Levasseur re-signs

Pre-Season. JP Levasseur

The Anaheim Ducks re-signed Jean-Phillipe Levasseur to a one-year deal. Levasseur  played for the Ducks' Eastern Hockey League (ECHL) affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. He has only played five games with Bakersfield. Where he recorded a 3.63 goals against average, .903 save percentage. Before coming to the Condors, he played for the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League (AHL) where he played 25 games and recorded a 3.59 goal against average, 0.896 save percentage. The Ducks drafted Levasseur, 23 (Jan  15, 1987) standing at 6'1 and weighs 205lbs; in the 2005 entry Draft  7th (197th overall)

Levasseur would most likely serve as an emergency back-up if either Jonas Hiller or Curtis McElhinney are injured during the time of his contract.

Ducks re-sign Saku Koivu
The Ducks have signed the Finn Saku Koivu to a two-year 2.5 million per year contract. Last season, Koivu stated that he'd like to stay and play with the Ducks. When acquired from the Canadiens Koivu became an instant fan-favorite, and he hadn't even stepped foot on the ice. Playing with very good friend and countryman Teemu Selanne, despite some struggles between the two. They are hard to resist to love. Who can't love the Two Finns? Teemu still has not made the decision whether to return as he wants to know what the Ducks will do for its future. Fans and Koivu hope to see Selanne return at least for one more year.
Patience is a virtue

Ducks Sign Toni Lydman:


On July 1st Free Agency in the NHL the Ducks looked up to shore up some defense. Signing Toni Lydman to a 3-year contract. Lydman played for the Buffalo Sabres recording 4 goals and 16 assists, giving him a  total of 20 points.

Though in no way, does just one play shore up the ever gaping veteran defense, specifically after  Scott Niedermayer announced his retirement.

According to Ducks GM Bob Murray, while he doesn't show it statistically he is an all around defenseman. Due to Lydman playing on the East Coast there are many fans who are not completely familiar with his play.

Bobby Ryan is a mess: 
Every Ducks fan has paid close attention to Bobby Ryan who is a UFA. Murray has said that Ryan and hsi agent have turned down every contract offered and Murray seems to want to take a break. Fans want Ryan re-signed, although with the situation fans are distancing themselves further from a seemingly fan favorite.Ryan was the highest goal scorer for Anaheim in the 2009-2010 season. Fans would be disappointed in Ryan but new Draft Pick Cam Fowler would be another person, most likely disappointed. When Fowler was asked about Ryan he was quoted saying "...Now I'm going to be at Camp with him"
 Patience could be in the hopes of getting him re-signed with Anaheim....but...Neither side has come to any sort of terms.
 (and lets leave the Bobby situation at that, K?)

Ducks sign prospect Trevor Smith
Smith, a center, played for the Islanders primary affiliate the Bridgepoint. He scored 21 goals and had 26 assists, a total of 47 points in 77 games. He was a +5.

Smith signed as a free-agent with NYI  April 7,2007, he scored his first NHL career goal against Mikka Kipprusoff in a 5-2 loss.


We could possibly see him in a Ducks jersey playing with the big boys, if a forward goes down on injury. Smith may be the player chosen, as the Ducks would want to see him how he plays with the Ducks style of play.

Joey MacDonald back with Red Wings


The Red Wings brought back their goalie Joey MacDonald Anaheim had him for less than a year ,and didn't see him play. MacDonald will play in the Grand Rapids.

With this signing from the Wings, this leaves the Ducks with a total of six goalies, one who will be playing overseas. Sebastian Stefansitzin will remain playing in Germany and Igor Bobkov will post likely start his first North American season with London.

Imported by the Knights

                                                                        Igor Bobkov with Team Russia

The Import Draft has taken place for the Canadian Hockey League. Players from overseas had a chance of coming over to play in the U.S. or Canada. Quite a few players are already drafted by NHL teams.

