KRISTEN:

The Ducks are front row passengers on the Struggle Bus, and Ryan Getzlaf is the really smart kid in class who just doesn't apply himself. At least Devante Smith-Pelly scored a goal on Wednesday (even if it was initially credited to Cam Fowler). Positive thinking!

• Bad starts and bad losses have been the name of the game. [Fox Sports West]
• The Ducks have claimed Ben Maxwell off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets. Maxwell has seen limited NHL time, so he'll likely just provide additional depth at center in Syracuse. [OC Register] [Anaheim Ducks]
• OC Register's notes from Thursday's practice. Apparently, the Ducks had an hour-long 'clear-the-air' meeting. [OC Register]
• Kyle Palmieri is expected to return to the Syracuse Crunch today. [Syracuse.com]
• Coach Carlyle says that the Ducks need to "cheat better." (Read: Hey Ryan - we desperately need you to improve your FO%) [ProHockeyTalk]
• The OC Register covers the DSP goal. [OC Register]
• Teemu's advice to the OTHER 'Great 8': "Relax," and your game will improve.

  [Russian Machine Never Breaks]

• Sheldon Brookbank's fists of fury are good for your fantasy team. [ESPN]

• STOP PLAYING SO TERRIBLY, YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS: A wake-up call for our Little Lubo. [ProHockeyTalk]

• The Maine Campus (the University of Maine's student newspaper) talks Sidney Crosby, Paul Kariya (a former Black Bear), and concussions. [The Maine Campus]

• SK wants you to go see the movie 'Goon.' Guess what it's about? [Ducks and Pucks]

• Despite the Ducks' lackluster performance(s), RPG, Teemu, Lubo, and Jonas are all on the 2012 All-Star Ballot. [Puck Daddy]

• The Anaheim Ducks Towel invades Denmark's Tivoli Gardens. [Anaheim Ducks Towel Invasions]

• The Ducks and the Predators may not have a real rivalry, but it still seems impossible to beat the Preds. [On The Duck Pond]

• Jonas Hiller and Luca Sbisa will be answering questions and signing autographs at Irvine Inline on Saturday. [Anaheim Ducks]

• Analyzing the Ottawa Senators' special teams. [Silver Seven]

• Broad Street Hockey's Travis Hughes addresses the rumours surrounding the Flyers' Winter Classic jersey. [Broad Street Hockey]