Game 80 GDT: Ducks vs Sharks

7:00 Kdoc

1-0 Ducks

Andy Mac from Pronger

why did DFC stop making the gameday threads?

why did DFC stop making the gameday threads?

I don't know but this is the biggest game of the season and we didn't have a gameday thread going at puck drop.

lines:

Kunitz-McDonald-Selanne
Penner-Getzlaf-Perry
Moen-Pahlsson-Niedermayer
May-Hartigan-Thornton

Niedermayer-Beauchemin
Pronger-O'Donnell
Huskins-DiPenta

Bryzgalov backed up by Caron

Giguere home with his wife and newborn baby.

2-0 Ducks

Scotty rebound off a Pronger blast.

Kunitz got away with a little interference in front of the net.

powerplay has looked good so far.

Joe Thornton already frustrated with the Pahlsson line. Takes a shot at Moen and is sent to the box.

You guys feel a little lonely in here? I'm to busy watching Lost to pay attention to the game.

Yeah what happened to our designated GDT makers, DFC and hockeyprincess? Do we need to assign new GDT makers?

:shakehead Kunitz shouldn't have done that. I'd prefer that we get our goals fairly.

2-0 Ducks after 1st.

about as good a period of hockey as the Ducks have played this season.

I don't know but this is the biggest game of the season and we didn't have a gameday thread going at puck drop.

oh I'm not complaining bro. Thanks for making one, love how you tell the lines right off the bat.

yay for 2-0 lead..
just came back from the gym.. hopefully we ca keep the lead

wow
great save by Bryz

Thronton vs Glowe
looked like a tired fight

Shawn Thornton end of shift fight vs Clowe.

Clowe responding to an open ice hit by Thornton on Marleau.

and the edge of the fight goes to who?

Booooo

and the edge of the fight goes to who?

Thornton

2-1

screened point shot...Bryzgalov had no chance.

Dipenta and Huskins... clear the puck.

That was on Dipenta for failing to clear multiple times.

2-2

turnovers...turnovers...turnovers...

2-2

turnovers...turnovers...turnovers...

Does it make sense to have our lame 4th line out there the same time as our 3rd defense pairing?

Defense and forward changes are the responsibility of two different coaches.

I listened to the game on the radio - awesome. Get home in time to watch for the 2nd period - crap. It never fails.

What are your predictions for the third period? What must the Ducks do to have less turnovers?

I just turned the game on and San Jose just scored. Why must the other team score when I just turn it on?

What are your predictions for the third period? What must the Ducks do to have less turnovers?
Not play the third defensive pairing as much?

Close one there for Andy.

Wow, now it's getting physical.

Damn post...

Omg...

Great goaltending this game... OT's going to be suspenseful!!

Uhhh... stick measurement?!

3 on 3

hahah I bet practice isn't this wide open.

I think that is a bush league move by Wilson

What a ***** move by Wilson

Wow that takes a pair to ask for the measurement. But it paid off for Wilson.

And just like that...

:biglaugh: :yo: :handclap: :D :clap: :razz: :dunce:
just call him Teemu McSorley

I think that is a bush league move by Wilson

Demers pulled in out the frickin Stanley Cup finals, so theres nothing bush league about it. dont you know cheaters never prosper? lol

Stickhandling way too much.

There were plenty of wide open shooters on that last push.

Demers pulled in out the frickin Stanley Cup finals, so theres nothing bush league about it. dont you know cheaters never prosper? lol

I'm just suprised, if the Sharks knew something, they didn't keep it in their back pocket for the playoffs rather than using it now.

I think that is a bush league move by Wilson

That was a genius move. He had an illegal stick. So if Randy called that on say Cheechoo, you'd call it classless too? Doubt it.

Easily one of the most exciting games this season.

Playoff atmosphere until the shootout...

laaaaaaaaaaaaame

At least the point is still there.

2 more points to go.

A great game followed by a bad shootout. Boo.

Well that was terrible...

hell of a game guys, gl down the road

Nothing like potentially deciding divisions with skills competitons! :shakehead: Oh well, all we need is either a win versus C-Bus or Dallas, or one regulation loss by both Dallas and San Jose.

Hey guys, Just wanted to say that was an awesome game...both ways, for sure. I'm sure we'll meet again later this year and it will be BRUTAL again. You've got a great team, but your ice is wrecked. But I guess that makes for even more entertaining games.

It was all Ducks until shoot-out.

1 point is great though. A win against CBJ and we'll win the division no matter what.

