The Pielmeier: Pielmeier named to All-Star team

With the string rapidly unraveling to the end and now today, all you have to do is pull it off of the cardboard support to end the quite full and odd year of 2009 and with the naming of the Olympic rosters; there's something else which lies with a Duck of a goalie; Timo Pielmeier was one of the four players of the Condors named to the All-Star team.Pielmeier currently sits in the top three goalies of the ECHL. While other Condor players currently play for other teams all four players are under an entry level deal with the Anaheim Ducks; those names include: MacGregor Sharp who is playing in San Antonio, Eric Regan playing with Condors, Dan Sexton and every Ducks fan knows who his kid is; Sexton is currently playing in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks he was called up on Dec 3 in replacement of the injured Teemu Selanne.

Pielmeier has yet to play in regular NHL game with the Ducks. Pielmeier is German born and was currently beaten out for the Olympics by fellow country man, Thomas Griess who is playing for the San Jose Sharks as a back up to Evgeni Nabokov. Griess' chances of playing in the NHL helped him win a spot in goaltending, or at least being a huge consideration has helped him a lot. San Jose has been able to showcase their German born goaltender in the "Big Show" Pielmeier was also the property of the San Jose Sharks but was traded to Anaheim for Kent Huskins who still currently plays for San Jose and Travis Moen who currently plays for the Montreal Canadiens.

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NOTES: While this has been short lived and not too up to date about minor league goalies major and exciting occurrences will all be written up about. Little media attention and the sporadic areas in which the Ducks prospect goalies play for doesn't help much either.

Hiller named to Team Switzerland

The Ducks are loaded with Olympians. Anaheim Ducks have seven players included in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics with hockey on the big stage and the main event of the Olympics this is a dream come true for players for any sport to represent their country. The biggest thing players need to do is not let the Olympics or any type of championship which displays their sport on the biggest stage it could find get to them. They can't let something like this bother them while the rosters are still being considered; this would not be the best for the athletes. It'd put too much stress on the player, it'd spike the heart rate, and it may get them over excited, too over the top which would lead to mistakes and take them out of the potential to wear their country's colors. This as the case most if not every player always states, this doesn't get to them they don't really think about it throughout the season. When they're chosen, the world is saying to them "you are one of the best, you're in the spotlight,but at the same time you're not alone. You're with some of the best players of your sport in the world. Your potential line mates, your potential teammates may be rivals in the NHL but they're your friends here" and saying "Some of those who made it into the Olympics; they're going to be on the roster of a rivalry country. It could be Finland and Switzerland. Russia and Canada. USA and Canada. USA and Russia, etc."

It's funny, the Ducks are near the bottom of the standings in the Western Conference yet look at the roster; we have the potential and having seven Ducks chosen for the Olympics; six currently on the Ducks roster with one young prospect is nothing short of amazing. It really shows the talent of Anaheim and being named will spark not only the players who were named but the entire team knowing their teammates are on the national stage; it's going to spark and set fire the locker room. Set up their confidence for the remaining of the NHL season.

Here are the names of the Ducks who made it;

Team Canada: Scott Niedermayer, Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf
Team Finland: Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu
Team Switzerland: Jonas Hiller and prospect Luca Sbisa.

This is several Ducks first ever Olympics including Perry, Getzlaf, Sbisa and Hiller.

Hiller has definitely made a name for himself outside of his country, where he was virtually unknown until the NHL had its second lock out and until the then Boston Bruins and now San Jose Sharks Joe Thornton. When the lockout occurred in 2004-2005 players went to play with different countries ranging from every hockey country in Europe to Russia to just in house teams in their home country and city. Thus, Joe Thornton packed his bags and flew to Switzerland and played there. Most of these players he played with while were big names in Switzerland the names never crossed the ocean to North America where the NHL's home lies. This was in the case of Jonas Hiller. Thornton carried Hiller's name over to North America suggesting him to the NHL. Hiller would sign with the Anaheim Ducks and a huge reason being is former goalie coach Francois Allaire who had trained Hiller since he was 16.

According to a OC Register article who interviewed Hiller he stated this:

“It was always a dream,” Hiller said. “If you grow up, especially in Switzerland, where probably the Olympics are bigger than the NHL because the national team is closer than the NHL. That was definitely one of the dreams, and having a chance to play for the national team in the Olympic tournament is great.”

On playing against his teammates:

“There’s going to be some talk,” he said. “I think everybody’s all excited. It’s great that there are that many players from that team going there. I’m excited to play with those guys and the best players in the world.”

Hiller will sleep tight knowing he will represent his home country of Switzerland and most likely be reunited with those he played with while in Switzerland. Every player named to their respective country's roster will sleep tight. Night night while those who weren't named to the roster had their hearts broken will definitely try to keep it away from bothering them. Hiller is also playing for a country who isn't exactly part of the Big Seven in fact Switzerland isn't even on that list. Seeing players like Martin Gerber and Jonas Hiller really helps spark something for that country.

There is a feeling in the air that Hiller will be named the number one goalie for his country.Hiller may even stun the world with helping bring a medal for his country pushing a bigger and more developed country out of medal contention; former Ducks goalie Martin Gerber has also been named to the roster he currently plays in Russia and had suffered a neck injury in which the Russians over stated it which is good in all aspects Gerber may be healthy in time for the Game; Islanders Mark Streit is the only other NHL player born in Switzerland on the roster he currently players for the New York Islanders. Let the Games Begin!


Team USA has yet to name their roster, but the potentials are Bobby Ryan and Ryan Whitney look for Bobby Ryan to be named to the roster and Whitney could possibly be named as a 7th defenseman for the US the roster announcement will be named on the air on Friday the first day of 2010 at the Winter Classic in Boston at the famous and currently longest standing baseball park and the home of the Boston Red Sox; Fenway Park's Winter Classic will have Boston's home team Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers face on NBC for American audiences. The American players nerves couldn't be any more fiddled with being their country being of of the last to announce their roster and to do it at the very well viewed Winter Classic.

Igor Bobkov helps Russia win over Finns

I've been a heavy watcher of the World Juniors this year; they're quite entertaining and very educational prospect wise. These kids are good whether they're on a winning or losing team. One of the major countries I haven't been able to watch, due to the fact that (either I missed it) it's not provided on the NHL Network Channel. The main channel for viewership of the World Juniors for Americans. The team I have not seen is Team Russia but I have heard about them.

Russia is a important team to watch; 18 year old Russian born Igor Bobkov helped his home country in the World Junior Championship slam the door on Finland. The Finns had a stellar come back 3-4 win against Czechoslovakia with two beautiful goals coming from the Ducks offensive defensman Sami Vantanen. This time around, Finland would have the door slammed in their faces as Russia beat Finland 2-0; a big story comes from Ducks prospect goalie who was drafted in the 2009 NHL Entry draft had 46 saves. Despite Finland having completely control over the game; Bobkov turned the Finns face down helping his home country in a 2-0 shutout win.

Official Article

Mishandling?

Not being able to figure this out is somewhat irritating. There was the mentioning of Randy Carlyle cutting back on the "If you. You're in" but he seems to being swaying back to that ever so slowly. Hiller played in the game against the Avalanche, then less than 24 hours later he played against the Phoenix Coyotes. The Ducks beat the Avalanche in a stellar game and a excellent performance by Hiller. At that time, it looked like Hiller was back on the ball not to say he still isn't. The Coyotes had scored 3 goals against Hiller and he seemed off of his game he was also tired. There was eight minutes remaining in the game against the Coyotes, and then there was a commercial break. Nothing out of the ordinary a commercial break is pretty normal. Something that had Ducks fans wheeling was the camera focusing on the Ducks bench, which showed Giguere throwing his legs over the boards with Hiller over by the bench and conversing with his teammate. Hiller had been pulled and Jiggy had played the remaining eight minutes.

The Ducks had already been down and former Ducks goalie, Illya Bryzgalov was on a pretty easy road to a shutout but with Bryzgalov, who wasn't really challenged made key saves when needed. Anaheim was in Phoenix when Bryzgalov had his fifth shutout of the season. The Coyotes fans were in for a real treat, a divisional rivalry has brewed between the Ducks and Coyotes, despite the Ducks not seeing them in playoffs much like the rivalry with the Kings/Ducks though the rivalry with the Kings is much more intense. As for the treat, long time player and the captain was playing in his 1,000 NHL game. Doan was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets and made the move with the team to the desert.

The baffling question impeding is how exactly is Carlyle handling this goalie situation? So far, as it seems he's not handling it very well. In the past and to this present moment; Carlyle seems very uneducated in the goalie department. Columbus Blues Ken Hitchcock has also adopted the "If you win. You're in" and basically told Mason, he isn't very good Hitchcock also had Garon in his office, along with Mason. Telling someone who is still raw in the mental department of the position isn't the best idea. The statement about Hitchcock just goes to show, Carlyle isn't the only coach not very educated about goalies.

The Ducks need a goalie and stick with him for awhile not bring up the fact that hey, J.S. or Jonas, you lost I just wanted to shove that in your face and you're going to sit on that bench next game, okay?
The Ducks lost to the Sharks Nov 26, 2009 and the Ducks are now 0-4 against the very heated rival.An intense rivalry, like a pot of water boiling over, as the stove hisses from the liquid hitting it as it streams down the cooking instrument.

