No Wins Situation

by Arthur from Anaheim Calling on Dec 7, 2009 3:51 PM PST Comment 5 comments

DANIEL:

This is Anaheim Calling to the hockey world.

The Ducks continue to find impressive ways to lose. Wisniewski is apparently continuing to play with the flu and making mistakes rather than admitting he can't play-- thanks for being tough Wiz. The offense from the top line is picking up again with an upright Joffrey Lupul, but secondary scoring is non-existent. And now, it also seems the power play is drying up. But that's all the bad stuff. While it might be more prudent for Anaheim fans to start thinking of the 2010 draft rather than the 2010 playoffs, can you tell me if there's a bright spot on the Ducks roster right now that can have Ducks fans tricking themselves into believing a playoff run might be in our future?

ARTHUR:

No.

DANIEL:

Well, that was an inspiring answer. I don't know if it will be enough for a full fledged playoff push, but the play of the rookies and the scoring chances that are starting to come from the top three lines have given me a little bit of hope for our season. Sexton is doing everything I thought he would. He enters scrums in the corners, and leaves with the puck. He's finding holes in the defense and creating shots and scoring opportunities, eventually the puck's going to start going in for him. Beleskey is finishing his checks and making smart plays in the defensive end. I think that Beleskey and Sexton have shown they can play in this league. I'm not saying there aren't consistency issues, defensive awareness or other factors that don't need to be improved, but they have shown that they have the required tools to play at the NHL level.

The Ducks youth, Sharp included, have demonstrated an ability to step into adverse situations and play strong hockey. The problem we're really facing is management's inability to let the rookies play. I think the play of the rookies has shown that we are a lot deeper up front than we originally thought. That means a forward for defenseman swap can be made without losing too much. Hopefully a move like that can get us a better shut down mentality for the third period and lead to a few more victories.

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Oh! I know a bright spot!

I predict that between February 15th and March 2nd the Ducks won’t lose a single game and we’ll see a lot of scoring from our superstars!

I was saying boo-urns.

by Floyd Gondoli on Dec 7, 2009 7:21 PM PST reply actions

I predict that either Niedermayer or Whitney or both will be packing there bags by March 3.

by yankeeken on Dec 7, 2009 8:13 PM PST reply actions

I don’t know. Whitney hasn’t looked great and still has 2 more years at 4 million hit. It’ll be hard to find a team willing to take someone at that cap hit for that long when they haven’t been very impressive. I could only see it if someone like a NYI or PHX wasn’t afraid to add a little salary. Wisniewski makes more sense since he comes off the books this year.

As for Scotty, I don’t know. I just don’t see it happening. It would be the move that gets Bob Murray put in a corner with a dunce cap. I’m sorry, but you don’t trade a Scott Niedermayer. I’m sure there will be interest, but it would be like moving Selanne. It’s something you just can’t do. Let the man leave after the year if he wants to, but have a little class for a guy who practically gift wrapped a Cup for you. I already plan on making a sign that says “Dear Samueli, Save Our Team, Fire Murray.” But if he traded Niedermayer, I might go Cesar Chavez and hold a hunger strike in front of the Ponda Center until Murray is removed.

by Daniel AC on Dec 8, 2009 9:41 AM PST up reply actions

NIedermayer is definitely movable. If we can get a draft pick and a prospect for him, I’ll jump up and down singing Sweet Sue. There’s no need for him to retire a Duck. He’ll probably go into the HoF wearing a Devils jersey. Guy just wants to play in the Olympics this year; I doubt he really cares if he has to play a month or two on another team.

Whitney’s a minute-eater, and he can still get that shot off in the East. Problem isn’t really performance as much as the fact that his contract is backloaded.

Anaheim Calling

by Arthur from Anaheim Calling on Dec 8, 2009 10:03 AM PST up reply actions

ARTHUR:

No.

Not only was this the PERFECT answer…but I actually bursted out loud with laughter. So much so, that it caused me to spell it out rather than just type the good ole “LOL”

Speaking of bright spots…
One would think when you’ve got a guy sitting in the top 5 of scoring throughout the league, the Ducks wouldn’t be losing.

One would think when you’ve got a different guy sitting in the top 5 of assists throughout the league, the Ducks wouldn’t be losing.

If what I heard the other day was correct, and that SOME HOW the Ducks are 2nd in PP and 1st when at home (if I misheard, forgive me)…that the Ducks wouldn’t be LOSING!

WHAT THE HELL?!?!?!

So, again, Arthur’s answer = PERFECT.

You can call me CK...Spade does. GO DUCKS!!!
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by SK eleven on Dec 7, 2009 10:05 PM PST reply actions