Sharks deserved that game. I wish I had seen the first so I might have some kind of positive impression. But I don't think I saw the guys even complete a pass until about 2 minutes left in the game.

What a ***** move by Wilson

Don't cheat :p:

This is so pathetic that they suck so bad in shootouts. My god Bryzgalov blows in shootouts. And seriously I wish Scott Niedermayer would get one F***ing chance in the shootout. Honestly those of you who are saying *****ing about Wilson's decision need to shut up, seriously the call was balsy and it worked. Props to him, he saved the game right there, the sharks had no momentum and he knew that they would lose at the rate the game was going, he took a chance, and it worked out. Honestly when the game counts this much, it's a bonehead move to even have an illegal stick.

Great game.

Great call by Wilson. SJ had to win. It was gutsy.

Bottom line...TS cheated and got caught.

You want a turning point in this game? Read above.

The Ducks had the mo and a pp heading into OT and I was confident that SJ would struggle to kill it.

What a great game from both sides.

Wilson had nothing to lose on the stick measurement. It was going to be 3-3 anyways you call it. I'm surprise more teams haven't picked up that idea to even the ice out in OT. Thankfully, the playoffs will be decided by a goal, not the shootout.

I'm don't have the best memory for these sorts of things, but I seem to remember us having an illegal stick call in the playoffs sometime. I can't even remember the circumstances, or if it was us who asked for the measurement or if a team asked for one of our sticks to be measured. Ron Wilson might even have done it. But we did get a powerplay out of it. I'm thinking it was 97 or 03.

I'm totally fine with Wilson calling it. On the other hand I can totally see why Teemu might have one at that time too, he was trying hard for the extra point on the PP.

When Teemu was on the SO, did he still have someone else's stick? Would it maybe have been a better idea to have someone else since Teemu would have been using a stick that's unfamiliar to him?

I'm don't have the best memory for these sorts of things, but I seem to remember us having an illegal stick call in the playoffs sometime. I can't even remember the circumstances, or if it was us who asked for the measurement or if a team asked for one of our sticks to be measured. Ron Wilson might even have done it. But we did get a powerplay out of it. I'm thinking it was 97 or 03.

I'm totally fine with Wilson calling it. On the other hand I can totally see why Teemu might have one at that time too, he was trying hard for the extra point on the PP.

When Teemu was on the SO, did he still have someone else's stick? Would it maybe have been a better idea to have someone else since Teemu would have been using a stick that's unfamiliar to him?

he probably has numerous sticks, i remember hearing that brett hull had 3 sticks, one said "pp" another said "5 on 3" and the other said "legal"

Good game. Disappointed with the outcome, but, meh, what can ya do? 2's the magic number, now. Hopefully we can beat Dallas and clinch this thing.

As for the game, good effort from the team. The third pairing kinda hurt us, and I really think we oughta put Jackman in there over Dippy if we meet again and in Dallas. I think he'd help out a bit.

Also, I watched the Sharks feed, and man, what a bunch of homers. I know FSN commentators tend to be a little biased, but these guys actually seemed quite heated in the first period. When Thornton got called for roughing, the PBP guy was outraged. Well, first he was outraged at our second goal, then he was outraged because the make-up call was too late (a goal had already been scored), and then he was outraged that Joe would get the penalty. And what's up with them calling him Joe? Jeez. And, McSorely giving analysis about an illegal stick infraction? Wow, is that ironic.

this is ultimate irony. McSorley is an announcer for the sharks, so that had to have brought back some memories. i wish i could hear what he was saying while that was going on

And, McSorely giving analysis about an illegal stick infraction? Wow, is that ironic.

Well, of all people, he should know about that kind of thing best. :D

I think that is a bush league move by Wilson

so cheating=not bush league and catching cheaters=bush league? Explain that one to me please....

On the other hand, I just wanted to say that this had to be the best game I've seen in such a long time, so much hitting and so much action end to end! Here's to a meeting in the WCFs! Good luck y'all!

so cheating=not bush league and catching cheaters=bush league? Explain that one to me please....

On the other hand, I just wanted to say that this had to be the best game I've seen in such a long time, so much hitting and so much action end to end! Here's to a meeting in the WCFs! Good luck y'all!Can you prove that none of the Sharks players had illegal sticks to me right now.

So random question. If Selanne's stick was legal, what would have happened? I know the Sharks would get some kind of penalty. But would it then be a 4-2 PP, would it be 5-3, or would we just get another 2 minutes after the original 4-3 expires? My head hurts...

It was all Ducks until shoot-out.

