Smell that? sniff That’s the smell of last season. That’s the smell, you know, of a winning season. A winning team that has overcome a hard-earned, fast, darn-good battle.


If you were a Duck fan last season, you remember the scent well.


Thank the hockey gods that last night, they recreated it.


Ducks 6, Red Wings 3


Coach Randy Carlyle asked his players something after Sunday night’s frustrating just-off-the-beat loss. He asked if they could be 10% better.


How else would you describe a game in which the first goal was scored by the sophomore defenseman Kent Huskins, a sound young d-man who was inserted into last year’s lineup to take Shane O’Brien’s spot post-trade? Usually, he’s a quiet player, out on the ice to ensure minimal damage, not to inflict damage! Don’t think I’m discounting his qualities or abilities; all I’m expressing is my surprise (and, naturally, glee). Congratulations, Kent, on your first NHL goal!


Equally surprising is the point stay-at-home defender Joe DiPenta notched after assisting winger Andy McDonald on his first goal of the season.


Not as surprising, but altogether awe-inspiring was the move Rob Niedermayer made when he blazed down the ice on a two-on-one rush alongside the Great Swede Sammy Pahlsson. Shorthanded, Sammy was able to one-time the puck past Dominic Hasek for the game-winner.


All six Ducks goals were scored by different members of the team, reminiscent of how Ducks Hockey was played all through last season when various members of the team would step up and fill in. Chris Pronger and Ryan Getzlaf each recorded 3 assists, while Chris Kunitz, Corey Perry, and Sean O’Donnell chipped in with goals.


In net, Bryzgalov returned to form, lashing out a quick kick-save, a snappy glove-save, and even – at one point – doing the splits (we cringed, but applauded wildly). He had a brilliant game that even Randy Carlyle had to appreciate. But the numbers speak for themselves, as he made 32 saves and gave up only one PP goal… and that, on a 5-on-3 disadvantage.


Special teams had plenty of opportunities to hone their skills, as the Ducks endured 10 penalties, giving up only 1 goal. On the flipside, the Wings also went shorthanded 10 times, giving up 2 PPGs and 1 shorthanded. The Ducks can personally thank Tomas Holmstrom for a number of those opportunities since he took a seat 5 times during the course of the game.


Despite all the talk surrounding how the Ducks have thinned out up front with the loss of Teemu Selanne (unofficial retirement) and Dustin Penner (signed RFA w/ Edmonton), I think the Ducks fared well against their opponent. Even so, it appears Brian Burke is off to do some shopping. For the last two days, he’s contacted a number of teams to see who might be willing to trade.


Presumably on the table are goaltenders Ilya Bryzgalov and Jonas Hiller, and young d-man Maxim Kondratiev. Oh, and don’t forget about the 2008 first-round draft pick Burkie’s holding in his back pocket. [ LA Times ]


“We’re not waiting on Teemu. We’re exploring other options. We just haven’t been successful. I called eight teams this morning, to see if there was anything going. I talked to, I think, 12 teams yesterday. I was in this morning at 6. That’s when I start working the East Coast teams.”

Quote: Brian Burke
Anaheim Ducks General Manager
Quote courtesy: OC Register


INJURY REPORT: it’s a revolving door…


- Todd Bertuzzi: out at least one week (possibly more) with a concussion. Thank you, Boogeyman.


- Todd Marchant: out with a bruised ankle after blocking a shot in the game against Minnesota.


- Sean O’Donnell: struck in the face with a puck during yesterday’s morning skate. He is not missing any teeth because of the unfortunate incident (thank you, Rachel). The injury does not hamper his ability to play, as he was in last night’s lineup with a swollen lip.


AROUND THE LEAGUE.


- Various players will now be skating around on heated blades. Why?! Um, to increase performance. It got a hearty endorsement from Wayne Gretzky... so hearty, he invested in the company that puts out the therma-skate. Wonder if any players that are on fire might actually catch fire? That would suck.


The man responsible for inventing the device got the idea from slipping and falling on his arse after heating up his tennies and slipping on the icy surfaces outside of his class. Interesting.


I may sound skeptical, but I guess I can only say one thing: I can’t knock it until I try it.


[ TSN ]


- Vegas, baby VEGAS! The NHL just may expand into the desert gaming area within the next five years. Who smells sports betting gaming conspiracy (ahem, Janet Gretzky)? [ TSN ]


(x-posted to Girl with a Puck.)