The London Knights with their 2nd over pick in the Import Draft and 53rd overall selected Ducks prospect goaltender Igor Bobkov of Russia. Bobkov was pretty impressive in the U20 World Juniors. He played six games and posted a 2.45 goals against average with a .930 save percentage. Pretty impressive numbers for a 19 year old. Anaheim will now be able to watch Bobkov at a much shorter rope distance once Bobkov is situated with the Knights. Not only is this great for Anaheim it's great for Bobkov as well, especially if he really wants to play in the NHL. Playing for the Knights will give him the North American style of hockey which is different from the Russian style, he's particularly used to playing.

The London Knights also happen to be the former team of Corey Perry which obviously means the Knights could very possibly have a very good raise of ducklings.

To give Bobkov this sort of experience as mentioned before will give him some excellent experience. Bobkov could very well be seen at Training Camp once the Ducks finally hit the ice at  their official practice facility. Anaheim Ice. If we don't see Bobkov this year. There's a high possibility that he'll be in Camp before the 2011-2012 season. Most likely, he'll play with the Knights for the 2010-2011 and as the Ducks have a short rope distance to watch him. This would serve as easier access to send him out an invitation to see how he compares with the other goalies.

Anaheim has a nice pool of goaltenders and it was an odd choice not to chose a goalie over the two days of the 2010 NHL Draft. In a way, this could be good because Anaheim is taking the risk of having a small pool of goaltenders. Tons of great goalies were taken in the draft, some very good ones before or after Anaheim's selections. There has to be some sort of confidence not to snatch up a goalie at the Draft.

Once Igor plays for the Knights, Anaheim will then have five goalies playing on a North American Team, and only one playing overseas. Sebastian Stefansizin is still currently playing in Germany. The Ducks also have to be confident in specifically getting an extension down with Jean-Phillipe Levasseur The Ducks have Marco Cousineau secured, as he signed a 3 year extension which would take him to the 2013 season.

The Ducks drafted Bobkov in the 2009 entry Draft with their 3rd round, 96th overall. There's such a controversy of drafting Russians, the fear of them signing with the rival KHL steers some teams away from Russians. Russians are usually a high risk but could very possibly be a diamond in the rough. There's many great Russians in this league who have highly succeed.

With Bobkov, he did not play for a KHL team he played with Magnitogorsk Stalyne Lisy, where he played a total of fourteen games, posted a 2.71 GAA and a .893 SP. Bobkov kept his stats almost in a similar manner playing for both MSL and the WJC U20.

The Ducks have kept an eye on Bobkov while he was playing in Russia but Anaheim has to be very excited that he'll be playing for the London Knights. Where he'll most likely have a very good season with. Where he can prove himself and have his name more widely known in North America.

Bobkov is the tallest goalie out of all Anaheim's goaltenders including both Jonas Hiller and Curtis McElhinney. He stands at 6'4 and weighs just 192lbs

Good luck, Igor  in your first OHL experience!

Drafted by Anaheim

Ducks fans flocked into enemy territory to attend the first ever NHL Entry Draft in the state of California. The Golden State, home of three NHL teams.

Many other fans flocked into the Draft as the event had been sold-out. Every California team was represented by a handful of fans.

There were players the Ducks wanted but were projected too high for Anaheim since the Ducks' first choice came at No 12. One of those players was Cam Fowler but before the draft and at the Combine in Toronto. Anaheim, as with other teams interviewed players they could possibly get their hands on. Fowler. While Anaheim wanted him at that time, they knew they'd probably never ever get someone like him. There was absolutely no point in even asking him one question. He was projected to go no lower than the fifth pick.

The issue was, at least for someone who was projected so high. Teams went up and selected their players before that the Dallas Stars chose bright-future goalie Jack Campbell, the kid who helped the USA, along with Fowler, win gold at the World Juniors.  Fowler on the otherhand just sat there as his name was passed up 11 times. In the first slot, the Edmonton Oilers chose Taylor Hall a teammate of Fowler's of the Memorial Cup winning team. The Windsor Spitfires. Excited for his teammate Fowler clapped and was really happy for Hall.