1 point is great though. A win against CBJ and we'll win the division no matter what.


And they dont have shootouts in the playoffs

So random question. If Selanne's stick was legal, what would have happened? I know the Sharks would get some kind of penalty. But would it then be a 4-2 PP, would it be 5-3, or would we just get another 2 minutes after the original 4-3 expires? My head hurts...5 on 3 i think.

Don't cheat :p:

Oh you mean like knocking the goal posts over to prevent a scoring chance when your defense was frenzied? Oh okay... just making sure. I think you meant, "Don't get caught."

Shrewd move, but Wilson played Teemu like all of the radio station are playing out Robin Thicke's "Lost without you" song. Can't blame him for knowing Teemu's psyche and abusing it. Smart check. Cynically funny, but it sucks though, cuz I'm a Ducks' fan and didn't get the extra point that could have occurred on the what could have been PP in OT for the Ducks.

Can you prove that none of the Sharks players had illegal sticks to me right now.

no, but if any of them did and you guys pointed it out I wouldn't be upset or call it bush league. Calls like that rarely ever happen anyways because it's so hard to tell, so either Teemu's was overly obvious or Wilson just had major balls and got really lucky.

5 on 3 i think.

You can't have more than 4 guys in OT, or less than 3 guys on the ice, so it would be an extra 2 minute penalty tacked on at the end of the original one.

Still 4 on 3 though. Pretty sure.

Nope. Two man advantage in OT is 5-on-3, just like in regulation.

this is ultimate irony. McSorley is an announcer for the sharks, so that had to have brought back some memories. i wish i could hear what he was saying while that was going on

It was hillarious, consdering how he got into how in crunch time(i.e. playoffs, overtime, and especially when both are combined), players should just go back to their normal sticks to avoid this. Spoken like a true expert on the subject, I guess.

100% it would've been 5 on 3. Seen it before.

Also, who cares about the illegal stick. TS was using it... Don't blame wilson one bit. :dunno:

Ducks played a girly style way too many times.

Dipenta and Huskins out there for both goals.

Rob Nieds takes ANOTHER hooking penalty. That makes what? 40 on the season? He is the hooking/holding master. It's pathetic.

Nope. Two man advantage in OT is 5-on-3, just like in regulation.

Edit: Nevermind you are right.

Nothing like potentially deciding divisions with skills competitons! :shakehead:

Could be worse ... the NHL could have chosen to settle games with a puck relay instead.

I don't know but this is the biggest game of the season and we didn't have a gameday thread going at puck drop.

Sorry guys, I promise I'll make the next one. Been so dang lazy, yet so dang busy. :shakehead

Anyway, disappointing game, but oh well. :dunno:

Nothing like potentially deciding divisions with skills competitons! :shakehead:

Yes, it would be much better if the teams played some sort of a league system and had like 80 or so games to decide the division titles... oh wait.

Wilson had nothing to lose on the stick measurement. It was going to be 3-3 anyways you call it. I'm surprise more teams haven't picked up that idea to even the ice out in OT. Thankfully, the playoffs will be decided by a goal, not the shootout.

Hopefully the regular season will soon also be decided by a goal instead of OT loss points and shootouts. Under the pre-2002 scoring (ties, no OT loss) we are 48-28-4 for 100 points and the division lead.

That was an awesome game to watch, and the drama over Selanne's stick only made it more interesting. It one of those games that really should have ended in a tie. Can't blame Bryz in the SO as those were two sick goals by Cheechoo and Clowe.

Hopefully the regular season will soon also be decided by a goal instead of OT loss points and shootouts. Under the pre-2002 scoring (ties, no OT loss) we are 48-28-4 for 100 points and the division lead.

But, it isn't, and we're in the division lead. Now, come playoff time, there won't be any shoot-outs, and word on the street is that out starting goaltender is pretty damn good in overtime, especially in the playoffs.

Freakin great game! Play-off hockey atmosphere right there. Great performance by the Sharkies on the road! Would love to face the Ducks in the west-finals. Massive series. Good luck to your team and I hope we face off in the play-offs!!!

Wilson had nothing to lose on the stick measurement. It was going to be 3-3 anyways you call it. I'm surprise more teams haven't picked up that idea to even the ice out in OT. Thankfully, the playoffs will be decided by a goal, not the shootout.

Had Teemu's stick been legal, it would have been 5-3 PP for Ducks in the OT.

ducks fans - what a sick game huh? shame it had to come down to SO, i wanted it to just keep going.

