3/3/06 Anaheim vs. Minnesota

TONIGHT

vs. Minnesota, 7:30, FSN West 2

Site — Arrowhead Pond.

Radio — 1090.

Records — Ducks 27-20-11, Wild 29-27-5.

Record vs. Wild — 0-2-1.

Update — Carlyle says he expects his players to show him "a lot more skating, physical play and puck control" than they did in Wednesday night's game against Detroit. Minnesota, he said, has "some game-breaking players," including Brian Rolston, who has 24 goals and 62 points.

Like a bunch of college students returning from spring break, several of the Mighty Ducks, class of '06, missed practice Thursday for reasons that included a dental appointment (Teemu Selanne), doctors' appointments (Chris Kunitz and Zenon Konopka) and simply being too tired (Samuel Pahlsson).

...The day off should help the Ducks' two Olympic representatives, Selanne and Pahlsson. Selanne, whose Finland team won a silver medal, needed dental work after losing three teeth at the Games in Turin, Italy. Carlyle gave Pahlsson the day off because "he got the gold medal" as part of the Swedish team.

Kunitz and Konopka have had ankle problems. But while Kunitz is expected to play tonight, Konopka is not.

...Scott Niedermayer, who had knee surgery during the two-week break, "is back at 100%," Carlyle said after the defenseman's performance against Detroit and again at Thursday's practice. "He didn't miss a beat."

Carlyle was less definitive in assessing defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh's first game in three months after a stay in the league's substance abuse program.

"He was OK," Carlyle said. "I don't like to evaluate a player after one night."

Ozolinsh said he felt "a little nervous before the game," but added, "I feel great. My goal is to play the best I can for my coaches and my teammates. I'm grateful to be back."

LA Times (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-duckrep3mar03,1,5176234.story?coll=la-headlines-sports&ctrack=1&cset=true)

Who will start tonight?

must win? ... maybe not but lets not get swept by the Wild in our season series.

must win? ... maybe not but lets not get swept by the Wild in our season series.

I think it is a must-win now after the game against DET. Especially with SJ now hot on us.

this is definitely a must win...If the Oilers win tonight, and if the Ducks lose, then the Ducks will be 5 points out for the last playoff spot...and including tonight, the Ducks have only 8 home games left! the Ducks better witn their home games if they want a chance to make the playoffs!

Critical game - lose this and Oilers win and we might see Burke start dealing Carney & Salei.

I'm bored already.

All the games are important, but this one is hardly a must win. A loss tonight would not knock the Ducks out of playoff competition.

Friggin Minnesota. How you be so boring?

Anyway. I think we'll need 30 more points to make the playoffs. That means we can lose at most 9 more games. So, while you can't technically call this a must win, it pays to have beaten the teams below you when you come up against the good teams later on.

Too bad Konopka still isn't ready, this is one time when his presence would be perfect.

. . . Anyway. I think we'll need 30 more points to make the playoffs. That means we can lose at most 9 more games. . .

Applying the same formula to all the contenders:

Team/games they can afford to lose of games remaining:

Calgary 13 of 23
Nashville 12-1/2 of 22
Colorado 10-1/2 of 21
Vancouver 10 of 21
Edmonton 9-1/2 of 23
San Jose 9-1/2 of 25
Los Angeles 9 of 21
Anaheim 9 of 24
Minnesota 5 of 21
Phoenix 3-1/2 of 21

Viewed this way, it's an advantage to have fewer games left (fewer opportunities to lose).

Shows Minnesota and Phoenix are out. Also shows how very tight the difference is between adjacent teams, as six teams are within 1-1/2 affordable losses.

pre-game..

talking about how the Wild are a desperate team right now...they don't want to lose 3 in a row out of the Olympic break...it could push them to being sellers at the trade deadline.

Fernandez just re-signed with Minnesota by the way...

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=156998&hubname=nhl

Roloson is in net for Minnesota...Giguere in net for Anaheim (wearing new pads tonight)

Lupul wearing the visor tonight.

same lines as usual...was hoping Moen or Konopka would play tonight, we could use their energy.