After not hearing his name 11 times. The Anaheim Ducks, who were welcomed up to the stage with a mix of load boos from Kings fans and cheers from the Ducks.

"The Anaheim Ducks are proud to select from Northville, Michigan Cam Fowler"

Fowler walked up to the stage in a cascade of boos and some cheers. Gary Bettman was up on stage as usual and met Fowler at the stairs and told Fowler " Now you know you're part of a great rivalry. Welcome to the NHL. Congratulations."

Fowler responded with a "yeah" and proceeded up the stage to shake everyone's hands. Including Scott Niedermayer's hand, who he idolized while growing up. Fowler also received his first NHL jersey from his hero. In an interview conducted by the NHL/Ducks Fowler said after shaking Niedermayer's hand. He kind of blacked out and everything went on from there. Again Fowler was welcomed into the NHL with loud boos from Kings and cheers once Ducks fans actually realized that fantasy turned into reality and Fowler was officially wearing a Ducks jersey. .

NHL teams usually make pre-made name tags up for players they think they can get. Then attach it to the back of the jersey with Velcro. Anaheim did not have this available for Fowler as he fell to No 12 for one reason or another.

Scotty will serve as a mentor to Fowler to help him improve his game and become a full-time NHL player.

The next pick wasn't until No 29 from Philadelphia for Anaheim. Again the   Ducks struck big, when Emerson Etem a local kid born and raised in Long Beach fell. Etem asked "What did they forget about me?"  Etem grew up a Kings fan and was disappointed when Los Angeles had passed him up. Anaheim chose the local boy, as Murray had stood up at the podium and said

"Anaheim Ducks are proud to present form Long Beach, California Emerson Etem"

When Murray reached Long Beach it was barely audible from there on. Etem had countless of supporters with him and the Staples Center went wild as a local team chose a local kid. Even a Sharks fan turned around and congratulated him as he was walking down to the stage.

Unlike Fowler, Etem knows the rivalry between the Ducks and Kings really well. Etem, who won't be much of a Kings fan sooner than later will have a lot of fun playing against the team he grew up with. Despite living just 20 minutes away from the Honda Center; he has never stepped foot into The Pond.

With Fowler as said, he definitely had a taste of the rivalry between the two teams. Though if Fowler had connections with the organization. He most likely knew some of the rivalry between the two teams but really got a taste of it at the Draft.

On the 2nd day. Anaheim chose with their 3rd overall pick and 42nd overall. Devante Smith-Pelly a player who likes to finish his checks. Anaheim traded away Mike Brown to Toronto for Toronto's 122nd Draft pick and chose Chris Wagner a defenseman who was passed over in the 2009 Draft.

Anaheim took Tim Heed with their 5th 132nd overall, 6th pick 161st overall Andreas Dahlstorm, 7th pick 177th overall Kevin Lind, and with their final pick, as their 8th choice and 192nd overall Brett Perlini.

Anaheim did not chose a goalie in the 2010 Draft which may indicate that the management didn't necessarily feel a big need for a gate keeper. The Ducks currently have six goalies in the pool all though two are Free Agents. J.P Levasseur who the Ducks qualified along with Bobby Ryan, Brendan Mikkelson, Shawn Weller, and Bobby Bolt. Anaheim is working on an extension with Leveassuer and are positive on re-signing  Ryan.. Levasseur is a UFA and Joey MacDonald is also a free agent, I believe a RFA?

The Ducks also put Nathan Oystrick on waivers if Oystrick does not clear the Ducks could buy him out.

Anaheim at the 2010 Entry Draft Chose five Forwards and three Defenseman:

Defense:
Cam Fowler
Tim Heed
Kevin Lind

Forwards:
Emerson Etem
Devante Smith-Pelly
Christopher Wagner
Andreas Dahlstorm
Brett Perlini

Less weight to carry for Hiller

Jonas Hiller

In April I wrote "Look for an Improved Hiller"

There have been people I've talked to who said Hiller didn't play very well last season. One of the main situations like I said in the April entry was the whole "You Win. You're in" by Anaheim's head coach Randy Carlyle; as one who hasn't been a fan of that since it started.

