors and has played three full games, where he has gone 2-1-0. In one contest, he replaced the struggling Timo Pielmeier: Pielmeier is another big Ducks goaltender prospect.
Pogge has a 2.10 GAA and a .923 save percentage.
The re-assignment of Pogge to the Ducks shows the sign that J.S. Giguere has been cleared to play, by the team doctors and himself for this upcoming road trip, the first road trip game is against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday. It is unclear who will play in the crease in New Jersey, as it always is the Ducks do not know who's playing goal until the earliest the night before the game. The Ducks take the road after a near blown 0-4 lead over the Phoenix Coyotes but the Ducks stood by the winning goal of Mike Brown, who has been promoted to the 3rd line from the 4th line, the Ducks won the contest 3-4.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Giguere targeting Road trip for return
Jiggy
J.S. Giguere has been out which called up Justin Pogge as an emergency back up for Jonas Hiller. Giguere re-injured his groin in the 6-3 loss against Steve Mason and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Giguere has dressed for practices. The sign of Giguere dressing and participating in practices is very good news, as he has missed 5 games, which Jonas Hiller has started. Hiller got his first shutout in the game vs the Predators in a 0-4 win.
In the last five games Hiller has gone 2-2-1
Giguere has played three games and has gone 0-2-1 he is looking for his first win of the season and is itching to come back to play hockey. The team in front of the goalies has improved much since the very beginning of the season. Both goaltenders are still shaking off rust and looking to improve on their weak areas.
If and when Giguere does return on/for the road trip look for him to be in net with tons of confidence.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Timo Pielmeier wins over Wranglers
Timo
Vegas
Timo Pielmeier helped in the win over the Las Vegas Wranglers, as he and his teammates dropped Vegas in a 4-1 win. The team stormed offensively in the 2nd with goals from Ducks Dan Sexton in the first period. McGregor Sharp, John De Gray, and Andrew Lanieo all tallied a goal to boost the win for the Condors.
Condors vs. Wranglers read entire article
Vegas
Timo Pielmeier helped in the win over the Las Vegas Wranglers, as he and his teammates dropped Vegas in a 4-1 win. The team stormed offensively in the 2nd with goals from Ducks Dan Sexton in the first period. McGregor Sharp, John De Gray, and Andrew Lanieo all tallied a goal to boost the win for the Condors.
Condors vs. Wranglers read entire article
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Predators@Ducks
Hiller
Preds
The Ducks take on the Nashville Predators.
Starting Goaltender: Jonas Hiller
Final Score: Predators 0 Ducks 4
Hiller's first shutout of the season
Sorry, no first period goalie coverage available for this games blog. And I've missed the past couple games, the Penguins game I attended with a friend, which wasn't an overall bad game. Except the fact that we lost but Corey Perry scored his 100th career goal great to see Perry make that history/milestone.
The Ducks play final paid off as they had a 0-4 win. Excellent play boys and excellent play Hiller! The Ducks cut down on turnovers, but there is much room for improvement, according to Teemu Selanne he thought the Ducks did well but played quiet flat. Honesty is golden ain't it?
Hiller saves the initial shot, which is a rebound, the Predators cannot convert on the rebound. Hiller took away a Dan Hamhius shot as he gobbled it up to keep the Predators scoreless in the second period. Hiller took the shot and covered up the rebound.
Scott Niedermayer got a shot off on the power play but he did not get it over the red line as Pekka Rinne takes the correct guess in a screen by his own player it was off of his leg pad as he kicked out hsi leg.. Mike Brown's shot is taken in as Pekka Rinne blocks the shot. Hiller aggressively made a save on the penalty kill on Patric Hornqvist, he threw himself out and protruded his chest and Scott Niedermayer cleared the rebound. It looked like the save hurt Hiller a little but is okay.
Bobby Ryan cannot get the power play goal as Rinne covered the entire lower net with his legs a quick save by Rinne. Jonas Hiller gloves off the save from Jason Arnott, a great glove save. Hiller froze the puck on the corner as he attaches his skate to the post to prevent the attack as Hiller had excellent focus on the attack at the corner of his crease.
The Ducks penalty kill is very good, and Emginer made a diiving block, Hiller made a save through the screen. He made his last save of the period at the corner of his crease.
The Ducks started the third with a penalty kill on a questionable call on Ryan Whitney for roughing. Hiller made a save. Nick Boynton has basically made himself a regular, he blocked a shot and Steve Eminger also blocked a shot so the puck didn't get through traffic. The Ducks have had a very good penalty kill for the last couple of games.