Lupul wearing the visor tonight.

same lines as usual...was hoping Moen or Konopka would play tonight, we could use their energy.
Friggen Sasketchewan's running around wearing their visors. ;)

Giggy looks good so far -- no real tests, however.

first decent scoring chance of the game for the Ducks goes to Lupul...Roloson had the angle though.

Ducks going on the powerplay...they need to do something with this one as this is going to be another game with very few scoring chances.

PP looks good so far....well okay.

I like seeing Kunitz drive to te net with the puck.

0-0 after 1st period, no surprise there...zzzzzzzz

If it goes to the shootout, will Lemaire use the trap in the shootout?

What the hell is that 4.3.06 The Ticket is Coming?

The Ticket is FSN West 2 turning into FSN Prime Ticket, to recall the good old days and dispell the notion that West 2 is a secondary channel to West. I think they're moving the Dodgers to the new channel (or newly-named channel) also.

We can talk more about that if you want. Anything that distracts attention from this game is pretty welcome. Or, you know, whatever. How was your day? Anyone?

What the hell is that 4.3.06 The Ticket is Coming?

They are changing the name of FSN2 to FSN Prime Ticket.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-tvcol3mar03,1,6089052.column?coll=la-headlines-sports&ctrack=1&cset=true

On April 3, the day the Dodgers open the season against the Atlanta Braves, FSN West 2 becomes FSN Prime Ticket.

A marketing campaign will include on-air promotions as well as advertising on billboards and throughout Southern California and placards on the sides of buses.

Deciding on a new name was not easy.

At a news briefing this week, Steve Simpson, vice president and general manager of FSN West and FSN West 2, said the process took 1 1/2 years and involved focus groups that revealed there still was viewer confusion and West 2 still was seen as secondary.

Simpson said they also learned that the name Prime Ticket evoked good memories. It also would allow the two networks equal billing.

See? I don't need no stinkin links.

Or, you know, whatever. How was your day? Anyone?

pretty good...I'm wondering if the game will get any better if I have a few beers...first one has been opened...

:cheers:

haha highstick goal by Minnesota...that wasn't even close...ref waived it off right away.

Well, good win. :)

I was at the game last night, man was it terrible. I don't know what was worse, the fact that the game was boring, the Ducks seeming lost on the ice for long stretches of time, or those two five year old girls behind me screeching at the top of their lungs everytime the "Get Loud!" thing came on the jumbotron. At least Giguere played very well and we won, so I can't complain about that.

I was at the game last night, man was it terrible. I don't know what was worse, the fact that the game was boring, the Ducks seeming lost on the ice for long stretches of time, or those two five year old girls behind me screeching at the top of their lungs everytime the "Get Loud!" thing came on the jumbotron. At least Giguere played very well and we won, so I can't complain about that.

The 1st was bad, but I thought the Ducks controlled the rest of the game. :)

Yeah, I probably should have said that they were getting better as the game went on. I think I'm still a little deaf from those two girls, which is kind of making me a little grumpy today. But hey, a win's a win.

I was lucky and got a press pass for the 4 game homestand...

I was talking to Carney and Teemu after the game, wondering why they totally blew the first period in both games...

Carney said that the coach told them to be ready, but they just couldn't do it the way they wanted. Teemu said, that he is still feeling like playing with a hangover...jet lag and the 20-hour travel making him wake up at 4 in the morning, not able to sleep anymore...

that's it...it's pretty cool in the ducks locker room :) try to get Getzlaf tomorrow...I don't really understand why he and Penner are not wearing a visor, now that it hit their good buddy in Portland...

Salei played a good game, especially in the 1st period. Good to see Ozolinsh net the winner. Was kind of funny to see the Minnesota channel having the scoring chances as 10 to 7 after the 1st period. Maybe they are trying to convince their fans that there are scoring chances?

Columbus coming off of a cheap loss to L.A. I caught the 3rd period and the winning goal came while Denis had no helmut. It was knocked off well before the shot was even taken for the goal.