The goalie situation seems to be taken care of after J.S. Giguere was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Vesa Toskala. The only thing that the constant switching of goalies succeeded was basically nothing. The team in front of a goaltender played poorly while so many people say, 'oh just because a team played poorly he still should of had more saves.' Obviously there's saves a goalie should of made which could of changed a game in a win or at least helped. For the most part goalies can't score and they aren't skating on that ice that is set between and the opposing goalie. They're not skating down ice to 'crash the net'  or put the puck in the back of it. Goalies also rely off of their defense. Obvious factor is goalies are a big part of their team.  The "Win and you're in" punished the goalie.

One game Jiggy would be in net and then the Ducks would go home with a loss the next game Hiller was in. Then the Ducks would go home with a loss. RC could of handled the situation better. The fact that a either Hiller or Jiggy went in having to win. Winning is one of the best things in the world but RC made winning as if it were a force, like a parent who calls their child a failure if they don't get first place in everything; calls them a failure if they loose even one thing. Pushes too hard. Winning seemed more of task to each goalie than a want. Neither goalie could do anything about the team who didn't really do too much to win. At times seemed like they didn't even care. They could say something to help as a force for their teammates to win.

The issue is putting a goalie in for one game then benching him for the next because of a loss doesn't exactly help his confidence. If the team in front of them doesn't seem to want to win he'll start to lose that too. Constantly switching a goalie on a team doesn't "shake up" a team either. Professional athletes should be equipped for anything, that's why they're professional. Right? In a way yes but for the most part, no. Professional athletes are just as much human as we are (they just get paid millions for playing sports)
Changing the goalie would just confuse the team and need to 'change their game up a little' since every goalie plays a little differently. This in a way could interrupt a team in its play. Especially if they don't know who will be in net. Which is what Carlyle did at times, no one knew who was going to be in net that night.

The constant switching of the guard for each game is tantalizing to the goalie because it doesn't give him time to get on a roll. Sure, a goalie will be in net not perform up to what is expected of him and most of all up to his standards but at the same time gives his best effort despite struggling then he's benched the very next game won't give him any sort of consistency. As said before, it was like a parent calling their child a failure if they didn't win every single game, which is futile, setting expectations too high. If a goalie can't get the grip of his play then he'd perform worse than he knows he can.

Carlyle pretended to give Hiller some steady starts benching Jiggy for long periods of times. Giving Hiller at times too much play. While he was obviously exhausted from playing less than 24 hours later in a back to back games. Hiller did get his 30 wins but Carlyle could of made that road a little easier. While to give the benefit of the doubt to Carlyle, the goalie situation with two competitive goalies could be a taunting task. Carlyle just should of figured out a better way to handle both of his goalies. As in giving a goalie a few starts and letting him know he'd be starting instead of waiting at most the night before a game. If either Hiller or Jiggy had struggled mightily then bench him. Not punish him for one loss or pretend to give him some steady starts, then replacing him a couple games later because of a loss. Even if he performed fairly well.

Hiller was played too much near the end of the season. While his performance level went up slightly after Giguere was traded. Carlyle gave some sort of refusal to play Toskala which would of given Hiller a little more rest directly after the Olympics. Where Hiller admitted it was both mentally and physically tiring after the Games. When the Ducks finally acquired Curtis McElhinney. Hiller did get some much needed rest and it also helped improve McElhinney after playing very little behind star goalie Mikka Kipprusoff. 


Next season though should be a lot less weight on the shoulders of Hiller. Which means he'll perform a lot better. Since the season ended, I've always thought that Hiller would be back to himself for the 2010-2011 season. While no spot is guaranteed until camp is over. The expectation is Hiller will be the official No 1 goaltender and McElhinney knows his role as a back-up goalie. No more confusing a goalie or poor mishandling by coaching staff. Ducks now have a No 1 and No 1B goaltender.