Carlyle cannot handle goalies; he handles them too awkwardly, he seems to not give them enough room to flourish. It could be said, especially a goaltender like Giguere is very seasoned and one like Hiller should be pretty season as well especially considering his 2008-2009 accomplishments. In reality, it doesn't necessarily matter how long a goalie has played in the NHL to an extent, yes it does matter on how long agoalie has played, but to the rest of the extent no it doesn't. A major aspect is how a coach handles the situation, while with the older goalies it's "easier" because their emotions are as raw as a young goalie's (such as Mason) this still affects them. A older goalie will definitely want his No 1 spot and to secure it. If the situation is mishandled with a younger goalie pushing him, it can really rattle him. Pushing fans and media believing the goalie is arrogant and ignorant. As remembered the comment in which Giguere made had fans and media fumbling over one another like the crowds on Black Friday trying to get the hottest toy, of the year. Remember that quote? "I'd rather retire than be a back up goalie." a quote which Giguere came out and stated he was being quiet sarcastic about. The biggest influence to the controversy was the fact that he was coming off a injury when he made the statement to The (Los Angeles) Daily.

Giguere is an obvious goaltender who opposes the "Win youre in" mantra and Hiller, he seems not to be too rattled about it at least he hasn't made it publicly obvious, nor was it in some of his statements to the media. Giguere on the other hand as made it obvious he doesn't like the way Carlyle is handling him and Hiller.

Carlyle has made some very faulty choices in goaltending, the pulling of Hiller against Phoenix with just 8 minutes left, playing Hiller in back to back games, when his record clearly shows back to back games is a weak area for him. Giguere should of been in against Colorado with Hiller being in against Phoenix; he has an excellent career record against the Coyotes. Putting him in back to back games, playing him less than 24 hours apart is going to stifle his past history. Which clearly showed in those games. Hiller should of played aginst the Sharks tonight, considering his history. GIguere has 5 goals marked against him on the score sheet, but all those goals weren't his fault.

Jiggy and Hiller

Giguere:
He was traded to Anaheim in 2001 and has been with the Ducks ever since.
His son Maxime is half blind, he and his wife have him enrolled in Blind Children's Learning Center located in Irvine; his second son, Luka is named after his father.
He is fluent in French and English; French being his first language.
He would of been a police officer if he never went the hockey route.
His father was a prison security guard.
His brother is a police officer in Montreal and another of his brothers is an electrician.
His brothers and sisters and his self live within a 2 minute radius of one another in Montreal.
His parents basically mortgaged their house to pay for his goalie gear.
He is the least athletic in his family and was surprised to be even drafted in the NHL, he is the only Giguere child playing a professional sport.
He is extremely opinionated.
He takes every young goaltender under his wing, no matter what.
Hiller: "Giguere came up to me when I first came to the NHL and told me. 'Don't hesitate to ask me if you need anything, I'm here to help you' "
He is only the 5th player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy on a losing team in 2003.
He owns a Stanley Cup ring.
Last season's all star game was his first ever appearance in a NHL A.S. game. Despite his struggles, fans voted him in he was a high fan favorite. Which also may of resulted in the game being located in his hometown.
He was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the 1995 NHL entry draft.
He's the winningest goalie in Ducks history, he also holds the record for most games started, and the record for most shutouts by a goalie in a Ducks sweater.

Hiller:
He can fix anything his teammates go to him if they need anything fixed.
He works on cars during the offseason with friends in his home country of Switzerland.
He doesn't like the taste of alcohol and he does not consume any type of alcoholic beverages.
He is fluent in German, French and English. (Swiss) German being his first.
He likes to cook his best being fondue and he's said: "I think I cook good. Well, no one has died from my cooking, so I cook good"
He is one of the quieter more shy guys in the locker room.
He is undrafted and was recommended by then Boston Bruins, now San Jose Sharks' Joe Thornton after the lockout. Thronton and Hiller were teammates in Switzerland.
Hiller and Thornton a very good friends.
He was raised in Davos, Switzerland.
He highly respects fellow countryman tennis player: Roger Fedrer.
He is the only goalie in the NHL who wears KOHO protective gear.
His mask is the first mask to be made in Switzerland of an NHL goaltender. It is made by Tornado Proton
Hiller had a CT Scan to fit his mask and to get the exact contours of his head.
He generally has a longer chin drop on all of his masks than a majority of NHL goalies.

The Pielmeier: Timo Pielmeier scores goal

As a sidenote, I've been pretty bad keeping up on our minor league goalies but this is something that cannot be ignored.


Condors 6 Grizzlies 4

Timo Pielmeier scored a goal to seal the deal in Utah against the Grizzlies, it is his first goal of his professional career. Pielmeier scored it on an empty net who shot it at the length of the ice as he made it impossible for the Grizzlies to tie it up again with the extra man attacker. As if scoring to tie up the game wasn't impossible enough for the opposing team as they had less than five seconds left as Pielmeier scored barely before the buzzer sounded. Everyone likes scoring goals and for a goalie to score a goal is an absolute euphoric feeling. Just the look on their faces says it all and/or the extra spring in their jump they look like a kid in a candy shop. The Condors are currently the best team in their division and 3rd in the entire league.

Pielmeier and the Condors are having an excellent year; he is definitely a goalie to that the Ducks should consider bringing up if a either Giguere or Hiller is injured. We also have Justin Pogge who is the Ducks No. 3 goalie as he has come from Toronto. Pogge was called up as an emergency backup to Jonas Hiller when Giguere went down with a strained groin injury. Pielmeier has yet to be called up for the Ducks regular season game and Pogge has yet to play a regular season game for the Ducks. Anaheim is jam packed with goalies in the system and the best thing is they're all young, with the older goalies keeping them back in the minors just about all the Ducks' prospect goalies have a chance to make it to the NHL. Epsecially the ones who were invited to camp: Justin Pogge, Timo Pielmeier, J.P. Levasseur, and Marco Cousineau.

The question is who

The question is who. The Ducks have two excellent goaltenders who may have struggled at one point or another within the past two seasons; Hiller has struggled a little bit coming into the 2009-2010 season. Given, he did get a lot of breaks during the Columbus game with the defense bailing him out in certain situations, but the thing is in the record book it shows up as a win both for the team and him.Here's a knack, Hiller is a very good goalie maybe he did get bailed a lot in the game versus Columbus but he hadn't played for a long while in fact it waws just his 3rd start within 11 games. He opposed Roberto Luongo; who on Halloween in 2008 beat him in a stunning 13 round shootout but Hiller in the next shootout against the Canucks in opposition of Luongo would win. Appropriate for Halloween right? 13 rounds. As for the speaking of the game against the Canucks. Hiller made huge and highlight saves; particularly the second goal he let in should not of gone in that was a mistake by him, as it went off his leg pad into the net.

The Ducks are finally getting back together playing Ducks hockey. Giiguere emphasized that HE and Hiller would have to step up their play. We've watched over the beginning of this season to where we are now. We had nothing but pain and our hearts ripped out in different occasions from losing games, giving up leads because the Ducks would lay back; to the announcements of all injuries that from the beginning of this season to the current state injury wise. The defense still struggles but the day of Dec 8, 2009 someone, who never heard his name called during the NHL entry draft. Minnesota born 22-year old Dan Sexton was recalled. Undrafted and hailing from Bowling Green; he had no NHL experience under his belt. Tons of fans don't know who he is, and he's even in the low ranks of those who know his play in Canada because he's not a "Canadian Boy" in fact in case you missed the hint (of Minnesota) he is an American. Sexton has played extremely well and he has impressed, he set a Ducks rookie record. Sexy had 9 shots and he scored two goals. He scored them against Marty Turco of the Dallas Stars. Sexton's second NHL goal would be huge. Joffrey Lupul would score the first goal against Turco, a spark would fly. But something people didn't expect was Sexton to take that spark and ignite a fire under the Ducks. The Ducks were down three. Lupul scored to put the gap at two going into the third period and Sexton would get the next two including the tying goal less than two minutes left in the game. Saku Koivu would score the game winner as the second lien of Bobby Ryan Saku Koivu, Dan Sexton would strike again and again.



As said, the question is who. All during the summer there were heavy rumors about J.S. Giguere asked to waive his No Trade Clause and the rumor was confirmed that Giguere was asked to give a list of teams he wouldn't mind going to General Manager Bob Murray. Although the beginning of the season Giguere would be in rumors, purposing him being traded to Toronto which would send goaltender Vesa Toskala to the Ducks. While Hiller isn't in the media about being traded.(Edit on that) Hiller is in the media at least there's a rumor in the Swiss media titled 16 Millionen für Jonas Hiller? (16 million for Jonas Hiller?) In all regards, it's trying to be figured out if this is an extension contacted by Bob Murray or if it's from a Swiss League or a different NHL Team? I definitely believe teams are interested in him. In a technical spot light, Hiller is the younger goaltender and he has a lower salary which is one reason he was originally thought to be the No 1 goaltender and Giguere was to be traded away dumping his six million salary. Teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers are in need of a goalie, and now the Flyers have the second chance NHL career Ray Emery injured on a torn abdomen which required surgery to fix. Finally, Coach Randy Carlyle has eased up on his mantra "If you win, you're in" which has given both goaltenders more consistent play time lately. Hiller has yet to sign an extension with the Ducks because he is still unsure with a guy like Giguere in competition with him. Giguere is trying to re-secure his No 1 spot which he lost to Hiller last year.