Hiller made a great blocker save on Jordan Tootoo and another leg save as Hiller has been soild, a much improved game.
Saku Koivu lost an edge and fell into Pekka Rinne, there is no call which is very fair, Rinne tries to help Saku out of the net.
Hiller made a great save and a smart move to freeze the puck as the Predators desperately whacked at it to get a goal any way the could to tie up the game in the finial period.
What a call by the reffing, as Joel Ward's stick was stuck in the blade of Bobby Ryan, both players were called for a two-minute minor. Bobby was called for diving.
Teemu Selanne scores o his second goal of the game on a pass from Saku Koivu to put the Ducks up by 2 the chemistry shows with Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne this is what we've been looking for.
Corey Perry took a shot on Pekka Rinnie as his stick blade breaks; Rinne makes a great save as the blade of Perry's stick flew towards him. Todd Marchant got a great pass from Petteri Nokelainen and scores his first goal past a shocked Pekka Rinne.
Hiller made his 35th save of the night. Hiller made a blocker save as Hiller and the Ducks kept the score at 0-3.
Hiller made a save on Hornqvist and he covered up the rebound, Hiller has saved plenty of rebounds and is one of the main players in the Ducks leading score.
Bobby Ryan scores finally his patience pays off a pass from Getzlaf to Perry and a great back hand pass from Perry to Bobby Ryan. The RPG line is storming yet again. Hiller blocked off his corner to keep the Predators off of the board. Hiller was down on one knee disallowing all Predators from any type goal. Hiller made a leg save on Thuressin. Hiller made a last save as he absorbs it into his chest.
Jonas Hiller gets the first he had 40 saves his best game so far. Congratulations Hiller on your shutout!
Post game quotes from: The Boys in the Crease: "We played pretty solid defensively," Hiller said. "I gave up a couple of rebounds, but our defencemen were doing a great job clearing the puck. It's definitely the way we have to play. After we got the first goal, we were able to get that second one and were able to build on that."
Scorers:
1st period:
Anaheim: Power Play Goal: Teemu Selanne Assists: Ryan Getzlaf, Saku Koivu
2nd Period:
No Scoring
3rd Period:
Anaheim: Teemu Selanne Assists: Saku Koivu
Anahiem: Todd Marchant Assists: Petteri Nokelainen
Anaheim: Bobby Ryan Assists: Ryan Getlzaf, Corey Perry
Preds
The Ducks take on the Nashville Predators.
Starting Goaltender: Jonas Hiller
Final Score: Predators 0 Ducks 4
Hiller's first shutout of the season
Sorry, no first period goalie coverage available for this games blog. And I've missed the past couple games, the Penguins game I attended with a friend, which wasn't an overall bad game. Except the fact that we lost but Corey Perry scored his 100th career goal great to see Perry make that history/milestone.
The Ducks play final paid off as they had a 0-4 win. Excellent play boys and excellent play Hiller! The Ducks cut down on turnovers, but there is much room for improvement, according to Teemu Selanne he thought the Ducks did well but played quiet flat. Honesty is golden ain't it?
Hiller saves the initial shot, which is a rebound, the Predators cannot convert on the rebound. Hiller took away a Dan Hamhius shot as he gobbled it up to keep the Predators scoreless in the second period. Hiller took the shot and covered up the rebound.
Scott Niedermayer got a shot off on the power play but he did not get it over the red line as Pekka Rinne takes the correct guess in a screen by his own player it was off of his leg pad as he kicked out hsi leg.. Mike Brown's shot is taken in as Pekka Rinne blocks the shot. Hiller aggressively made a save on the penalty kill on Patric Hornqvist, he threw himself out and protruded his chest and Scott Niedermayer cleared the rebound. It looked like the save hurt Hiller a little but is okay.
Bobby Ryan cannot get the power play goal as Rinne covered the entire lower net with his legs a quick save by Rinne. Jonas Hiller gloves off the save from Jason Arnott, a great glove save. Hiller froze the puck on the corner as he attaches his skate to the post to prevent the attack as Hiller had excellent focus on the attack at the corner of his crease.
The Ducks penalty kill is very good, and Emginer made a diiving block, Hiller made a save through the screen. He made his last save of the period at the corner of his crease.
The Ducks started the third with a penalty kill on a questionable call on Ryan Whitney for roughing. Hiller made a save. Nick Boynton has basically made himself a regular, he blocked a shot and Steve Eminger also blocked a shot so the puck didn't get through traffic. The Ducks have had a very good penalty kill for the last couple of games.