Goodbye Scotty

The Ducks season ended on a nice win against the Edmonton Oilers 7-2 win Before the game, fans lined the glass as usual to watch their team take the ice for warm-ups. Only this time,  signs were pressed against the glass and at least 95% of them were directed towards Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer "One More Year" 

"Thank you Scotty and Teemu" " Thank you 27 and 8" so many different signs. Fans came out to the last game of the season to support their favorite hockey team. Even if every fan there knew that the Ducks didn't make the playoffs. Last time Anaheim missed the playoffs was in 2005. What fans really wanted to see was their Ducks play one last game before summer. Fans wanted to see two player, who the were unsure of that would return for next season. With the popular social media Twitter a source so many rely to get instant updates of. Twitter accounts told fans that there will be a official meeting at Honda Center with Niedermayer at 1pm Pacific. Before  that Ducks fans read something they didn't want to really hear: Eric Stephans of the Orange County Register confirmed that Niedermayer was going to retire today. At 1pm Scotty announced his retirement 

"After plenty of reflection, I’m here to announce that I retire from professional hockey." Scotty kept the tears back when he was announcing his retirement but he really started to break when he was thanking his family. 

Scotty was one of the most decorative defenseman in the league, he was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 1991 and won his first Stanley Cup with New Jersey in 1995. Niedermayer has three Cups with New Jersey and when he signed as a free-agent August 4th, 2005 with Anaheim to play with brother Rob. After his contract was up with Jersey, a team who did want him to come back but he made the decision to sign with Anaheim. In 2007, Scotty helped Anaheim win the first Stanley Cup in California. The winning goal against the Red Wings in Overtime in Game 5  on May 13, 2007 was a series changing goal. 

Niedermayer is the only player in history to win a Memorial Cup, a World Cup, Gold Medal, and Stanley Cup. Scotty won the Gold with Canada in the 2010 Olympics virtually in his backyard in Vancouver. When Sidney Crosby scored the winning trash goal in Overtime. After Zach Parise scored with just three seconds left in regulation. 

Scotty will stay with the Ducks as a consultant although he does not know what he will be doing exactly but at least he'll be around.

Scotty is irreplaceable. No one and absolutely no one can replace a player like Scotty. Thank you Scotty for everything

Old Flock

Staying with the Old Flock rather than taking newly hatched ducklings, is something Teemu Selanne wants as guarantee shall he return. The usual Scott Niedermayer and Selanne remains on the brink of returning for at least one more year for the Ducks. According to a Finnish paper, Selanne wants to return to a winning team. His decision comes in part of what the Ducks are doing for the future. He doesn't necessarily want to be on a team that is starting to rebuild.

                                                                      The two Finns

Fans want to see both Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer return for another year. Once Scotty leaves the Ducks and flies out  into the sun over a beautiful ocean the Ducks will be in definite trouble for defense, as last season defense is what Anaheim clearly had struggled with. Teemu a clear cut fan favorite on and off the ice, who doesn't have a bad bone in his body where even the biggest rivals to the Ducks highly regard him as a human like no other. Teemu is one of the friendliest if not the friendliest in Anaheim professional sports. He seems to want to make a return to Anaheim and fans don't want to see him nor Scotty go out in a disappointing fashion as the team displayed not making the playoffs for the first time since 2005

                                                                                        Scotty

Scotty a quieter more of a shy character who would rather keep his privacy in a good non-arrogant way. A man who not only known for his on ice play but off of it as well. A regarded environmentalist who has a 2010 Honda FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle  and cares of the Earth as much as the next person. But Scotty isn't the only player who has a Hybrid vehicle his teammates Jonas Hiller and George Parros own a Toyota Prius. According to insiders Scotty has also started a recycling program in the Ducks locker room. 