Salei played a good game, especially in the 1st period. Good to see Ozolinsh net the winner. Was kind of funny to see the Minnesota channel having the scoring chances as 10 to 7 after the 1st period. Maybe they are trying to convince their fans that there are scoring chances?

Columbus coming off of a cheap loss to L.A. I caught the 3rd period and the winning goal came while Denis had no helmut. It was knocked off well before the shot was even taken for the goal.
yeah and that genius jim fox never once pointed out the helmet came off.

yeah and that genius jim fox never once pointed out the helmet came off.

Yeah, all they wanted to talk about was whether or not Dustin Brown made any contact with the goalie. Never once did they point out to the viewers that the whistle should blow as soon as the goalie loses his mask. That was a dangerous situation. bad reffing and bad commentary by Fox and Miller.

cheap win by the Kings. Another goal by Avery when he commited an obvious penalty leading to the scoring chance (yet the refs missed it).

Yeah, all they wanted to talk about was whether or not Dustin Brown made any contact with the goalie. Never once did they point out to the viewers that the whistle should blow as soon as the goalie loses his mask. That was a dangerous situation. bad reffing and bad commentary by Fox and Miller.

cheap win by the Kings. Another goal by Avery when he commited an obvious penalty leading to the scoring chance (yet the refs missed it).

MD19, I'm surprised by your comments. You are usually pretty objective. LA's win today was NOT a cheap win - let's see what you have to say tomorrow after the Ducks play the Jackets. Perhap's I'm wrong, but your comments smack of sour grapes as the Ducks are chasing LA. I was at the LA game today. In the 2nd period, LA had a goal that was waived off by the refs. The replay clearly showed the puck crossed the line and was pulled out by a Blue Jacket player. For the record, I'm not an Avery fan, but I have to admit that the guy played a helluva game today. Some people just can't get past the blind hatred of Avery. He does/say stupid stuff, but the guy does indeed have skill. shakehead :shakehead

Yeah, all they wanted to talk about was whether or not Dustin Brown made any contact with the goalie. Never once did they point out to the viewers that the whistle should blow as soon as the goalie loses his mask. That was a dangerous situation. bad reffing and bad commentary by Fox and Miller.

cheap win by the Kings. Another goal by Avery when he commited an obvious penalty leading to the scoring chance (yet the refs missed it).

You know what's funny is that the same play happened to the Kings when Garon's helmet was knocked off as the puck went into the net. I applaud your objective call. :clap:

You know what's funny is that the same play happened to the Kings when Garon's helmet was knocked off as the puck went into the net. I applaud your objective call. :clap:

I knew someone would say that.

Garon's helmet came off exactly as the puck was going in. Denis' helmet was off way before the kings shot took place.

you watched the game you should know that.

MD19, I'm surprised by your comments. You are usually pretty objective. LA's win today was NOT a cheap win - let's see what you have to say tomorrow after the Ducks play the Jackets. Perhap's I'm wrong, but your comments smack of sour grapes as the Ducks are chasing LA. I was at the LA game today. In the 2nd period, LA had a goal that was waived off by the refs. The replay clearly showed the puck crossed the line and was pulled out by a Blue Jacket player. For the record, I'm not an Avery fan, but I have to admit that the guy played a helluva game today. Some people just can't get past the blind hatred of Avery. He does/say stupid stuff, but the guy does indeed have skill. shakehead :shakehead

Hey I'm venting I'll admit that.

I don't recall the goal your talking about though.

Avery was out of control though. I'll give him credit for burrying two scoring chances.

I knew something would say that.

Garon's helmet came off exactly as the puck was going in. Denis' helmet was off way before the kings shot took place.

you watched the game you should know that.

Were you at the game??? Denis' helmut was NOT off before Cammy's shot. What the heck happened to your objectivity today? You are normally pretty damn objective.

Hey I'm venting I'll admit that.

I don't recall the goal your talking about though.

Avery was out of control though. I'll give him credit for burrying two scoring chances.

Sorry for giving you a hard time, it was just very surprising to read your somewhat non-objective comments. I happen to agree with you at times. With that said, good luck tomorrow (and no, I'm not being sarcastic).