Hiller made a great blocker save on Jordan Tootoo and another leg save as Hiller has been soild, a much improved game.
Saku Koivu lost an edge and fell into Pekka Rinne, there is no call which is very fair, Rinne tries to help Saku out of the net.
Hiller made a great save and a smart move to freeze the puck as the Predators desperately whacked at it to get a goal any way the could to tie up the game in the finial period.
What a call by the reffing, as Joel Ward's stick was stuck in the blade of Bobby Ryan, both players were called for a two-minute minor. Bobby was called for diving.
Teemu Selanne scores o his second goal of the game on a pass from Saku Koivu to put the Ducks up by 2 the chemistry shows with Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne this is what we've been looking for.
Corey Perry took a shot on Pekka Rinnie as his stick blade breaks; Rinne makes a great save as the blade of Perry's stick flew towards him. Todd Marchant got a great pass from Petteri Nokelainen and scores his first goal past a shocked Pekka Rinne.
Hiller made his 35th save of the night. Hiller made a blocker save as Hiller and the Ducks kept the score at 0-3.
Hiller made a save on Hornqvist and he covered up the rebound, Hiller has saved plenty of rebounds and is one of the main players in the Ducks leading score.
Bobby Ryan scores finally his patience pays off a pass from Getzlaf to Perry and a great back hand pass from Perry to Bobby Ryan. The RPG line is storming yet again. Hiller blocked off his corner to keep the Predators off of the board. Hiller was down on one knee disallowing all Predators from any type goal. Hiller made a leg save on Thuressin. Hiller made a last save as he absorbs it into his chest.
Jonas Hiller gets the first he had 40 saves his best game so far. Congratulations Hiller on your shutout!
Post game quotes from: The Boys in the Crease: "We played pretty solid defensively," Hiller said. "I gave up a couple of rebounds, but our defencemen were doing a great job clearing the puck. It's definitely the way we have to play. After we got the first goal, we were able to get that second one and were able to build on that."
Scorers:
1st period:
Anaheim: Power Play Goal: Teemu Selanne Assists: Ryan Getzlaf, Saku Koivu
2nd Period:
No Scoring
3rd Period:
Anaheim: Teemu Selanne Assists: Saku Koivu
Anahiem: Todd Marchant Assists: Petteri Nokelainen
Anaheim: Bobby Ryan Assists: Ryan Getlzaf, Corey Perry
Sunday, November 1, 2009
50 Years of the Mask
Plante
"The face that changed hockey forever" Something every hockey fan has heard: 50 years ago on this day, November 1, 1959 was when the first a full face mask in a regular season NHL game debuted. Jacques Plante of the Montreal Canadiens really did change the face of hockey forever, after a shot from Andy Bathgate, which struck him in the face, he had seven stitches from his mouth to his nose. Hockey didn't have back-up goaltenders like we are so used to by today's standards, so it took twenty minutes to get Plante fixed up. Plante had worn a mask in preseason games and in practice, Canadiens coach Toe Blake at the time didn't believe in masks; Blake's belief was the mask was going to deter the vision of his goaltender. When Plante was hit in the face and received the injury, he had won the fight against Coach Toe Blake,after he said he would refuse to play if he wasn't able to wear the mask going into the third period. He wanted to protect his injury, thus the mask would catch on like a disease to goalies.
The first ever goalie to wear a mask, in fact was not Plante, it was Clint Benedict. He briefly wore the mask in 1930 but discontinued wearing one because the coaches and players intimidated any would be mask wearers. As Toe Blake believed in the late fifties the mask would obstruct the vision of the goaltender.
Jacques Plante inspired millions of kids around a hockey mad Canada and even in the United States. Bernie Parent once said about masks, "A real man doesn't wear a mask" Plante had stood up to the assaults of shooters, as he was the first goalie to ever wear a full mask.
"It was hard at first being the only man with a face mask," he said, "but I'm glad I stuck with it ... if just for the kids."
Bathgate
Andy Bathgate known to today's generation of hockey fans, as the one who Jacques Plante took the shot from. Really, how many people reading this blog was alive, when Plante took that shot to the face? Maybe some of the readers were but I can assure you. 98% of my readers were not. According to the former great, Andy Bathgate, of the New York Rangers. The shot to the face was payback.
"He cut my ear and my face. He could have broken my neck," Bathgate said. "Next shift, I went down the left wing and I was trying to score around the net. I used the backhand and gave him a 'little bowtie' on the face.