Given the fact that Scotty is the best defenseman on the Ducks  and the best mentor to younger players. Anaheim signed Sheldon Brookbank to a two-year extension as stated previously, the Ducks will lose someone vital to the blueline. Despite his worst -9 season he is still a great piece at the blueline in Anaheim. 

Saku Koivu really enjoyed playing in Anaheim and said, he wants to return but his return to Anaheim's lineup would most likely come in the case of Teemu also returning. Best friends and countrymen Koivu signed in Anaheim when his original team the Montreal Canadiens let him walk and Teemu couldn't be more ecstatic. He convinced Saku to sign in Anaheim where both stated they would rather player than Montreal . The little guy definitely brought depth to the Ducks and he became an immediate fan favorite even before he stepped on the ice at the Pond. Is another player the fans want to see return keeping the old flock together for at least one more year may be one of the best and then Anaheim can start to rebuild and bring up young and promising ducklings. 

Bobby Ryan has been in contract talks for a couple weeks, which apparently haven't gone anywhere yet. But there has been a fast burning rumor, one that fans don't like very much. A trade of Bobby to Toronto for Tomas Kabarele a defenseman who former Ducks GM Brian Burke made it clear is available by trade. Kabarele is a Restricted Free Agent after the 2010-2011 season concludes. If Murray trades for Kabarele that is the prime risk of taking him over a young scorer. A 23 year old who clearly has a much larger field to flourish on compared to a 33-year old defenseman. Not to say Kabarele isn't a great player. He is. Just he's involved in a not so popular rumor to the receiving fans. Bobby was back and forth. Up and down with teammate Brett Festerling on an occasion and it took awhile for him to actually be a part of the Ducks. Ryan has showed time and time again, he's a prime top 6 forward and is a very well regarded young player. 

Paul Kariya is rumored to return and PK isn't too much a fan favorite either. We all know what happened with him and why he's not a favorite to return to Anaheim. The rumor is PK wants to come back and play with Teemu a long time friend and teammate when the Ducks drafted him and acquired Teemu from the Jets. If, for one reason or another PK returns how will the fans welcome him back? PK will have more than one thing to prove if he does come back and that includes playing with a very cheap contract and a almost immediate impact in the lineup. Anaheim will be hostile grounds if PK should return. 

In my mind, PK knows that decision may of been the wrong thing and there's no doubt he realizes that Anaheim could very well be hostile in his return and in his dreams would Anaheim cheer for him in his return. A cascade of boos may rain down on him..

If you're going to  come back PK. PROVE IT  that you want to be here and don't beg for the #9 back when Bobby is wearing it. That number is no longer yours. 

in Other word the "Old Flock" has a pretty high chance of returning. Teemu, Scotty, Saku  etc

Mattias Modig

MATTIAS MODIG

The Anaheim Ducks have traded Mattias Modig to the 2009 Stanley Cup Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Swedish goalie, who the Ducks drafted in the 2007 entry draft. Modig was Anaheim's 4th pick 121st overall within the draft. Modig played all four seasons with his home team Lulea HF of the Swedish Elite League. In the last two years, Modig played 74 games and had a 2.35 goals against average with a .913 save percentage, including six shutouts.

The Penguins signed the  23 year old (April 1, 1987) 6-foot, 163lb Swedish goaltender to a two-year entry level deal. In return, the Ducks  received a sixth round pick in the 2010 entry draft.


Ducks goalie Joey MacDonald, 30, (February 7, 1980) is an unrestricted free agent, he was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs to a one year deal in exchange for 2011 Entry NHL draft pick.

