Open Gameday Thread: Colorado Avalanche @ Anaheim Ducks

by Chris D-5 on Jan 22, 2012 2:03 PM PST in Gameday

Colorado Avalanche at Anaheim Ducks, Jan 22, 2012 5:00 PM PST

Next Game

Colorado Avalanche
@ Anaheim Ducks

Sunday, Jan 22, 2012, 5:00 PM PST
Honda Center

TV: PRIME TICKET, NHLN-CA

Radio: AM 830 KLAA

Your Enemy: Mile High Hockey

Complete Coverage >

The last time the Ducks saw Colorado the game was typical of everything that had been wrong with the Ducks since the end of October. The Avs scored early in the first extended and their lead with two in the second. The Ducks showed signs of life but it was too little, too late.

Since then the Ducks have gone 7-1-1; they've outscored their opposition 34-17 and they've been an absolute pleasure to watch. However, as a hockey fan and a blogger I am required to complain about something. There are two ways you can go with that right now.

You can be frustrated that they're ruining their chances at a lottery pick, but in my opinion it's still too early to write off a top pick. The Ducks are 27th in the league and behind all 15 teams in the East. Or, like me, you can refuse to believe that Jason Blake means this much to the team and wonder where all of this offensive firepower has been for the previous two months.

All season I've held the assertion that this team is not that bad, and now that I'm being proven right it's pissing me off because it means nothing at this point in a lost season. Then again, they probably aren't good enough to keep this pace up either.

This season has been completely dependent on the attitude of the team. For upwards of two months the team moped around and expected to lose after letting in a goal or two. Now they're dictating the pace of the game offensively. It's impossible to tell what will flip the switch back or when it might happen, but for now we can only hope it doesn't happen tonight.

[Ed. Note: Jiggy in goal again for the Avs tonight.]

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Comments

Who is in net for us tonight? Jonas?

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 2:09 PM PST reply actions

Hiller is starting

He ws first out for warmups. Also, looks like we’re getting Guenin instead of Lydman tonight.

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 4:37 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Ducks just tweeted that Lydman is sick

So yep, I wasn’t crazy. Wonder if Guenin will be paired with Brooks or if they put Sbisa with him. Looked like Sbisa was working with him in warmups.

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 4:53 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Mentality is important for a team. The Ducks are playing with a ton if confidence they just didn’t have under Carlyle. It might be accurate to say that that team wasn’t actually capable of this kind of output. It’s only under Boudreau that the team has found this ability.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 2:19 PM PST via mobile reply actions

I completely agree with this. It’s nice that the team is playing well, but if they don’t make the playoffs, it’s like the team has screwed itself twice. I hated seeing the Dodgers play so well in the second half because we got a much worse draft pick than if they stayed one of the worst teams in baseball like in the first half.

by razrthin on Jan 22, 2012 2:51 PM PST reply actions

There is opportunity to move up in the draft via trades. We can move prospects or NHL players to get where we want to be if our record gets to a point where we do end up with a later pick

by DavidBL on Jan 22, 2012 2:54 PM PST via mobile reply actions

But that requires spending assets.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 3:14 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Which is what said assets are for.

"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"

— Lubomir Visnovsky

I rec’d that shit.

by Steven Hida on Jan 22, 2012 4:15 PM PST up reply actions

I’d rather get a top 5 pick than try and pay for one. Murray would get exploited in a deal like that.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 5:18 PM PST up reply actions

I’d rather not be in the position to get one

"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"

— Lubomir Visnovsky

I rec’d that shit.

by Steven Hida on Jan 22, 2012 5:56 PM PST up reply actions

This team will always end up in that position every now and then. Hell, even the best franchises end up awful at some point. I’m excited to know that at some point in my life the Red Wings will be picking in the top 5 in consecutive years.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 5:57 PM PST up reply actions

Damn the Ravens choked their game away today. Sad I hate the pats and the fact they are going to a SB in Indy.

GO 49ERS!!!!

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 3:25 PM PST reply actions

Grrr Tom Brady

by light_the_lamp on Jan 22, 2012 4:59 PM PST up reply actions

Thing is Brady didn’t even play well.

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 5:00 PM PST up reply actions

Exactly. He’s had the benefit of being the QB of a really good team (Vince Wilfork, anyone?) for a long time. If a healthy Peyton Manning was the Pats’ quarterback, they’d be an even better team.

by light_the_lamp on Jan 22, 2012 5:05 PM PST up reply actions

I undertsand the logic of wanting the pick

But I just can’t root for that. I love this team. I can’t stand to watch them suffer like they did earlier this season.