I'd be disappointed if the sharks don't see the ducks in the playoffs - it's just too good (even if i think we match up against someone else better - screw that..)

both teams bring out the best in each other and it's all around great hockey to watch. i'm still in shock.

Nope. Two man advantage in OT is 5-on-3, just like in regulation.

Weird? Thanks for correcting me. :teach:

Freakin great game! Play-off hockey atmosphere right there. Great performance by the Sharkies on the road! Would love to face the Ducks in the west-finals. Massive series. Good luck to your team and I hope we face off in the play-offs!!!

I go to state to, what's up?

Good game. Disappointed with the outcome, but, meh, what can ya do?
I know FSN commentators tend to be a little biased, but these guys actually seemed quite heated in the first period.
And what's up with them calling him Joe? Jeez.
And, McSorely giving analysis about an illegal stick infraction? Wow, is that ironic.
Just for clarification, I'm a Sharks fan.

It was a great game, no matter how you slice it. Both teams had chances to win in regulation (the non-call that caused the second goal pissed me off to no end, but there were plenty of other chances to score). Both teams played hard. Both teams got great goaltending. This is a loss the Ducks can take something from.

I was heated in the first as well. I saw quite a few uncalled penalties against the Ducks and only one penalty on the Sharks uncalled (maybe one or two questionable) while the Sharks got shafted on the ones that were called (mostly).

You gotta remember, Joe Thornton is the second of the family to be on the Sharks. When we had Scott, he was Thornton. Then we got Joe, and it would have been too confusing to call him Thornton as well (especially when they were on the same line), and time-consuming to hear Joe Thornton everytime (not to mention annoying). So, he became Joe to us and the announcers.

That is pretty ironic. I don't like McSorley, never have. Annoying as an announcer, hated as a player.

Just one last thought, don't call the Sharks or coaches of classless for calling out the illegal stick, it's classless to cheat, and I'd be disappointed in any Shark if they were to be caught playing with (or even playing with in general) an illegal stick.

Dipenta is awful...why is he still playing?

I figured this would be a good enough time as any.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Deyi408m3a8

This is a game the Ducks should've won, Joe Dipenta is the weak link on this team, he stinks he was directly responsible for atleast one goal. Carlyle made some weak line matchups, we would have offensive zone faceoffs vs Goc/Rismiller and he'd put out our 4th line with our 3rd d pair..after a TV timeout? WHY? The 2nd period turnovers did us in. As a group we played great for most of the game, though DiPenta was an adventure everytime on the ice.

as for the stick measure, it's legal but I am reading the AP write up, and the writer makes it sound like Selanne can't score without that stick..it's retarded. It's like pinetar in a baseball glove, it's not legal but it's an accepted practice.

There are no shootouts in the playoffs and games will have to be decided by actually playing a real hockey game, as long as we get 2 more points I like how we're playing for the most part going into the playoffs.

so cheating=not bush league and catching cheaters=bush league? Explain that one to me please....

On the other hand, I just wanted to say that this had to be the best game I've seen in such a long time, so much hitting and so much action end to end! Here's to a meeting in the WCFs! Good luck y'all!
I'll explain it.

It's an accepted practice, every team has players using illegal sticks, there are plenty of cheaters in this game, I love how this is being spin doctored into an OMG Selanne is a cheater discussion, there are plenty of guys doing it and anyone with a decent hockey accumen can see that.

In finnish league there's a silent agreement that nobody calls the refs to measure opponents sticks.

Every team has players that play with illegal sticks, calling Selanne a cheater is just plain stupid.

In finnish league there's a silent agreement that nobody calls the refs to measure opponents sticks.

Every team has players that play with illegal sticks, calling Selanne a cheater is just plain stupid.

No, it's correct. If Barry Bonds cheats in baseball, but 8 guys on every team cheats, is it stupid to say he cheats?

If you cheat, you're a cheater. How can that be argued?

No, it's correct. If Barry Bonds cheats in baseball, but 8 guys on every team cheats, is it stupid to say he cheats?

If you cheat, you're a cheater. How can that be argued?
Why should Selanne be villified for what alot of players do? Every team has cheaters, I suppose we should open up a giant investigation and start suspending players for having sticks a quarter of an inch too long.

Why should Selanne be villified for what alot of players do? Every team has cheaters...

For the same reason McGwire, Sosa, Canseco, and Bonds are villified? Why does Selanne get a free pass?

Bottom line: He's a leader on the team, and knew and understood that by using that stick, he could potentially hurt his team- regardless if other players are doing it or not.