With Giguere, teams may be less interested in him due to the mere fact they don't want to handle his high salary especially if the salary is supposed to drop within the next couple years. Giguere is also older which maybe result in less interest in him. Giguere Ducks wise is the face of the franchise acquired from the Calgary Flames Giguere came to Anaheim in 2001 and has been with the Ducks ever since; including helping the Mighty Ducks to the Stanley Cup final in 2003 against the New Jersey Devils and he would win the most valuable player award tje Conn Smythe Trophy just the fifth player to do so on a losing team. In 2007, the Ducks with help from Formmer goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov and mainly J.S. Giguere would win the Stanley Cup the first team on the West Coast and in California to do so. In the loss to the San Jose Sharks in which Giguere kept the lethargic and mostly unenthusiastic Ducks team kept the Ducks at a decent gap. Giguere played well against the rival Sharks in San Jose who got the nod as the team had traveled to San Jose directly after the 3-2 win in Vancouver. Despite the four goals allowed by Giguere but the Sharks were coming off four days of rest and the Ducks would be coming off a game less than 24 hours before. Against the Sharks, it was Giguere's 428th start with the Ducks. In total Giguere holds three franchise records in goaltending for the Ducks; which includes the most starts, the most wins, and the most shutouts. Guy Herbert recorded the first shutout in Ducks history in 1993 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Goalies would come and go as Giguere stayed who signed a No Trade Clause in 2007 after the Ducks won the Stanley Cup as he had constantly signed extensions with the Ducks throughout his career. Giguere was drafted by the Hartford Whalers, now known as the Carolina Hurricanes, then went to the Calgary Flamese and is now here in Anaheim where he has played for the last 8-9 years.

The obvious was Hilller's stellar performance in the remainder of last season and in the playoffs. You all know what he did and how well he performed in those playoffs, but at the same time you know the exhilaration against the San Jose Sharks and then the pain, heart wrencher against the Detroit Red Wings; two huge rivalries. A point that should be taken here is if Giguere does beat out Hiller for the No 1 spot it means Hiller really should go to a team which he can be starter because he is a goaltender who is too good to just be riding the bench. As said before, he is the better trade bait than Giguere in mere chance due to his pay and his age. Hiller would be a goaltender who would probably take a pay cut by a different team, if he were to get the starting role. The debate still falls in the uneasy hands of management on who goes and who stays. Right now, the goaltending isn't so much as a problem as the defense corps is despite them coming together.

We're still waiting for rookie Matt Beleskey to score his first NHL goal and for Kyle Chipchura to score his first Ducks goal and for those two patience and shoting more will pay off. Someone like Beleskey has come very close to scoring his first, but could not convert on it as he answered a question purposed by a fan "who is the hardest goalie you've faced?"

Bobby's response was: "Manny Legace he's always had highlight saves against me and I've yet to score against him."

and Beleskey said with a laugh "So far every goalie"



Emotionally, as of right now goalie wise I'm one who doesn't want to think about who's going to be gone but yet I'll analyze with people, ask them who them believe is going to stay; I completely make myself go blank on these answers emotion wise.

Jean-Phillipe Levasseur

Ducks prospect goaltender, who was born in Victoriaville in Quebec, 22 year old J.P. Levasseur has been thrown around a little, he was with the San Antonio Rampage and the Laredo Bucks in the 2009-2010 season. He played with the Laredo Bucks in Laredo, Texas. He leaves the Bucks with an impressive 10-1-3 (Wins, losses, Over Time Losses). He left Texas with a 2.35 Goals Against Average (GAA) and a .915 save percentage. The Ducks have two goalies who were named Goalie of the Month. German born, 20 year old Timo Pielmeier, who the Ducks acquired from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Kent Huskins and Travis Moen is the East Coast Hockey League's Goaltender of the Month. Levasseur was the Sher-Wood/TPS Goaltender of the Month in November of the Central Hockey League. Levasseur had a four game winning streak from November 6-13th in which were one goal games his record for those four games was 2.29 GAA and he stopped 215 of 234 shots, a .919 Save percentage. Three of his wins game in the shootout where he stopped 13 of 14 shootout attempts. This is something for the 22 year old French-Candaian goaltender; he joined the Springfield Falcons today November 14, 2009. The Falcons are in the American Hockey League, giving Levassuer a promotion between leagues. Originally, the Bakersfield Condors already had their goaltenders. Timo Pielmeier and Justin Pogge. Pogge was re-assigned to the San Antonio Rampage he had played for the Bakersfield Condors. Pogge was called up as an emergency back up goalie for Jonas Hiller while Jean-Sebastien Giguere was down with a groin injury. Giguere, who was born in Quebec just like Levasseur. Giguere was born in the well know city of Montreal. 20 year old, Marco Cousineau was also born in Quebec in St. Lazare. The Ducks have a knack for French-Canadian Goaltenders. Giguere, who is the all time franchise leading goalie and is also the face of the Anaheim Ducks goaltending. Giguere was traded to the Ducks by the Calgary Flames.

Levassuer has been called up to the Ducks within the last season to back up Jonas Hiller, as Giguere had been out of the line up for personal issues. Levassuer will now be playing in Massachusetts which is a big hockey state. As the state is home to the famous and Original 6 Boston Bruins.

Hiller


Jackets



Starting Goaltender: Jonas Hiller Opposing Goalie: Steve Mason

This is just Hiller's 3rd st
art in 11 games.

In the first, the Ducks get the first power play of the game Kristian Huselsis tripped up
Kyle Calder.

Steve Mason made a save as Marchant was looking for it but he got the whistle. Saved by
the whistle. Hiller made two great saves deflectiong both of them away. Ryan Whitney's
shot from the blue line hit the post crystal clear sound. Mason looked confused when it hit.

Hiller hasn't so much been challenged in the first few minutes of the period only about
twice.

Jared Boll and Sheldon Brookbank get into a fight, as Boll charged Todd Marchant; Boll stood
up for Boll but the penalty is even up as Brookbank got a roughing call.

Hiller gobbled up the puck as Vermette turned and shot it. Hiller robbed Dorsett with a glove
save, he aggressively moved off the line and gloved it off. Hiller is wearing new glove/
blocker.

Dorsett and Brown get it a fight a very good one too. Brown won it!

Vorcek spun and Hiller was on his knees as he was cutting off the corners and made the save.

Steve Mason had a shot on him from a pass from Perry to Getzlaf. Dan Sexton scores on a
rebound, this is his fourth goal in five games. Rebond game from Saku Koivu.

Hiller made another great save on Vorcek

In the 2nd,

Hiller has held all shots and his defense has helped. The defense has improved a lot frm the
beginning. He made a excellent save on Tyutin's shot. Hiller made another big stop on Tyutin
on the penalty kill penalty to Sheldon Brookbank for crosschecking Rick Nash.

The puck stuck to Hiller as he made a save on the Jackets.

Bobby Ryan scores as he beautifully stick handles it past Mason who was down on one knee.
Stickout out his glove hand but Bobby handled it left to right and into the gaping net.
An impssoible goal to stop for Mason. R.J. Umberger puts it past Hiller who was
caught half way at the corner as it went off his leg pad Umberger got it under the crossbar.
Hiller and the Ducks surrenderd the goal 19 seconds from Bobby's highlight goal.

In the 3rd,

Umberger hit the post and the fans thought they had a goal but they did not. The Ducks get
two penalties Koivu was called for tripping, and then before the penalty expires for Koivu
Nokelaien is called for hooking.

Hiller made a leg save as Torres tried to stuff in. Hiller holds the puck at his chest from
Chimera's shot.

Hiller made a huge save denying Torres on the rebound. Jan Hadek takes a penalty and gave
the Ducks a 2nd Power play of teh game tripping up Calder. And a beautiful pass from Ryan
Whitney as Perry has a one timer on Mason and buries it. His goal put the Ducks up 3-1.

Hiller made a glove save on the Blue Jackets. He wisely held on to it. Hiller went to play
the puck and was upended behind the net. Brookbank saved Hiller and helped keep the game at
3-1.

Hiller made a huge save as he helps lead the Ducks to their first regulation in a long time.
He helps the Ducks get their first road win since Oct 28 against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Quotes from Boys in the Crease: (Got his interview quotes best I could)

"Espicially after losing that game like we did last night it's good to come back. If you have some
good saves instead of goals against it really helps.....if you want to stop Rick Nash you
have to stop the puck."