"How do you get back at a goalie? They're a brick short anyway. I thought he looked better with the mask, to tell the truth. He comes out with these bars all over his face and we were all wondering, 'What on Earth?'
"He was out (getting stitched) so long, I had a lot of time to think about what I'd done. I had been thinking I needed to go out there and straighten something out. It I had wanted to hurt him, I could have really let one go. It was a shot with passion, to let him know that if he keeps doing that, other players are going to start to take runs at him.
"The rule was always you didn't try to hit a goalie who was handling the puck behind his net. If you wanted to, it wouldn't be hard, send a guy in from each side and he'd be a sitting duck."
To today's goalies not wearitng a mask is unthinkable with all the wild designs, the cages in junior hockey and then being able to wear a Cats Eye mask when they got to the more advanced leagues, more specifically the NHL.Chris Osgood wears more of a helmet looking mask, which he has a Cats Eye attached to. Osgood is the only goaltender in the NHL, who wears the helmet like mask. Former and retired teammate Dominak Hasek also wore the same type of helmet as Osgood did. In fact, The Dominator put that more as a following for Red Wings goaltenders.
Ozzie
As with the not wearing a mask is unthinkable to today's goalies quotes from a couple of today's goalies on not wearing a mask
"Let's put it this way, when I lose my mask in a game, even if the puck is at the other end, when the whistle blows, I'm pretty happy about it," New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur told NHL.com. "I don't know if I would have played goal (without a mask), let's put it that way."
"I can't imagine going out there without a mask," Islander goalie Martin Biron told NHL.com. "The game was different back then, but at the same time, getting pucks shot at you, it doesn't matter -- or a skate or a stick. As a goalie, you've got these scrums in front of the net … that would just be unbelievable."
Chico Resch, a former goaltender has to say this: "To me, those (mask-less goalies) were the most courageous athletes ever, more so than race car drivers or bull fighters because every night you had guys with those hooked sticks unleashing shots where they didn't know where it was going and neither did the goalies," Resch told NHL.com, pointing out that in many of the pictures of the mask-less goalies, the goalie has his eyes closed as he makes the save). "That's why Glenn Hall threw up every night. One mistake could cost you your career. The pressure was incredible."
Resch was the first goaltender to have the team logo and colors on his mask.
Here's a list of the scariest top 10 masks,h
the fans admire their designs, criticize them. Really, the goalie under that mask doesn't particularly care what is said about his mask. The design is off of his personality or the mask means something to him. A mask is not only for protection, but it shows how much a nerd a goalie is, the name Kari Lehtonen comes to mind with his Kill Bill mask.
Kill Bill mask
and his Final Fantasy Mask
Kari Lehtonen's newest mask has the Heath Ledger Joker on the side of it.
Masks also show the well educated background of goalies, of the city they're currently playing or some sort of tribute to it. Rick DiPietro of the New York Islanders, a United States born goaltender has one of the most patriotic masks. The helicopter flying in the distance is the one, which as father flew in the Viet Nam war.
Here is what DiPietro told Men's Fitness about his mask
"We play at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. My dad is a Vietnam vet, so wearing a stars-and-stripes mask seemed like the right fit. It's a tribute to all the veterans and all the men and women who are serving the country now."
Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers has a special mask as a tribute to the 50th Anniversary of the Mask his mask is by DaveArt In honor of Jacques Plante. The scene on the mask obviously represents the New York Rangers and also it is a tribute, to the fact that when Plante wore the mask, it had no ear protection nor did it have a back plate to protect the back of the head. Lundqvist wore the mask in today's game, definitely a mask he'll have in a case, a very special meaning mask. There's absolutely no doubt about that.(although it doesn't look like he wore his mask today.) :
A lot of goalies also have usually their nickname somewhere on their mask. Depending on the goalie, he may have has name on the front of his lower jaw, or on the back. As you see on Evgeni Nabokov of the San Jose Sharksm he has his nickname "Nabby" on the lower jaw.His mask is also scary with some monster, skelton things. His tribute to the Sharks as two Great Whites are jumping out of the water with their jaws wide open attacking his nickname.