The Anaheim Ducks signed center Brandon McMillian,20, (March 22, 1990). McMillian played in 55 games, he was a +11 and was 25-42=67 in the 2009-2010 season with the Kelowna Rockets.McMillian according to the NHL is a smaller player standing 5-11 and 185lbs. The Ducks have made a wise choice in resigning McMillian, a prospect who the Ducks and fans have high hopes for once he transfers to play with the big boys. Give him time to make a full translation to the NHL and he'll be a force with the Ducks.
McMillian Full Report 

Unlikely Match-Up

Ryan

Something exciting has happened, something that is Ducks related. Bobby Ryan and the Ducks have resumed contract talk. A few fans had been complaining that Bobby didn't attend the World Cup; some believing he wasn't invited. Bobby had actually turned the offer down, which  is usual for a player who still has some business to take care of instead of playing their respective sport. In this case, Bobby still had unfinished contract talks with the team who drafted him. Though the talks don't yet involve Bobby directly just Don Meehan of Newport Sports Management. Mark Guy Bobby's agent and Ducks assistant manager David McNab and GM Bob Murray have also confirmed talks.

At the beginning of the playoffs. A majority of fans never even gave thought about the fact that the match up for the Stanley Cup Final would be Chicago vs. Philadelphia. Chicago hasn't lifted the Cup since 1961 and Philadelphia hasn't claimed it since they won it back to back in the 1974 and 1975 seasons. Chicago looks to end the longest Stanley Cup drought in NHL history.

The last time the Blackhawks made the SCF was in 1992 when Captain Serious: Jonathan Toews (born April 29, 1988) was only four years old Patrick Kane (born November 19, 1988) was also the same age as Toews  these are the supposed big two, who really helped turn the ever deflating hockey market in Chicago around, back to "Madness on Madison Street" the last time the Flyers made it to the Stanley Cup Final was in 1997.

Chicago swept San Jose in Chicago 4-0 and Philadelphia beat out the "Cinderella" Montreal in a 4-1 series in Philadelphia, one of the oddest most terrible goals was allowed by Jaroslav Halak when  defenseman and teammate Roman Hamrlik was out of position, fighting for the puck with Philadelphia's Mike Richards; Halak skated way out of his crease and collided with Hamlrik. The scene was nothing short of bizarre. First, Richards fell and Hamrlik tripped over Richards' legs. Hamlrik had his head down, watching the puck when he tripped over Richards legs. In came Halak colliding with Hamlrik and hard. Hamlrik laid on the ice. Halak's stick had slid down the ice back to near his crease. Halak was standing, when he watched helplessly has Richards threw in the empty net goal. Then he slid back into his crease, grabbing his stick preparing for the next onslaught of shots . Richards had quickly regained his footing, skated for the puck and tapped it in the wide open net. The Canadiens struck first, when Brian Gionta  capitalized on a turnover and shot it past Michael Leighton shortly into the first period.

But not only do the Flyers and Blackhawks serve as a unlikely match-up, but look at the boys in the blue paint. Antti Niemi suiting up for Chicago and Michael Leighton suiting up for Philadelphia. Both goaltenders have never played in the NHL playoffs in their lives until the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now they're in the Final. We know that the goalies are a huge part in a winning team. We also know they're the ones most and easiest to blame. Especially when you consider the fact that when a goal is scored a red light flashes behind them, in a visiting rink the horn sounds and the team celebrates in front of them (well same for both rinks). Then, there's the fans, chanting, tauntingly the last name of that particular goalie.

Taunt chants are definitely going  to be heard, not just for the goalies, obviously but for the skaters and the opposing team as a whole. It's the Final, what else do you expect? Both Niemi and Leighton have been impressive to say the least. Leighton replaced teammate Brian Boucher after he was injured. Niemi is a big reason why the Hawks are in the playoffs and so is t he team in front of him, who played well and rarely left him out to dry. One thing that both Leighton and Niemi struggle in is their rebound control. This is where a lot of their goals were scored on them.  The Goalie Guild updates The Beast Tracker at a fair and great pace during the playoffs.

Why not Philadelphia? The Blackhawks seem to be the favorite team to win the Cup, they're great contenders to win the Cup and that is basically one of the reasons they even made the SCF. But Philadelphia has been nothing short of impressive. Knocking out the offensively challenged Boston Bruins; who went 3-1 in the series Philadelphia never gave up, put nothing but pure heart into the series from every aspect on the ice and forced and won Game 7 at home in a raucous sold out Wachovia Center. If Philadelphia does win  the Cup, they may be the greatest story in  Philadelphia in sports history.