Scoerers:

1st Period:

Anaheim: Bobby Ryan Assists: Sheldon Brookbank, Rya
Anaheim: Dan Sexton Assists: Bobby Ryan, Saku Koivu

2nd Period:
Bobby Ryan Assits: Ryan Whitney, Scott Niedermayer

Columbus: R.J. Umberger Assists: Rick Nash, Antonie Vermette

3rd Period:

Anaheim: Power Play Goal: Corey Perry Assists: Scott Niedermayer, Ryan Whitney

Ducks@Red Wings

Jiggy


Red Wings

Ducks 2 Red Wings 3 in Overtime

Joffrey Lupul was doubtful for the game as he is experiencing numbness in his leg The team
and Randy Carlyle beilieve it's a correlation from the injection he recieved for his
back spasms.

Since Giguere has the start against the Red Wings this marks his 427th starts with the
Anaheim Ducks he holds the franchise record for starts from a goaltender.

Power outage at Joe Louis Arena for the score board.

Wisniewski leaves the game after blockign a shot from a Niklas Lindstorm shot, which hit his
right anklle

The first period in which Giguere has faced shots he has blocked all the shots, and he has
come out far from his crease to cut down shot angles for the Red Wings. A goal is called
for the ducks past Jimmy Howard which Meech blocked and prevented from going over the
red line. It is reviewed by the refrees but the final call there is no goal but there is a
penalty. There is a penalty on Parros for goaltender interference after they reviewed it for
2-3 minutes. Bad call on Parros and there was no real reason ot even review it as a goal.The
refrees and linesman are losing sight of pucks and it's mounting to a ridicolus amount
around the league.

In the second, Giguere lost track of the puck in the beginning of the period, he had his
head turned but the shot went wide. Giguere keeps the Red Wings off the board as he punched
away shots

A pretty pass from Bobby Ryan to from the rookie Dan Sexon, who has registered the rookie record with two goals
on nine shots. Sexon had his first goal in the come back win in overtime against Dallas.
The pass was to Saku Koivu who tapped it in past Jimmy Howard.

Another goaltender interference call on George Parros. There was no point in the call as
Parros was trying to avoid contact with Howard. Howard threw himself back to cover the puck
but a rookie refree is in this game and the officials call it interference. The Ducks
yet again killed the penalty. Giguere had gobbled up the puck with a shot form Meech as the
penalty expired to Parros.

Justin Adelkader hits Corey Perry from behind a elbow to the back and Perry skates over to
Adelkader and they both fight. Perry took down Adelkader to the ice by flipping him. The
two exchanged punches and both get five for fighting. Giguere was called for two minutes, as
he had batted the puck out of play. Parros took the penalty and sat in the box.

Dan Sexton scores his third NHL goal and has thre goals in two games. Jimmy Howard had
kicked it in a huge mistake by Howard but somethinge huge for the Ducks and Dan Sexton.
Howard was caught off guard by the speed of the small winger. Sexton is postionally sound
and he shoots the puck, he has great hands as well. A goal Jimmy Howard would love to have
back.

The Ducks for the first time lead teh Red Wings after 40 minutes, the Ducks and J.S.
Giguere kept the Wings off hte boards and kept them 0-6 on the power play.

In the 3rd, Scott Niedermayer deflects a shot making the puck go high, he tremdously
helped Giguere on that one who was in proper position. A power play goal a turnover by
the Ducks resulted in the first goal past Giguere who was down the goal was by Tomas
Holmstorm. The penalty was assigned to Ryan Getzlaf for hooking, which wasn't really hooking.

Nick Boynton is assigned unsportman like conduct for two minutes this giving the Red Wings
eight power play goals. Giguere kept out hte puck which was going across his crease, a shot
from Leino. Giguere again made a huge save.

The Ducks went on another power player this makes the ninth PK of the game.

Giguere got a piece of the puck with a leg save from Tomas Holmstorm who tried to stuff it
in.

Former Duck Todd Bertuzzi angeled the puck in past Giguere just as the penalty expired. A
tough goal to give up. The puck went off of Giguere's leg pad and into his goal.A bad goal
let in by Giguere.

Finally, the Red Wings were called on a penalty which gave the Ducks just three power plays
A call on Kris Draper but the Ducks did not convert on the power play.

Giguere was out of position as Darren Helm attempted the wrap around; Sheldon Brookbank was
there to help Giguere. Giguere gloved off a shot as every save is vital for both goalies.

Stuart prevents the Ducks from taking the lead on the power play. Stuart knocked it away
with his glove. And the game again goes into overtime . Giguere made a huge save and left a
reboudn with a gaping open net. Pavel Datysuk's shot hit the side of the net.
For the tenth time the Ducks are on a penalty kill which slid into overtime.
Giguere faced an onslaught during the third period and throughout the entire game.

In overtime, Pavel Datysuk broke two sticks in the the same shift. And Todd Bertuzzi past
Giguere, who was down on one knee. THe puck went off of Giguere's shoulder and Bertuzzi
scored on the power play to win it for the Red Wings his second goal of the game, agianst
his former club.

Someone needs to check into the officiating of this game the Wings had ten power plays, and
coverted on four of them.



Scorers:
1st Period:
Anaheim: Power Play Goal: Saku Koivu Assists: Bobby Ryan, Dan Sexton

2nd Period:
Anaeim: Dan Sexton Assists: Sheldon Brookbank, Saku Koivu

3rd Period:
Detroit: Power Play Goal: Tomas Holmstorm Assists: Ville Leino, Pavel Datsyuk
Detroit: Todd Bertuzzi Assists: Brad Lebeda, Henrik Zetterberg

Overtime:
Detroit: Power Play Goal: Todd Bertuzzi Assists Brad Stuart, Henrik Zetterberg.

Ridding of "If you win. You're in" ?

Jiggy


Hiller


Coach Randy Carlyle is hinting towards ridding of the "If you win. You're in" theory, philosophy. Widely criticized by fans, Carlyle is saying he may change this, is he being brought to light about the fact that this situation doesn't work? Or is this just all talk from him? I'd like to know I'm one who has been widely critical of this "If you win. You're in" philosophy. J.S. Giguere doesn't seem to like it at all according to the OC Register Article by a well known name on his usual Quick Hits of practice rundowns, Eric Stephans. And as I said, Giguere doesn't like it, again he'll be criticized for his comments but lets face it; Giguere is very outspoken about things he doesn't like, he has shown frustration in his comments to the media but like said the reality is as harsh as his comments may seem to people they're true. I'd really like to know what Hiller thinks of this but he's such a quiet guy. It'd be a little surprising he said anything with Hiller, he likes the attention fans give him, who doesn't? There's nothing wrong with what Hiller likes about the fan attention. Otherwise, he's not much of a talker nothing wrong with that. He's lucky enough to play in a place like Orange County where for the most part, the media doesn't necessarily horde their professional athletes. Hiller has a very cool and laid back and quite personality it seems like most Swiss do.

As to Giguere's comments as stated before, things that he says to the media are true and I agree with him on his comments about this philosophy Carlyle seems too stubborn to let go.

Quotes from Boys in the Crease:

“If you keep going, good things could happen,” Giguere acknowledged. ”Sometimes a judgment call is more appropriate than that. I think at this point, Jonas and I have got to just take it one day at a time, not worry too much about the next game and just worry when you’re called upon and try to give the team a chance.”

“I’d be lying if I’d say it’s not in the back of our minds,” Giguere said. ”My mind anyway, I don’t about Jonas. You go into the third, it’s a tie game or whatever and you think about if you want to keep playing, you absolutely need to win. You can’t give up that next goal.


“It’s a good thing in a way because it makes you want to play well to keep playing. But it’s an extra pressure you probably don’t need at this point.”


Maybe there's a misunderstanding or maybe I'm too much of a Giguere "homer" to otherwise say Giguere's comments are down right blatant and are of blaming Carlyle, like few fans have said. (Just read the comments in the linked article) Giguere isn't a goalie to keep quite about something he disagrees with. I really wouldn't be surprised if he has gone into Carlyle's office and spoken about this whole thing with him. And surely, Hiller doesn't like for Hiller just because someone is quiet, and isn't so outspoken doesn't mean he has no opinion of it. I couldn't see Hiller not liking this. This has probably factored into Hiller's slight struggles, maybe he's not struggling maybe he just needs to adjust more but he sure isn't going to be able to do that with this "If you win. You're in" It doesn't help either goalie, like Jiggy said, the extra pressure isn't needed.

Are we going to see Giguere 3-4 games and Hiller 3-4 games? Some how unless proven further, I'm a naysayer about this. I hope I'm proven wrong in the game against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday (tomorrow) If Giguere is in then I'm going to choke in disbelief along with many other fans. A goalie losing by one goal, then benching him? Lets be redundant and repetitive here and reprieve this: It's absolutely ridiculous. 3-2 Sharks good bye Hiller you're on the bench, loss in overtime goodbye Giguere you're on the bench.

Did Carlyle stick his head in the freezer and keep it there on this "If you lose, you're out" or what?