Time to talk about the Anaheim Ducks goalies. As it is known, J.S. Giguere and Jonas Hiller are the main two goaltenders for the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller just recently got his new mask from a small company in Switzerland. Airxess Airxess was founded by Alec Voggel. Airxess has its' own celebration as they are celebrating their 15th anniversary. As mentioned before, this is the company Hiller received his newest mask from. Take a look at Hiller's mask, he has his name "Hiller" painted on the back as he does with the Ducks logo. The mask in pictures may look like two colors, but look at his mask closely, it's a mix of colors and the best of this mask is when he plays in games. The deflection from the light makes it look absolutely amazing. It is a lot less detailed than his two previous masks. However, this mask most likely means a lot to him as Airxess is located in his home country of Switzerland. Hiller's masks tend to have a lower chin drop than any other goalie in the NHL does another thing unique about his mask is the way it was made, while Hiller was back home in Switzerland, he went to the hospital in order to have a CT Scan which tributed to the making of his mask. The CT Scan helped get the contours of his head. The scan was used to perfectly fit to his head. And another thing unique is the way the ear holes are shaped if you look at his mask, you're going to realize that there's basically no ventilation. Also the shape of his mask is unique, every thing about his mask is unique. As with fans, this wasn't a too popular look when it came out. A lot of Ducks fans didn't like it but on the other hand, other fans did like it.
As with Giguere's mask, he has this robot duck thing and an all white duck which sits on the top of his head. It has an eerie and aggressive feeling to it. The backplate of his mask also has his nick name on it. "Jiggy" Jiggy did get his name from Will Smith's song "Gettin Jiggy Wit It" as they had played the song in the Honda Center, and every time they played it. He'd make these huge saves and thus came the name Jiggy. At first, he didn't like it but then warmed up to it. Obviously, this is a league wide nick name for him. Looking back at his mask, behind the Duck Cyborg, there is the Ducks D behind it, and lighting comes out of it which travels to the back of the mask. On his chin it's the Honda Center with the palm trees blowing in front of it. Which may tribute to the Santa Ana winds that Southern California is used too. This makes his mask look even more tantalizing the stormy night in front of the Home of the Anaheim Ducks for 17 years. Which ever you call it The Pond, the Honda Center, and most recently coined by all fans "The Ponda" mixing up Honda and the Pond together.
Here is also a video where Jiggy talks about his mask, a little older video, but you can also get the taste of former Duck Illya Bryzglov's mask as well.
Here's a tribute also do the other Ducks goalies. Justin Pogge, Marco Consineau, Timo Pielmeier, and J.P. Levasseur.
Justin Pogge's Team Canada mask. It's pretty simplistic but obviously, it shows the pride in his team. A mask he won the Gold Medal with.
Pogge's mask with the Maple Leafs and I believe also the Toronto Marlies.
www.totalpassports.com
Timo Pielmeier's current mask.The best which could be found of his current mask. Joffrey Lupul is congratulated him after the win.
J.P. Levasseur. I believe it's a growling bear, this is one of his older masks.
Marco Cousineau, his mask is a brick wall:
Look at Pro Choice's new back plate, it fastens with snaps. This looks to be Khbibulin's mask, with the nick name "Habby" written across the backplate. Got this pictures from The Goalie Guild
Here's another great tribute to the mask. Joe Pavlec makes mask-less save after his mask is knocked off, it hits his chin, but he saves it.He immediately throws his hand to where it hit, but his face after wards is unforgettable
Of course, as stated before the goalie's mask is unique, there's always a story behind the reason why the mask is painted a certain way. It shows the goalie's personality, tribute to the team, his city he plays for, etc.
Here's the Top Ten Masks by the NHL Network special "50 Years behind the Mask" from 10-1
10. Tony Eposito. Chicago Blackhawks
9. Mike Richter. New York Rangers
8. Ed "The Eagle" Belfour.Toronto Maple Leafs
7.Ken Dryden. According to Dryden as he was a guest on the show, it was more of the C for the Canadiens
6. Ken Favell Philadelphia Flyers
5. Bernie Parent. Philadelphia Flyers. A lower chin drop more protection.
4. Gary Simmons. California Golden Seals. The Seals didn't last very long, they were located in Oakland, California. (and no, the Sharks did not trasit from this team, SJ is an original team placed in San Jose. The Seals were arch rivals to the Los Angeles Kings before the Ducks and Sharks were even born)
3. Gilles Gratton. New York Rangers A tiger on his mask. Gratton was known to growl at opposing players, who came near his crease.
2. Jacques Plante, Montreal Canadiens, the first full faced mask worn in an NHL game
1. Gerry Cheevers.Boston Bruins. Cheevers was the first goalie to have a design on his mask, according to Ken Dryden this absolutely fitted. All Cheever's did was take a marker, and designed his mask.
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