They lost me after the Nashville game in December, but they’re doing their damnedest to get my hope and optimism back. And I watch too damn many games to hope for anything but wins.

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 4:46 PM PST via mobile reply actions 1 recs

4 point game tonight….

"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"

— Lubomir Visnovsky

I rec’d that shit.

by Steven Hida on Jan 22, 2012 4:57 PM PST up reply actions

Here's hoping they keep it up

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 4:58 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

I’m glad both teams are starting last nights goalies.

"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"

— Lubomir Visnovsky

I rec’d that shit.

by Steven Hida on Jan 22, 2012 5:04 PM PST up reply actions

Think of it as an investment in your cheering for next year.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 5:19 PM PST up reply actions

Well said

GO DUCKS!

by Dixie Normus on Jan 22, 2012 5:05 PM PST up reply actions

PK time

I hate saying that this early in a game

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 5:10 PM PST reply actions

Not an inspiring start through two minutes

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 5:10 PM PST via mobile reply actions

BOBBY!!!!!

SHORTY

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 5:11 PM PST reply actions

boooobbbby!!!

by Dixie Normus on Jan 22, 2012 5:11 PM PST reply actions

Bobby!

I love it when we bury breakaways

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 5:12 PM PST via mobile reply actions

GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 5:12 PM PST reply actions

PK time

again

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 5:17 PM PST reply actions

too much man

by Dixie Normus on Jan 22, 2012 5:17 PM PST reply actions

Teemu had Bobby wide open on the doorstep

Should have fed him there

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 5:22 PM PST via mobile reply actions

It looked like the pass didn’t get across.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 5:23 PM PST up reply actions

From where im sitting

It looked like he shot it. But im in the arena without the benefit of replay so I don’t know for sure.

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 5:24 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

I didn’t rewind to double check, but it looked like a bad pass to me. If he did shoot it, that’s just payback for all the times Bobby ignores Teemu. I’m not dissing Bobby either. It’s true. I’ve seen him pass to almost everybody except Teemu. It’s hateful.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 5:26 PM PST up reply actions

Huge play by Getz

Not sure what happened to Fowler there

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 5:27 PM PST via mobile reply actions

Gotta move that puck faster Fowler. Can’t waste Getzlaf’s effort like that.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 5:28 PM PST reply actions

Damn. Those shots are ugly.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 5:29 PM PST reply actions

We look a little tired right now

Gotta turn it up a little

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 5:29 PM PST via mobile reply actions

there is almost

no urgency for the Ducks right now.

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 5:29 PM PST reply actions

There we go!

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 5:33 PM PST reply actions

Another SOG!

Finally!

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 5:33 PM PST via mobile reply actions

O'brien is a douche

by Dixie Normus on Jan 22, 2012 5:33 PM PST reply actions

No he’s not. He just plays with an edge. We need a guy like him on our blue line.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 5:35 PM PST up reply actions

haha

well, if he were on our team, he wouldn’t be seen as a douche. haha.

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 5:36 PM PST up reply actions

Cause we don't take enough penalties? :)

Kidding aside, I think he’s that type of player who you’d love to have on your team but hate him when he isn’t

by Dixie Normus on Jan 22, 2012 5:43 PM PST up reply actions

WOW

that was close by Getzy.

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 5:38 PM PST reply actions

1ST INTERMISSION QUESTION

Beauch gets a 3 year extension. will he be in Anaheim all 3 years?

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 5:41 PM PST reply actions

I hope so.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 5:42 PM PST up reply actions

Nope

Ducks will move him after the second year to make room for some of our young D guys.

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 5:43 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Nope

Bob is trading them for depth forwards.

"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"

— Lubomir Visnovsky

I rec’d that shit.

by Steven Hida on Jan 22, 2012 5:57 PM PST up reply actions

Likely.

Although 3 years is a long time and it depends on other prospects coming up though those years probably.

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 5:47 PM PST up reply actions

That could have been an ugly period

Were it not for Hiller. Guys need a little more fire in the second.

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 5:41 PM PST via mobile reply actions

I’m almost certain that if Joe Sacco had a beard, he’d look like Dave Grohl.

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 5:58 PM PST reply actions

Blake settle too quickly for that shot.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 6:01 PM PST reply actions

hagman looks really hurt

Hopped on one foot to the bench

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:03 PM PST via mobile reply actions

what?

I missed that.

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 6:03 PM PST up reply actions

I must have also

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 6:04 PM PST up reply actions

They probably didnt show it on TV

But it was pretty noticeable in the arena

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:05 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

they didn't

Blake is now on the Selanne/Koviu line.