There is high hopes of Carlyle ridding of this, lets hope Randy sees the light in this, because that's one thing the Ducks aren't going to get out of the woods with constant switching goaltenders. In fact, lets look at some of these games. Hiller and Giguere have made saves to keep the team in the game or keep from digging a deeper hole. Sure, there's goals they shouldn't of allowed, but to put all the blame one person is just down right dumb. Yes, there's been skaters who have been benched for their poor play but Giguere and Hiller are a lot more highlighted than a skater is due to their position. Something both of them and every goalie understands, when they decide to take up this decision. He or she knows, they're one of the biggest assets to the team. The Ducks need to win and that's all there is to it. And this "If you win.You're in" will not help. If it did help, why have the Ducks lost 5 straight and why are the Ducks in 15th place in the Western Conference? Randy's a little late to realize that his philosophy doesn't work either that and more likely, he's just too stubborn to put it forth the fact it isn't working.

Hey Randy, please stop putting a huge amount of pressure on Giguere and Hiler, oh and give them a chance to win give them a chance to actually get the ball rolling. You have NOT done that lately. Hiller did get a chance when Giguere was injured, he did get more "consistent" starts near the beginning of the season but give him another chance because really, you have prevented from lets see who is the clear cut No 1 goalie. So far, neither of them has really proved that, one because they can't. two there's struggling between both goalies and three this team needs to come together and the defense needs to learn how to play without Pronger.

Giguere....and the Sens

Yet again, the Ducks lost for the fifth time in a row and sit in 15th place in the Western Conference. How many times the words "Heart breaker" describing the loss being said by announcers or printed in papers is starting to get old. While the losses are disappointing the Ducks need to seriously get something done. The Ducks must get something done, before the hole is dug too deep and we're completely out of the playoff picture.

The Ducks lost for the second straight time in the shootout; the Senators would have the lead for a combined of 94 seconds within three periods.

Giguere who was solid for a good amount of the game but in the first he would let in two goals, one by Daniel Alfredersson, and Jakko Ruutu. The Ducks' Ryan Getzlaf and Joffrey Lupul would quickly respond to those goals by scoring on Brian Elliott. Elliott a goaltender who has never played in the Honda Center in his life, would quickly learn how weird the glass is and the odd bounces it has. After Getzlaf got a bounce off the glass while Elliott left the crease and the puck would smack right into the net. There would be no scoring in the second period from either team, but Giguere would allow a goal in the beginning of the third from Flip Kuba, 50 seconds later Corey Perry would score to again even it up.

In the third, a scary moment proceeded as Corey Perry had been up ended and his legs would fly in the air. Perry's leg would hit Elliott full on in the head and knocked off his mask. Perry, with a look of fear on his face would immediately get up and quickly turn to Elliott asking if he was okay. He'd alert the officials to be sure Elliott got the whistle. Perry's skate looked to skim the side of Elliott's neck; he'd remove his glove and run his fingers over the side of his neck a few times and then look if he had any blood on his fingers. Elliott would be very lucky and avoid any type of injury.

The game would go into over time and Giguere would get a shot in the mask, and he'd call the officials and show the referee his mask. Giguere had a very unhappy look on his face, the shot went off of Giguere's the side of Giguere's mask. His mask would be noticeably cracked in two places one right above the other just an inch or less apart. The referee would tell Giguere to wear the mask for the remaining overtime. No scoring would pursue and would move to the shootout. Giguere would allow goals from both of the Senators shooters: Alex Kovelav would score as Giguere came too far out to challenge him. Corey Perry would shoot the puck wide as he usually does Giguere would also allow Daniel Alfredersson's shot. Giguere would take the puck from the netting and slap it away in frustration. Joffrey Lupul would fail to tie it up in the shootout as he shot it wide and it smacked the glass. Elliott didn't have to do anything.


Giguere has never been a shootout goalie and he probably never will be one.


Boys in the Crease:

On the quick response by the Ducks


"We had a good game and some good chances," said Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere. "I like the fact that every time they scored, we stood up and answered back right away. There are more positives than negatives."

on the Ducks scoring chances and touching on the losing streak:


"It’s hard to stay positive some times when things are not going your way," Giguere said. "The reality is we’re not that far off. We’re right there. It’s a turnover here, a bad goal here, one play in one game that makes a difference. We just have to make them go our way."

Hiller's struggles

Here's an obvious factor, the Ducks are in a spot where they haven't been ever since the lockout. Making it twice to the Stanley Cup Final in 4 years once in 2003 where J.S. Giguere won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player but the Ducks would lose to Scott Niedermayer and the New Jersey Devils. In 2007, the patience paid off as the Ducks won Lord Stanley again with J.S. Giguere in net and his back-up, now Phoenix's No. 1 goaltender Illya Bryzglov. Around 2007-2008 season is when Hiller made his NHL debut. Bryzgalov was put on waivers and the Ducks got nothing in return to him. Phoenix just side wiped the Ducks on that. Bryz wanted a starting role but knew he couldn't have it with the Ducks with the likes of J.S. Giguere. Jonas Hiller also was a factor in the decision. A name unfamiliar to most until really, he pulled on that Ducks jersey over his head and showed what he could do.

In the 2007-2008 season, Hiller had a chance to shine to show wha the could do in the NHL. He did it quiet graciously, too. He quickly became a favorite in Anaheim and with the struggles of J.S. Giguere quickly became one who would be coined as the No. 1 goalie in Anaheim; not just by fans but by media as well. Hiller took the Ducks to beat the best team in the NHL and President Winners', a divisional and state rival the San Jose Sharks helping defeat them in Game 5. Then came a very heated playoff rival the Detroit Red Wings; Hiller helped the Ducks to Game 7 but would painfully watch Dan Cleary celebrate the game winning goal on his back with less then 3 minutes left in a tied game. As what Hiller thought should of been called Goaltender Interference he spoke with the ref, clearly distressed and trying to hold back the tears. As usual in hockey's tradition, he would join the handshake line but would have one of the saddest looks on his face and would barely look in the Red Wings players faces. His expression wouldn't change with shaking Hentrik Zetterberg's hand and coming up to a small goaltender Chris Osgood, the goalie who opposed him the entire series.




As the Ducks skated back to the bench at Joe Louis Arena, the Red Wings would celebrate and one of the most notable on the Ducks bench would be a crying Hiller being comforted most of all by J.S. Giguere. A goalie who knows what losing in the Stanley Cup Final feels like but also knows the glorification of winning it all.The Ducks would put the loss behind them and move on to a long off season and watch the remaining of the playoffs. Learning of a repeat with the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins the Penguins would win in Game 7 at the Mellon Arena.

This soon would bring the 2009-2010 season and the Olympics. The Ducks would win some games, but have a rough start in which fans hoped would only be the beginning of the season and would be given the product of benefit of doubt when they just dug themselves deeper and deeper in the standings the Ducks are the worst team in the Western Conference as of now. The Ducks have the talent on paper on the ice would continue to struggle, as the defense isn't up to par, fans would call this "The Chris Pronger Curse" who by the way isn't doing well in Philadelphia. The Ducks would continue to struggle offensively and at the beginning of the season, would see new faces with the likes of Saku Koivu, Nick Boynton, Kyle Calder, Steve Eminger, and Evgeny Artyhukin. The Ducks would also see a familiar face, Joffrey Lupul. Only Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, Teemu Selanne and J.S. Giguere would be best known to Lupul when he returned to Anaheim. It would also result in losing a huge and staple defenseman Chris Pronger.

With bring the 2009-2010 season would bring yet again another goalie situation, again involving J.S. Giguere only the the goalie is Jonas Hiller. Hiller seemed to get off to an alright footing and would save face for the Ducks from losing, or getting too far behind. This season, J.S. Giguere would still struggle but he has recently been finding his footing. Hiller would lose tracking in his footing; he would try to keep on his feet but some games would fall flat letting in too many soft goals in games he's started. A question which has been asked by people is; Was Hiller a one hit wonder or is he just in a sophomore slump? There are plenty of people who are writing him off right now. Such as Steve Mason, he had a spectacular first year and really should the likes of a future elite goaltender. Thus bringing a lot of pressure unto himself. Hiller was expected to come up huge the next season but so were the Anaheim Ducks. Hiller's struggles showed on the score sheet and showed in his play in games. It would also show in his body language and facial expressions. Looking more and more frustrated in himself but really in some of those loses should of been channeling his frustration towards a bad and almost unenthusiastic team in front of him. He allowed four goals in the loss to the Wild and two goals in the shootout an area which he usually is very good in. Hiller would first show visible frustration towards a teammate, Steve Eminger who screened him against division rival the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 of the Freeway Faceoff. Eminger was benched the next game. Hiller has not won his last few starts; he's been struggling on his stick side and he still continues to struggle on his rebound control.

Hiller would be widely criticized on his struggles by Ducks fans as was J.S. Giguere last season and the beginning of this season, as well all summer long.


No one would be more disappointed in Hiller than Hiller. He knows he's struggling and he wants to get himself back on track. With teammate Giguere finding his old self Hiller will have to really prove himself. This "If you win. You're in" isn't helping him in the least bit. In the likes, this is more like telling the goalie "You're a loser and you're noting toing to play this upcoming game, you're going to ride the high saddle on this one" it's like beating a dead horse, honestly.

In all honesty, ( I believe) Hiller will regain his footing, whether it be with the Ducks or with a different team. He'll be back to his old self and will regain his "Hiller the Killer" nickname from every fan out there. I had high hopes for Jiggy while he was struggling and I have high hopes for Hiller regaining his footing.