He cheated, got burned, deal, and move on.

For the same reason McGwire, Sosa, Canseco, and Bonds are villified? Why does Selanne get a free pass?

Bottom line: He's a leader on the team, and knew and understood that by using that stick, he could potentially hurt his team- regardless if other players are doing it or not.

He cheated, got burned, deal, and move on.

:biglaugh:

You're comparing Selanne to Barry Bonds?? Jesus christ, even Dark Shark can't write stuff that bad.

True. Selanne got caught.

True. Selanne got caught.

Yep. Maybe the refs will keep a closer eye on his sticks now and it will adversely affect his performance. he is the one who said he NEEDED it because the ice was so terrible in anaheim.

Either way, great game.
He cheated, got burned, deal, and move on.


Remember when Patrick Roy used to regularly call refs to check players sticks? Who was it that he got a goal disallowed for illegal stick, but then the same player ended up scoring and saying "Is this stick good enough?"

Gutsy move by Wilson. Definitely wasn't Selanne's night.

Comparing a stick measurement to the steroid investigations is ridiculously ignorant.

The NHL already revised the stick rule this past summer. If the ice condition at the Honda Center is that bad, maybe the NHL needs to address the rule again. Players don't score because they have a wide stick. They find their opportunity, use their skills, and shoot for the hole. And yes...I'm talking about hockey.

The NHL already revised the stick rule this past summer. If the ice condition at the Honda Center is that bad, maybe the NHL needs to address the rule again. Players don't score because they have a wide stick. They find their opportunity, use their skills, and shoot for the hole. And yes...I'm talking about hockey.

This game has caused an outbreak of double-entendre.:biglaugh:

This is a game the Ducks should've won, Joe Dipenta is the weak link on this team, he stinks he was directly responsible for atleast one goal.

How does Carlyle justify skating DiPenta instead of Jackman? I don't get it. For the record, I'd put both goals on DiPenta even tough he didn't get much help from May on the second.

Jackman is injured. Back spasms.
"Ducks defenseman Ric Jackman, a healthy scratch the previous five games, was still suffering from back spasms that have plagued him since Monday."

If you cheat, you're a cheater. How can that be argued?
Quoted for truth.


:biglaugh: :biglaugh: @ the Duck fans trying to defend Selanne.


Helluva game though. Definitley would love to see a WCF with these two teams.

That was an awesome game to watch, and the drama over Selanne's stick only made it more interesting. It one of those games that really should have ended in a tie. Can't blame Bryz in the SO as those were two sick goals by Cheechoo and Clowe.

No game should ever end in a tie.

I kind of equate the illegal stick call to speeding. I do it all the time. Sure I'm pissed when I get caught, but I know I was speeding and have gotten away with it more than I've been caught.

No biggie. I just pay off the fine, go to traffic school and move on. Ron Wilson is just the cop you hate b/c he stopped you, but in the end he's just doing his job.

I'm sure Selanne has scored a couple goals for us with those "illegal sticks" when he was on the Sharks.

I kind of equate the illegal stick call to speeding. I do it all the time. Sure I'm pissed when I get caught, but I know I was speeding and have gotten away with it more than I've been caught.

No biggie. I just pay off the fine, go to traffic school and move on. Ron Wilson is just the cop you hate b/c he stopped you, but in the end he's just doing his job.

I'm sure Selanne has scored a couple goals for us with those "illegal sticks" when he was on the Sharks.

Thats the same way i think of it. No big deal.

Why are Sharks fans flooding this thread? Man, one shootout win and they think the own the place.

Why are Sharks fans flooding this thread? Man, one shootout win and they think the own the place.

If you noticed, most said what a great game it was and that if the two teams played, it would be a great series.

like

"ducks fans - what a sick game huh? shame it had to come down to SO, i wanted it to just keep going.

I'd be disappointed if the sharks don't see the ducks in the playoffs - it's just too good (even if i think we match up against someone else better - screw that..)

both teams bring out the best in each other and it's all around great hockey to watch. i'm still in shock."

Sharks fans have tons of respect for the Ducks.

:biglaugh: :biglaugh: @ the Duck fans trying to defend Selanne.

You couldn't find an actual post doing that so you quoted mine about DiPenta? :help:

using an illegal stick is probably similar to using a corked bat. i agree that tons of players probably use illegal sticks, but if you get caught its a consequence you have to deal with. i dont think its classless by wilson to call him out on it. if carlyle wanted to at the time he could probably request to measure a sharks players stick

anyways, hell of a game tonight, back and forth all night

You couldn't find an actual post doing that so you quoted mine about DiPenta? :help:
woops. brain cramp. i apologize.