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 6:07 PM PST up reply actions

Yeah just before Koivu set up Teemu

He came from the crease and couldn’t put any weight on one of his legs. Looked scary

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:04 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

That looked like Blake on the second line. It might be serious.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 6:06 PM PST up reply actions

He came back to the bench during the timeout

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:08 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Oh thought that was going to be a goal

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 6:03 PM PST reply actions

Zetterberg got 5 minutes for that play last night.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 6:05 PM PST reply actions

Wait we have only taken 4 shots in about 1.5 periods? that is not good (though good that we are ahead).

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 6:07 PM PST reply actions

Though although they only said 4 shots on goal does seem like more threats/chances.

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 6:10 PM PST up reply actions

Good shift by the top line

Wish Bobby wouldn’t have fallen over there

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:10 PM PST via mobile reply actions

hiller

why is hiller doing well now and not when we needed him earlier in the season

by Sir-Drunk-A-Lot on Jan 22, 2012 6:16 PM PST reply actions

Trust me

We still need him.

I think he may have been tired. He’s been a different goalie since sitting those five periods.

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:21 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

PP seems to be a bit sloppy of late

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 6:17 PM PST reply actions

hagman almost got shot off

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 6:18 PM PST reply actions

Are they playing with a puck or a bouncy ball?

by Dixie Normus on Jan 22, 2012 6:19 PM PST reply actions

Yea its bad.

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 6:22 PM PST up reply actions

wow. good shift by the bottom lines there

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 6:19 PM PST reply actions

Nice effort by Hags

And the bottom six. Probably the best shift all night.

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:20 PM PST via mobile reply actions

Vertigo

Not a nice illness but no room for sympathy in hockey I think hiller is decent but we need a strong defensemen and a strong goaltender in my noob opinion

by Sir-Drunk-A-Lot on Jan 22, 2012 6:22 PM PST reply actions

Hiller is a very good Goaltender when healthy which I think we are seeing now.

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 6:24 PM PST up reply actions

Ok

My bad im new to this

by Sir-Drunk-A-Lot on Jan 22, 2012 6:25 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

No problem.

Before he got Vertigo last year he was one of the top goalies and was a starter in the allstar game last year.

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 6:27 PM PST up reply actions

yeah

before he had Vertigo he was on an unreal pace in terms of wins and what not.

But in any case, welcome. and +1 on the handle.

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 6:27 PM PST up reply actions

O'Brien trying to goad Bobby

Took a couple of jabs at him before the faceoff. Hard shots, too.

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:22 PM PST via mobile reply actions

Great pass by Teemu

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:24 PM PST via mobile reply actions

BB broke up the Finnish line

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 6:24 PM PST reply actions

Nice play by fowler

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:26 PM PST via mobile reply actions

PP

time

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 6:29 PM PST reply actions

PP time

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 6:29 PM PST reply actions

Vertigo...again

Yeah Hiller does deserve some praise good to see ex duck o’brien off:)

by Sir-Drunk-A-Lot on Jan 22, 2012 6:30 PM PST reply actions

We really need the PP to come through

At the start of the third

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:31 PM PST via mobile reply actions

2ND INTERMISSION QUESTION

Does anybody like either the Niners or the Giants vs the Pats in two weeks…. or will the Pats walk with the Superbowl.

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 6:32 PM PST reply actions

Well im torn.

Thing is I think the 49ers can beat the Giants but I think the Giants are team that is more built to beat the Pats. Why? Well while the 49ers have a good defense and tend to take advantage of questionable passes and bad ball control by getting turnovers the offense is only ok while I think the Giants Offense would be much better at carving up the Pats Defense and staying with them offensively and the Giants do have an adequate defense and can get pressure on Brady which is his biggest weakness more than most QB’s.

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 6:37 PM PST up reply actions

feed

can someone give me a good feed know its near the end but would like to see it…

by Sir-Drunk-A-Lot on Jan 22, 2012 6:35 PM PST reply actions

GETZY!!!!

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 6:49 PM PST reply actions

Getzlaf scored a goal…go figure.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 6:49 PM PST reply actions

Getzla??

Please count!

by Dixie Normus on Jan 22, 2012 6:50 PM PST reply actions

did i say something

seems dead here

by Sir-Drunk-A-Lot on Jan 22, 2012 6:50 PM PST reply actions

football night.