The Pielmeier: Pielmeier ECHL Goalie of the Month

Timo Pielmeier, who the Ducks acquired from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Travis Moen who now plays for the Montreal Canadiens and Kent Huskins who signed for at least another year with the Sharks. Goaltender Timo Pielmeier stayed in California NHL wise.

Today, Pielmeier is named the ECHL Goaltender of the Month, he has a 2.07 Goals Against Average .925 save percentage. He is 6-0-1; he was involved in the Condors winning streak winning four of five of his starts.


Pielmeier was solid in the Ducks Training Camp and one who quickly attached to Jonas Hiller especially since Hiller is fluent in German; Pielmeier was born in Dreggendorf, Deutschland (Germany). Pielmeier probably knows English but is most likely more comfortable in his first language like most people. Pielmeier was a future prospect for the San Jose Sharks, a team who has a gift at drafting goalies, but also have a tendency to trade great and upcoming prospects away. The Ducks were lucky to be one of those teams like said Timo Pielmeier came from the Sharks.

Pielmeier, 20, is an excellent goalie and he deserves in this honor of the ECHL for being Goaltender of the Month. Pielmeier ranks at number 9 for a goalie in the league with a 2.78 GAA. He ranks 3rd in the league with eight wins and just one shy of the ECHL lead.

Hiller....Kings (ever so hate...Kings...)

Kings 4 Ducks 3


Jonas Hiller was in for the loss against the Los Angeles Kings, he allowed four goals but a few of those goals weren't necessarily entirely his fault. Eminger should take responsibility for one since he screened Hiller on a long shot. The team in front of him also seemed lazy, and as he struggled throughout the first part of the game, the second half he improved but Hiller allowed a late goal from a shot from Jack Johnson and was deflected and tipped in by Brad Richardson. On JJ's shot Hiller really had no chance on it there was a lot of traffic between Kings players and his own team, Ricardson changed the direction of the puck and got it past Hiller who was on his knees; the goal was Richardson's first NHL career goal. At least one goal Hiller most likely should not of let in. Hiller had big stops on the likes of Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar. Kopitar, who hasn't scored within the last 9 games before the Kings entered the gaame with Anaheim. Hiller kept him at bay and extended his slump to a 10 game goalless streak.

The Kings goals came from rookie Scott Parse with a pass from Wayne Simmonds, who both extended their point streak. a power play goal by Justin Willams, Randy Jones had two.
The Ducks goals came from Corey Perry who is on a current 19 game point streak and a rare play and goal by Ryan Whitney. To tie up the game, Todd Marchant had a trash goal but the Ducks would take it.

As for the goalie opposing him? 23 year old U.S. born Jonathan Quick who was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2005 NHL entry draft, he was taken 72nd overall. He had a workload on him and he has for the last couple games he's started. While his teammate and fellow goaltender 27 year old Swedish born Erik Ersberg. Who has struggled this season. Quick, a young goaltender who if he can keep his play up will become an elite goaltender in the future. A goalie I've been watching since the 2007-2008 season when he had a chance to play with the Kings. Quick remains to fly under the radar within the NHL but has inched up on my list as a favorite goalie. Only he's a "floater" because he wears a Kings jersey.

Another reason for the loss against the Kings Hiller wise, he was cold. He was in for the one goal loss against the San Jose Sharks and Giguere got the start against his former team the Calgary Flames. Giguere was drafted by the Hartford Whalers (now the Carolina Hurricanes) The Whalers drafted him in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft 13th overall. Hiller has let in more than 3 goals in his last couple games he's started. Hiller has been struggling this season with Giguere finding his way back to his old form.

In addition, the Ducks lack defense and they lack in the D-Corps mainly because there's so many young defenseman, who haven't played in the league for a long time. This is also a result especially at the beginning of the season, the Ducks trying to find a way to play without Chris Pronger as well as with Francois Beauchmin. Offensively, the Ducks have improved but still struggle on the second line.

Hiller plays deep in his crease, he also plays on his knees a lot it's just his style of play, but he has a lot of top shelf goals scored against him when he's on his knees. Hiller plays a deeper butterfly style than Giguere. He has troubles on his rebounds and his stick side where he has allowed most of his goals against. Compared to Giguere, who plays aggressively and challenges the shooter and has left his crease; in result for Giguere going far out of his crease he has let in goals. Giguere is one goalie who has literally jabbed skaters with his glove to keep him out of his crease. A couple of goalies to name with the same tendency come from heavy rivals: Dalla Stars' Marty Turco and San Jose Sharks' Evgeni Nabokov.

Hiller is un-drafted he was signed as a free agent in 2007. During the lockout, Joe Thornton went to play hockey in Switzerland and suggested his teammate Jonas Hiller who before then went virtually unknown to NHL fans. A huge reason why he decided to sign with Anaheim, which ended up being a rival to Joe Thornton's team when the Bruins traded him to San Jose. Thornton was playing for Boston at the time of the lockout and the suggestion of Hiller. The Ducks took a punch in the stomach when Francios Allaire's contract ended after 13 years with the Ducks and he headed over to Toronto with former Ducks General Manager Brian Burke.

Hiller's play last year warranted him to have an excellent career and a favorite, he was also touted being the No 1 goalie over Giguere.

We're Still Searching

We're still searching for a No. 1 Goaltender. The Coyotes ended the Ducks three game homestead winning streak on Sunday in overtime. The Ducks don't exactly have a number one goalie just yet. Giguere has definitely improved, his confidence has sky rocketed and he had his first season shutout against the hottest team in the NHL in a 3-0 win over the Chicago Black Hawks, who went to lose against the Kings in overtime. As with Giguere, he has won three out of four of his last games he's started in. The Ducks have won four of their last six games, a sign the Ducks are starting to turn their game around but they still need to prove that they can keep winning, they need to prove; yes, we can win and with some losses in between we are out of this losing funk.

Hiller was benched after he was in for the 3-2 loss against the division and California (So Cal vs Nor Cal) rival San Jose Sharks. With the mantra of Randy Carlyle's "You Win. You're in" Hiller rode the bench, while his teammate J.S. Giugere stole the show and has showed he is back to the old form Giguere. When Giguere is hot he's hot. The issue still stands, the " Win. You're In" as I've stated in previous blogs and on Twitter I don't like it. Hiller being benched after losing to the Sharks, especially after just one goal shouldn't of had him benched. Take for granted, Giguere was able to show himself, to reveal the fact that he's back to form. Giguere also lost in shootout in the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on November, Friday the 13th. Giguere lost against the Penguins and Hiller was in goal for the overtime win against the Tampa Bay Lighting; where Scott Niedermayer would win it for the Ducks. Hiller would be in for the loss against the Sharks. The switching of goalies isn't helping either Giguere or Hiller. Hiller had one of the biggest chances to show himself, while Giguere was out on injury. As Giguere got healthy, he was in net but then would lose and would ride the bench then Hiller would be in and Hiller would lose and then he'd ride the bench. Doing this to a goalie may very well kill his momentum, in fact it does kill it. Win or lose a goalie should start the next game, especially if the game was lost by a goal or in the ever so controversial shootout. In Carlyle's case, it shows his lack of education within goaltenders. Not sure what either goalie thinks about this. There's certain things some players keep to themselves (unless you're name is Sean Avery or in a goalie's case Ray Emery) at least via media. We all know how much controversy the Giguere "I'd rather retire than be back up goalie" comment turned out to be. Hiller is a fairly quite guy, he isn't one who'd talk a lot and he's a lot more shy than Giguere is. And from what has been said; Hiller is one of the most quite guys in the locker room.

Here's another issue with the "You Win. You're In" we're going to continue to look for a No 1 goaltender, if the goalies keep being switched up. One isn't going to completely establish himself. He's sitting on the bench the next game, after he was in for the loss the previous game. This seems to make either goalie believe, not only does he have to bail out his team when needed but he also has to WIN in order to play the next game. Everyone likes the word win there's a blatant obvious fact. The needing to win and only win so he can play the next game isn't exactly prime time, great experiment but it obviously doesn't work, so why continue using that? Give both goalies, Hiller and Giguere at least 3-4 games, then go off of their performance. A goalies performance mattes more than whether he wins or loses. One player can only do so much in winning a game.

Giguere has been doing very well but was in for the loss against the Coyotes in overtime. Most likely Hiller will get the start against the Kings, again not goign off the performance of a goalie. Problem: Hiller has sat on the bench for four games, playing in a game and practice is a whole different manner. Since Hiller has sat on the bench for so many games his momentum which he had in the game against the Sharks despite the goals he let in shouldn't of gone in and was off of his mistakes. Though at least one goal my look off of his mistake but also came from the lack of defense in front of him just for a second; however the Ducks did outplay the Sharks. Hiller will perform his best and hopefully we'll beat the Kings. But if you noticed when Giguere sat on the bench for a couple or so games, due to Hiller winning. He also had trouble finding momentum in his own self.


We're still searching. Yes, we're still searching as this entire blog article has been about. For number crunching and on paper. Giguere has a better GAA than Hiller, but Giguere's GAA is in the goalie world mediocre. Hiller's is somewhat stomach churning in goalie language:

J.S. Giguere's record: 3-3-3 with a .915 save percentage and a 2.69 Goals against Average.