Wild- It was not a cool move to bring up Bonds in comparison. SoCal has crazy hatred for Barry. Shoulda at least said Gary Matthews Jr! j/k

All joking aside at least this wasn't a playoff game, and this was a good exercise to bring further drama into the rivalry.

Every Sharks fan that had any personal interaction with Teemu knows what a good guy he is, but it was a lame excuse to say "you need it for bad ice" because everyone plays on that bad ice, but not everyone has a wider stick.

I think there are tons of guys with illegal sticks...

using an illegal stick is probably similar to using a corked bat. i agree that tons of players probably use illegal sticks, but if you get caught its a consequence you have to deal with. i dont think its classless by wilson to call him out on it. if carlyle wanted to at the time he could probably request to measure a sharks players stick

anyways, hell of a game tonight, back and forth all night

Exactly.

Great game. Otherwise.

Selanne got caught cheating and that's that, and I don't know why so many people are trying to justify it by saying "alot of people do it".

Cheating is cheating.

If you're not cheating you're not trying.

If you're not first you're last.

I like the speeding analogy. So he uses a bad stick, a lot of people do. Some even do it inadvertently, as say the curve may change to something illegal. But when you get caught you get caught. Pay the price, move on. And with the Shark's division title hopes on the line, props to Wilson for doing what was necessary.

And I agree with the sentiment that it would be great to see the Sharks in the playoffs. Just don't count your chickens before they're hatched, we all know how well the battle of Alberta turned out last year.

Exactly.

Great game. Otherwise.

Selanne got caught cheating and that's that, and I don't know why so many people are trying to justify it by saying "alot of people do it".

Cheating is cheating.

The first time you get caught with an illegal stick it is just as much cheating as hooking, holding, interference, boarding, crosschecking, slashing, etc. Why are you guys making such a big deal out of it? If he does it a second time in one season, it's a different story because that's when extra rules come into play.

Could be worse ... the NHL could have chosen to settle games with a puck relay instead.

I'd go for a fastest skater competition, at least we would win that more than half the time with our team speed.

GP

Hazy and Ahlers should apologize for jinxing the team. They were talking about 73% chance that the first team to score wins...and it must be even higher if that team scores the first two goals.

Whammo!!

using an illegal stick is probably similar to using a corked bat.


Uh...no. Corked bat in baseball=suspension. Illegal stick in hockey=2 minute minor penalty. As someone else pointed out, using an illegal stick in hockey is the cheating equivalent of a 2 minute hooking, tripping etc. penalty. The equivalent to baseball cheating would be something like a pitcher committing a balk.

I go to state to, what's up?

Notta. Watching the Sharks roll into the play-offs! Chico is a great town and a Sharks town!

I figured this would be a good enough time as any.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Deyi408m3a8

BLAAAHHHH. Classic.

For the same reason McGwire, Sosa, Canseco, and Bonds are villified? Why does Selanne get a free pass?

Bottom line: He's a leader on the team, and knew and understood that by using that stick, he could potentially hurt his team- regardless if other players are doing it or not.

He cheated, got burned, deal, and move on.
Yeah because a stick is akin to performance enhancing drugs, only someone clueless about the game villifies a player over a stick because normally no one gives a damn. But when someone gets caught there always comes the ZOMG HE'Z A CHEAT3R crap when in reality there are guys on the Sharks bench with illegal sticks, they are cheating too but I guess since nobody has been caught it doesn't matter.

Yeah i'm sure it's the stick that has scored Selanne 535 goals :biglaugh:

Ha. According to Selanne (Register http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sports/abox/article_1643808.php), Wilson asked for an autographed stick earlier in the year to celebrate 1000 games coached. He may have measured THAT stick and known that Selanne sometimes uses a larger stick. Although if that's the case I wonder if he should have saved that for a playoff meeting.

Let's just hope that Selanne doesn't take long to get used to having a shorter stick again. Good thing we got a couple of games.

Although if that's the case I wonder if he should have saved that for a playoff meeting.

I was thinking that myself. In the end it may have been the classiest move by RW to do this now than wait until the playoffs. He's telling Teemu that smart cheaters switch sticks late in the game so that it's a risk for the team that calls for a measurement as well.

Also the comment was surely tongue-in-cheek. "He's not my favorite coach anymore?" Who would say that with a straight face?

ok we have another big game tonight so I'm closing this one up.

The Sharks/Ducks arguments can end now.