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 6:51 PM PST up reply actions

Nah. Every now and then it just happens. Dangers of a small market team.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 6:51 PM PST up reply actions

This site usually picks up during the third

Plus, there hasn’t been that much to talk about tonight anyway

by Dixie Normus on Jan 22, 2012 6:51 PM PST up reply actions

Yeah, it’s been a pretty uneventful game.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 6:52 PM PST up reply actions

Ahhhh

Now all makes sense did watch baltimore myself down in ireland

by Sir-Drunk-A-Lot on Jan 22, 2012 6:51 PM PST reply actions

Huge goal

In the arena, I did not think that would stand. Those calls never go our way

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:53 PM PST via mobile reply actions

it was clear on the TV

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 6:54 PM PST up reply actions

Yeah, there was no denying it.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 6:55 PM PST up reply actions

Ill have to watch the replay when we get home

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:58 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

RYAN!!!!!!!!!

by alex.loop on Jan 22, 2012 6:55 PM PST reply actions

It is a game we need to win it will make a statement

Do not understand the lack of interest but it helps my brothers team minnsesota wild

by Sir-Drunk-A-Lot on Jan 22, 2012 6:55 PM PST reply actions

I know I hate on Bobby Ryan, but who the hell leaves that man that open?
Also, what a beautiful fucking pass by Getzlaf.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 6:56 PM PST reply actions

Crazy pass

Just glad to see Bobby bury those chances. He wasn’t earlier this season

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:57 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

The kid is streaky. There’s no denying that. I just wish his cold streaks could be slightly less chilly.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 7:00 PM PST up reply actions

Bobby motherfuckin Ryan

What a pass by Getz

by PhantomPretender on Jan 22, 2012 6:56 PM PST via mobile reply actions

What a pass

Holy fuck

by Dixie Normus on Jan 22, 2012 6:56 PM PST reply actions

Great opening up the game

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 6:57 PM PST reply actions

hmmm

really thought this thread would be more interesting

by Sir-Drunk-A-Lot on Jan 22, 2012 7:00 PM PST reply actions

When you have football playoff games it dies a bit. If you check out a football sight (most popular sport in the US) you will have 10 times the comments. But here we are very affected by other ouside sports.

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 7:04 PM PST up reply actions

Sorry just was hoping for fun ducks win!

We are beating a team thats wooping us on shots just wondering why no one cares? But guess football is important I would not know though so I wont judge

by Sir-Drunk-A-Lot on Jan 22, 2012 7:06 PM PST up reply actions

I’m pretty glued to the game, I just haven’t been commenting much.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 7:07 PM PST up reply actions

Sorry like my two brothers are really witty

Im new to this game thread was expecting more excitement for a game! But keep forgetting america is a different situation man

by Sir-Drunk-A-Lot on Jan 22, 2012 7:08 PM PST up reply actions

I don’t understand the football excitement personally. I’d much rather watch hockey, or a futbol(soccer). I wish I could follow the EPL better out here. I don’t know nearly as much as I’d like

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 7:11 PM PST up reply actions

haha

me too man me too!

by Sir-Drunk-A-Lot on Jan 22, 2012 7:15 PM PST up reply actions

Doesn’t help that it is the 49ers game right now and we are in California so a lot of Ducks fans are also 49ers fans.

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 7:05 PM PST up reply actions

And the game just went to overtime.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 7:06 PM PST up reply actions

Yep.

by MoralesHomers on Jan 22, 2012 7:07 PM PST up reply actions

Getzlaf has been really great recently. He’s been great in his zone and has been creating offensive opportunities. He’s starting to look like a guy who can dominate a playoff series.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 7:03 PM PST reply actions

This is what Getzlaf does. He plays half a season. Mails it in for the first half and gets it done the second half.

by Crabby on Jan 22, 2012 7:16 PM PST up reply actions

Selanne could play an entire season without getting a point and he’d still end his career as a point per game player.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 7:08 PM PST reply actions

I didn’t think Statsny was a dirty guy

by Dixie Normus on Jan 22, 2012 7:13 PM PST reply actions

What made you change your mind?

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 7:14 PM PST up reply actions

Slew-footing Koivu and taking a run at Teemu in the same sequence

by Dixie Normus on Jan 22, 2012 7:16 PM PST up reply actions

To be fair

It’s probably just frustration on his part but that was pretty bad

by Dixie Normus on Jan 22, 2012 7:18 PM PST up reply actions

Must have happened when I was checking the football game. I don’t think that’s necessarily “dirty”. I’m just not fond of the term. Even, “nice” players can have a really physical shift and do things that are uncharacteristic. I’m sure he probably doesn’t do it all the time.

by Daniel AC on Jan 22, 2012 7:18 PM PST up reply actions