Jonas Hiller's record: 7-8-1 with a .909 save percentage and a 3.02 goals against average.


On paper, number crunching, for a goalie can be a little deceiving, despite on average how many goals a goalie lets in. The stats only show the negative side if his SV% or GAA is high on an average basis. It doesn't show how well the team in front of him performed, nor does it show how he performed in the game. Was he spectacular, Average, Mediocre, okay, horrible, terrible? Those stats don't exactly show it but those stats are mainly what hits hardest among many fans and stats aren't just that way for hockey it's in every sport.

Giguere's New Mask

If you've watched the last few games that Giguere has stared, which he as won all three including his first in a shootout against the Calgary Flames. You've noticed there's something different about him other than his noticeable play. He also recorded his first shut out of the season against the Team to Beat Chicago Blackhawks. Teemu Selanne had two goals and Nick Boynton had his first goal of the season and as a Duck. All three goals came on the once struggling power play. The shutout against the 'hawks puts number 32 in the books for Giguere.

The difference about Giguere? His mask, Jiggy has a new mask

This is also featured on the other side of his mask, there is a ref with his hand up, which may be calling for icing, he's hanging off of the silhouette of a palm tree there's gusts of winds blowing. Not exactly sure what that means, though.


Jiggy's new mask


Here is a comparison with with his new mask and his old mask, this is by someone who is on the Ducks boards The Duck on his new mask is more conservative than his older mask,but still is the tron duck as half of it. And has become his trademark white duck. The duck on his mask has always been intricate. Though his mask looks more conservative, it still looks mean; there's a giant screw protruding from the duck's neck which makes it look like frankenduck andblood dripping from the bolt.On the front of the beak and the head, there looks to be fresh cuts with more blood dripping from it. It makes the duck look even more hostile. The new duck still has the robot cyborg on one side but like said, not as much as his previous mask. He still has the Ducks D with the lighting strikes going to the back of his mask. He also has the names both of his sons Maxime and Luka on his backplate which is what I believe is the L in cursive you see in the first provided photo. On the chin of his mask it is the same I believe as his old mask, which has the Honda Center on the front with silhouttes of trees blowing in the winds, which is most likely representing the Santa Ana winds that Southern California Natives are used too. The right side of the beak on his Duck has is in black and white and the rest goes into color.

Justin Pogge re-assigned to San Antonio

Pogge



(Side note: I just wanted to take in a game fully watching so that is why there is no Carolina update even though I watched the game. Friday most likely no update but maybe, I'm most likely busy on that day or will come in too late into the game and just take that one in)

Justin Pogge


Justin Pogge has been re-assigned to the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League; the Rampage who the Ducks are sharing with the Phoenix Coyotes. Pogge was 6-2 with the Condors and he had a 2.69 GAA with the Bakersfield Condors. The Ducks have spread their players to two main teams the San Antonio Rampage (affiliate and of the Phoenix Coyotes) and the Toronto Marlies (Affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs) Pogge is a former player of the Marlies, when he was owned by the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs also drafted him

Condors Weekly

Condors

Well, haven't written about the Condors in awhile but here's the rise of the glass to the last four games, which were all won. I'm tryig to update people on the Condors, and J.P. Levasseur plays for the Laredo Bucks in Texas. It's the minor leagues it's not like get minor league hockey all around so like before all the Condors posts will feature a must-read link to get the full update.

Ducks prospect goaltenders: Timo Pielmeier and Justin Pogge have done well along with the team in front of them. A win is a win whether it's regulation or ovetime or a shootout.

J.S. Giguere First Win

Right when trying to get a picture of Jiggy (with my phone) he moved so it didn't come out clear. haha

March 24, 2009 against the Nashville Predators was when Giguere had his last win on November 23, 2009; Giguere got the win in a shootout, after the Ducks gave up the goal to Jarome Iginla with just 18 seconds left. Giguere's determination won it all in extra time. Teemu Selanne's clutch goal helped push the Ducks over the bump.

The Anaheim Ducks were coming off of a disappointing loss to the rival San Jose Sharks, who Jonas Hiller helped defeat and upset in the first round of playoffs last season. The Sharks won the President's Trophy for having the most points in the entire NHL.

Coach Randy Carlyle still continues with his system of "You win. You're in" Jonas Hiller was in for the 3-2 loss against San Jose on Saturday, this put in J.S. Giguere against his former team the Calgary Flames. Giguere was steallar and made spectacular saves, he kept out pucks which should of been past the red line. He saved 41 out of 43 shots. The Ducks would have a 1-2 lead but eighteen seconds left in the game, big winger and Captain Jarome Inginla for the Flames would score to tie up the game. The opposing goalie, Mikka Kippursoff was also solid for the entire game, the Ducks would score on him with goals from Bobby Ryan and Ryan Getzlaf in 1:08 between goals. The game went into overtime for five minutes but neither team nor goalie would let in a goal. It went into the shootout. Where Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry would fail to score for the Ducks. Teemu Selanne would have the lone goal in the shootout winning it for the Ducks. J.S. Giguere would stop all three shooters from the Flames: Nigel Dawes, Olli Jonkinen, and Curtis Glencross


Giguere would jump up in the air in celebration while Glencross skated off the ice. The entire Ducks' bench cleared and mobbed Giguere. Giguere, a goaltender who usually struggles in the shootout was very poised and ready for every shooter. As Giguere's name was announced for First Star of the Game the Ducks fans would cheer him on. When he was interviewed the Honda Center was nearly deafening with fans standing up giving Giguere a standing ovation. Kent French who interviewed Giguere would have to wait for the fans to quiet down enough to continue the interview. Giguere had the biggest smile on his face as he listened to the fans soaking in his first and much deserved win of the season.

With Giguere's performance this is the Giguere all Ducks fans are used to his solid play and his breath taking saves. The standing ovation had to make Giguere's confidence absolutely sky rocket and he'll most likely get the nod in the game tomorrow against the struggling and the 2006 Stanley Cup Champions the Carolina Hurricanes.


Quotes from Boys in the Crease:

"It wasn’t always pretty," Giguere said, "but we found a way to win. It was a big game for our team. It was a tough play at the end, but we answered back pretty well. We would have liked to win in 60 minutes, but sometimes it takes a little longer."

Flames@Ducks

Flames



Stolen. Absolutely Stolen game by J.S. Giguere. The combination of a very poised and confident Giguere and Teemu has won t he game to give the Ducks two points! Although the Flames did steal a point

Starting Goaltender: J.S. Giguere

Giguere started off very well, the team in front of him were connect.Giguere made a big save against Phaneuf.The "ref you suck" spread over the Honda Center, as Bobby Ryan had been called on a hooking call. He had fallen and his stick had been caught on one of the Flames players, but the ref called it on him regardless.

Giguere made, maybe go lucky save on the penalty kill, as he got a little too far away from the post and he had thrown her leg and pinned the puck against the post to keep it out of the net.

Glencross came across with a breakaway as the puck went over Nick Boynton's stick and onto the former Ducks' Glencross caught Giguere down in the butterfly position, as he put it on the top shelf into the net.

Bobby Ryan scored from a pass from linemate Corey Perry his 10th goal of the season, the Flames goalie Mikka Kippursoff, he made an excellent save and then the rebound as Bobby put it in the back of the net. A few seconds later, Ryan Whitney shot it from near the boards, he created a rebound which Ryan Getzlaf got for his fourth goal of the season.

Giguere made a glove save on Olli Jokinen as he kept the Ducks ahead in the game.

Phaneuf's shot went off the mask of Giguere, Dion Phaneuf who got a redirect on the puck, the penalty on Kyle Calder had just expired.Corey Perry fell on Mikka Kippursoff as he tried to avoid a Ryan Whitney shot.

Bobby Ryan's excellent back checking during the Ducks power play prevented a short handed goal. A great thing for Giguere.

Kippursoff robbed Teemu and he couldn't believe his shot did not get through Kippy who kept his team in this game.

Giguere steered Brandon Prust's shot aside as the Ducks fourth line had a very energetic and high intensity shift.

Jay Bouwmeester was robbed by Giguere as Giguere had been forced to come out of his crease, he made a spectacular save on the big name defenseman. Giguere made a beaut of a glove save on Mark Giordano from the point.

Giguere made an excellent save on Olli Jokinen and the puck went flying in the air, Corey Perry cleared out the puck.

Giguere made an excellent save on the Flames as David Moss and other players pounded away at the puck, he withered the battle in front. Giguere was pushed into the net and Giguere got a new stick as his stick had been broken during the battle.

Curtis Glencross had a breakaway from the Flames zone, he was robbed by a very poised J.S. Giguere.

Mikka Kippursoff starts a push and shove brawl as Corey Perry went into Kipper, he started swinging at Corey Perry, as he was down on the ice. The penalties were to Nick Boynton and Dion Phaneuf for unsportmanship like conduct, which have made it 4 on 4.

Jerome Ignla scores to tie up the game a tough break for the Ducks as the goal was just barely off sides but was not called off the goal came with 18 seconds left in the period.