Were you at the game??? Denis' helmut was NOT off before Cammy's shot. What the heck happened to your objectivity today? You are normally pretty damn objective.

they showed about 10 replays and the helmet was clearly off. It looked like a scary situation almost like Denis was ducking from getting hit in the face by a puck.

Were you at the game??? Denis' helmut was NOT off before Cammy's shot. What the heck happened to your objectivity today? You are normally pretty damn objective.
His helmut was off before Camms even had the puck, I think your being sarcastic though :dunno: .

It looked like a scary situation almost like Denis was ducking from getting hit in the face by a puck.
Yea it was very dangerous, could of been a very ugly incident.

Yeah, all they wanted to talk about was whether or not Dustin Brown made any contact with the goalie. Never once did they point out to the viewers that the whistle should blow as soon as the goalie loses his mask. That was a dangerous situation. bad reffing and bad commentary by Fox and Miller.


They didn't comment on it because the rulebook supports the officials non-call.

NHL Rulebook Rule 22

When a goalkeeper has lost his helmet and/or face mask and his Team has possession of the puck, the play shall be stopped immediately to allow the goalkeeper the opportunity to regain his helmet and/or face mask. When the opposing Team has possession of the puck, play shall only be stopped if there is no immediate and impending scoring opportunity. This stoppage of play must be made by the Referee. When play is stopped in the defending zone because the goalkeeper has lost his helmet and/or face mask, the ensuing face-off shall take place at one of the defending Team's end zone faceoff spots.

MAN does this rule need to change. I don't care if it's a scoring chance or not, if the mask removal is accidental in nature, play should be whistled dead immediately. If it's purposeful - award a delay of game penalty or a penalty shot if necessary. That puck hits Denis' face and he's likely without an eye and/or some serious structural damage.

They didn't comment on it because the rulebook supports the officials non-call.

NHL Rulebook Rule 22

When a goalkeeper has lost his helmet and/or face mask and his Team has possession of the puck, the play shall be stopped immediately to allow the goalkeeper the opportunity to regain his helmet and/or face mask. When the opposing Team has possession of the puck, play shall only be stopped if there is no immediate and impending scoring opportunity. This stoppage of play must be made by the Referee. When play is stopped in the defending zone because the goalkeeper has lost his helmet and/or face mask, the ensuing face-off shall take place at one of the defending Team's end zone faceoff spots.

MAN does this rule need to change. I don't care if it's a scoring chance or not, if the mask removal is accidental in nature, play should be whistled dead immediately. If it's purposeful - award a delay of game penalty or a penalty shot if necessary. That puck hits Denis' face and he's likely without an eye and/or some serious structural damage.
I agree with you, similar thing happened to the ducks earlier, except the refs blew the whistle even though Anaheim had possession.

That's very dangerous, to avoid exploiting that rule, the ref should be given discretion and if it's intentional, automatic pp or penalty shot.

by the way, if you think Fox didn't say anything about the mask coming off because of the rule I don't know what to say. He NEVER pointed out the mask was knocked off the goalie.

You know what's funny is that the same play happened to the Kings when Garon's helmet was knocked off as the puck went into the net. I applaud your objective call. :clap:
Yeah, your very objective yourself chief, the only difference is the blue jackets scored before Garons helmet came off.

Anyways.

Once the Ducks knocked the Wild out of their comfort zone with the shorty they had to actually play hockey, not a strength of theirs. They slowly bled momentum from then on.

by the way, if you think Fox didn't say anything about the mask coming off because of the rule I don't know what to say. He NEVER pointed out the mask was knocked off the goalie.

Yes he did... right after the goal was scored, he stated that Denis lost his mask. "Now we have a goaltender again with his mask off.. before it was Garon, now it's Denis."

Yes he did... right after the goal was scored, he stated that Denis lost his mask. "Now we have a goaltender again with his mask off.. before it was Garon, now it's Denis."
ok then i'm wrong, all I heard him talking about was a guy being bumped into the goalie for about 3 minutes.

I just wanted to say that Gaborik's goal was solely because Lupul's *** got burned bad. Gabby gave him the "How's she goin'". And Lupul bought it.