One of the things about this season that really peeves me is that I’ve watched practically zero hockey outside of the Ducks. Wait, I take that back. I saw the Winter Classic and the 24/7 shows – which really don’t count for much in terms of hockey. I’m not sure what crazy life events have kept me from watching extra credit hockey; rather, it probably has to do with the fact that I’ve been avoiding the NHL network like the plague. I blame you, Anaheim.
With that being said, I’ve yet to see a second of Islanders hockey. However, I know one thing is for certain…they’re better than the Ducks. Who isn’t - except for Columbus…until Sunday? So I can’t really tell you what to expect from the Islanders tonight. They’ll probably play hard, attack aggressively, organize their defense efficiently and do what the rest of the teams in the NHL do when they play the Ducks – win.
Plus, I think they’ve still got that crossed eye kid, John Tavares.
The sad thing is, I can’t really tell you what Anaheim will look like tonight either. If I had to guess, I’d say Bruce Boudreau is trying to piss me off and will start Jonas Hiller (although now that I’ve guessed that, they’ll tweet that Dan Ellis will be making a start, fingers crossed). [Ed. Note: "I suppose" was BB's response when asked if Hiller would start tonight.] The power play will get their chances, but to no avail. The penalty kill will get entirely too much practice and the shot differential will be disgustingly in New York’s favor until the later half of the third period when the Ducks become desperate.
Remarkably, this is how the entire season has gone and it has left me feeling comfortable. I have no expectations one way or another. I’ve always been a pessimist at heart and this team just allows that to shine. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best…get exactly what you came for – a team that is 10-22-6. Who knows, these Ducks just might knock your socks off. Probably not.
But, as always, GO DUCKS!!!