Gigure made a leg save on Dawes. He makes another pad save on Olli Jonkinen. Teemu Selanne scores as he roofs the puck past Kippursoff. Giguere made the save for the win on Curtis Glencross. Giguere jumped for joy as Glencross, who has been a thorn in the side of the Ducks the entire game skated off. The Ducks bench came and mobbed Giguere for the win. This is Jiggy's first win of the season a much deserved win for Giguere, who should of had this in regulation.

As Giguere was interviewed he had a standing ovation by Ducks fans and applause, the fans were loud, and Jiggy has the biggest smile on his face. And thank you to TEEMU SELANNE for scoring in the shootout!

Scorers:
1st Period:
Calgary: Curtis Glencross Assists: Olli Jonkinen, Cory Sarich

Anaheim: Bobby Ryan Assists: Corey Perry

Anaheim: Ryan Getzlaf Assists: Ryan Whitney, James Wisniewski

2nd Period:

No Scoring

3rd Period:

Calgary: Jerome Iginla Assists: Olli Jonkinen

Overtime:

No Scoring.

Shootout:

Anaheim: Teemu Selanne

Lighting@Ducks

Hiller


TB



Quotes from Boys in the Crease:
"We’re not that far off. One game, one win and then your whole perspective can change and you move forward with confidence. Our focus should really be on trying to get that win tomorrow. It’s a big game for us." - J.S. Giguere




The Ducks kicked off with Eastern Conference game, the Tampa Bay Lighting, who have been doing pretty well. The Ducks host the Lighting on the first game of a 7-game homestead. Evgeny Artyhukin and also Steve Eminger are former players for the opposing team.


Starting Goaltender: Jonas Hiller

Final Score: Overtime: Tampa Bay 3 Anaheim 4

This was something different, as Coach Randy Carlyle started Nokelainen/Selanne/Artyhukin to begin the game.

The Ducks had their first penalty kill for tripping by Nick Boynton. Lighting goalie Mike Smith had an interference call on Corey Perry after he went behind his net to play the puck, he pinned Perry against the boards; talk about goalie interference right there (haha)

Hiller had no traffic in front of him as he made a blocker save.

Teemu Selanne scored on the power play which overlapped on Boynton's tripping penalty; the pass game from Corey Perry. As the puck was shot all the way across the ice: Hiller put his body over the puck.

Hiller made a closed butterfly save on Kapiler.

Hiller made an excellent save on Zenon Konopka to keep the Ducks with their lone goal of the first period by Teemu Selanne. Corey Perry barely missed as he tried to go top shelf on a falling Smith.Smith had stuck out his glove hand as he tried to keep the puck out, but the puck looked like it got more of the cross bar than it did of Smith.
"I almost had that" was what could be seen Perry seeing.

James Wisniewski went into the locker room after he got a shot off the foot. Hiller had made a pad save, Malone was tripped by Selanne, falling backwards as he didn't connect to score on Hiller who left a wide open net for Malone. What a lucky break.

Lets trade these goals: Teemu Selanne passed the puck to Ryan Getzlaf and Getzlaf scored on the power play.

Mike Brown and Tampa Bay's Konopka dropped the gloves. Kopnoka took down Brownie, who has his fifth fighting major of the season. Bobby Ryan was clipped by a stick in the face, which triggered a Power play for the Ducks on David Hale. It was a four-minute double minor penalty.The stick caught Bobby right under the visor and Hale drew blood on Bobby's right eye.

Bobby Ryan scores on Hale's penalty a power play goal as Bobby pulled the trigger to beat Mike Smith short side.

Hiller saves the puck to keep the Lighting on the narrow butter fly. Jeff Halpern scores, then Steve Stamkos scores on a very short time, 18 seconds apartt from Halpern's goal; Stamko's fell down he nearly did the splits and he has some great hands. Stamkos is 19 years old annd a big name young player. A highlight goal. Good god this boy has some great hands.

Hiller made an excellent save on Walker with a leg save it was all him that time. The Ducks play has improved from the road trip, but the Ducks gave the Lighting two goals.

Bobby Ryan has had the last three penalties in the 2nd period called for him by the Lighting, the second one, he completely sold it as he threw his head back to make it look like high sticking.

Hiller made a save with the puck in midair an excellent save on St. Louis, a highlight save, maybe he got lucky on that one but he did save it.

Update on James Wisniewski: He has a bruised right foot, but the X-Rays are came back negative, he may be on a day to day basis. Ryan Carter also is out with a bruised foot he received in practice for the second time this year.

The Tampa Bay giving out diving lessons Todd Marchant got a tripping call against him, as the Lighting player dove. Ryan Whitney got a piece of the puck on Alex Tangauary as it went out of play.

Jonas Hiller absorbed the puck aned he held on as Steve Downie got a piece of the puck, he prevents a goal.

From the blue line on the power play. Did Ryan Malone get a piece of that? Malone, regardless has not been credited for the goal. A bad goal given up by Jonas Hiller

The Ducks had given away a 3-0 lead the Lighting on the power play tied the game at 3-3. Mike Smith robbed Selanne as he had thrown out his glove hand and the puck did not get past.

Bobby Ryan didn't get a goal as it went off of the hip of Mike Smith, it was so close.

Jonas Hiller made a leg save on Andrej Meszaros a great save by him, Sheldon Brookbank made a smart play in front of Hiller as he had shot it to the cornter. An excellent leg save by Hiller with his leg. Hiller holds up the Kapiler shot as he takes it all in

The Ducks had a huge penalty kill on a Corey Perry tripping call. Hiller made a point blank save, as the puck was turned over.

The game went into overtime as the score kept tied at 3-3.

The Lighting's Ryan Malone took a penalty, which was a great thing for the Ducks, it was a cross check on Ryan Whitney.

Scott Niedermayer scores on the power play a much needed two points for the Ducks, the Lighting get two points. Patience paid off as passing was slowly made out in front of Mike Smith's crease. As they say it Patience is a Virtue.

Scorers:


1st Period:

Anaheim: Teemu Selanne Assists: Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry.
Anaheim: Power Play Goal: Ryan Getzlaf Assists: Corey Perry, Teemu Selanne

2nd Period:

Anaheim: Power Play Goal: Bobby Ryan Assists: Joffrey Lupul, Nick Boynton
Tampa Bay: Jeff Halpren Assists: Steve Downie, Victor Hedman
Tampa Bay: Steven Stamkos Assists: Vincent Lecavalier, Ryan Malone

3rd Period:
Tampa Bay: Power Play: Martin St. Louis Assists: Steve Downie, Ryan Malone

Overtime:
Anaheim: Power Play Goal: Scott Niedermayer Assists: Ryan Getzlaf, Teemu Selanne

"You win. You're in"

Sound familiar? Of course it does. This is what Coach Randy Carlyle and staff have said about Anaheim's goalie situation. One goaltender is in if he wins the game most of the time, if he loses he's not going to play the next.

Giguere.
Hiller.

Does putting in one goalie and then not starting him the next game work? A goalie relies off of rhythm. Hiller has starting more games than Giguere, especially when Giguere was injured. Hiller starting and finished every game. Justin Pogge was called up from the Bakersfield Condors.

Giguere has another year on his no trade clause (NTC) after this season. Hiller at the end of the season becomes a free agent. Both of them want the No. 1 spot but the situation is just pushing it. The goalie situation is burnign a hole in itself. Here's one way that it's burning a hole. Giguere and Hiller don't have a consistent team in front of them the talent is there but this team just isn't showing it. Another hole burning is neither of them have had a consistent start by those means, I mean they are constantly being switched up. "You win.You're in" system doesn't really work, it was something that was good to experiment with but it's not something what should be kept, start Giguere 3-4 games and then do the same exact thing with Hiller. This really shows who is who. Give the goalie time. Give this team time.

The goalie situation most likley isn't going to get any better, if Giguere or Hiller aren't started on a consistent basis. This makes a goalie unfocused, unenthusiastic, and a team losing, struggling in front of him. A team which is uninspired such as the Ducks; the question is still in the air: Does this help Giguere or Hiller with their confidence? Or does it help bring it down? It probably does help bring it down, if you've noticed both goaltenders are frustrated. With the comments Giguere has made to the media and with Hiller each puck that gets past him, he gets more and more frustrated. His body language shows frustration and so does his facial expressions.

We cannot stand to name a No 1 goalie if we don't give them consistent starts. A goalie needs to get into a situation, this really needs to help for both of our goaltenders. Both Hiller and Giguere came out strong in the beginning of the season, they did in the off-season, and they did in training camp. Also, in order for a goalie to win, the team in front of him must play consistently. Here's this, the season is still young and the Ducks have only played 19 games and obviously are on a current losing streak.

On the road trip, both goaltenders have had an equal amount of starts, they have had two games each and those games both goaltenders have gotten the "L" they're name has been put under the term: "Losing Goaltender" in the recaps of games.

We must change this, this team must step up, the goalies must step up. Both the team and Giguere and Hiller can do better. We need to win we need to take this one step at a time and we need to take in the right direction. Everyone does.

Come on, Ducks. We can do this.

Play for the name on the front not the name on the back. Lets go by Herb Brooks.