Philadelphia also has a goalie, who put up a wall helping his team shutout the Canadiens three teams, in the Eastern Conference Final. And Chicago? They have excellent young talent coming from Kane and Toews. Ben Eager, Kris Veersteeg  This SCF is going to be exciting, as always but especially given the history behind the two teams and their goalies. Both Niemi and Leighton have already been through tough career bumps. The thing is, the goalie who lets in that winning goal for the Stanley Cup is going to be absolutely devastated. Same with the rest of the team but a goalie standing in his crease, knowing he let in that goal. Nothing will prepare him for that. In the playoffs, for any sport the hardest thing is remaining on the ice, field, court. Watching as the opposing team celebrates their championship.

J.S. Giguere is one of many goalies who knows how it feels to come so far yet fall short of the most famous trophy in sports, the only trophy in sports that never is remade. Playoffs are emotional specifically for the players, at that point the money they're making doesn't really matter. Jonas Hiller was in tears when Detroit knocked out Anaheim in the second round. It's the adrenaline that finally will wear a person down. Once that's gone, your energy is pretty much gone and if you lose; you feel nothing but the emotion boiling over. But was it worth getting that far? There's absolutely no doubt about it. Competition is part of the human life. But these goalies, these players never give up. They're constantly searching for that feeling of victory lifting a 37lb trophy.


Evgeni Nabokov no longer a Shark?

                                                            


Evgeni Nabokov is an unrestricted free agent this summer. He's been the goalie face of the franchise for the San Jose Sharks, who drafted him in 1993. Nabokov has recorded impressive regular season stats, including 2 or 3 seasons with  40 wins in his name but for some reason; he falls short in the playoffs. Sure, the Sharks got to the third round this year and were swept by Chicago but they remain the only team in California to not of made the Stanley Cup Final and Nabokov has been part of quiet a few of those Sharks teams. This obviously means, he has never won the Cup. Nabokov had a $5,375,000 cap hit for San Jose in the 2009-2010 season. Another big name is Patrick Marelau according to The Hockey News they're (one pair of) two of the biggest UFAs possibly hitting the market July 1.

Nabokov is  probably the best goalie on the Market but he doesn't look like a a player who will end up back in a Sharks jersey again.  Other teams  with goalie issues are definitely interested in him. Nabokov was pretty good in the playoffs, even if his team was swept in the third round. He was more of the silent ninja for SJ. Marleau possibly will go back but he could possibly the on a different team. but he's more likely to sign with the  Sharks next season then Nabokov is.

Does Nabokov deserve a Stanley Cup? He certainly does but he needs to realize it won't be with San Jose; the Sharks could win the Cup in the future but it's just time for him to move on. To suit up in a different jersey that doesn't have a Shark swimming into a wood hockey stick breaking it. He needs a clean slate, new scenery start out fresh. Nabokov turns 35 on July 25. He still has at least a couple years in him and is deserving of having his name engraved onto the sliver god of trophies. So don't be surprised if you see him in a different sweater for the 2010-2011 season.

Not overrated

It's kind of hard to keep completely up with Ducks in the Crease, when the Ducks aren't playing any hockey, instead they hit the golf courses early. Other than that in the MVP issue of The Hockey News. Ken Campbell had written about goalies in the playoffs. He stated how they're overrated. Remember that save Marc-Andre Fleury made last year? On Niklas Lidstorm that save will go down in history, but at least the way Campbell is talking, he's making it as if it's an overrated save.. While he  realizes it will go down in history...he's making it seem as if only Fluery  won the Cup (hence, him making it seem as if his save was overrated) He said at some point in his article that the skaters in front aren't getting enough attention. Last I checked last year, Evgeni Malkin won the Conn Smythe (Most Valuable Player in the playoffs award) and before that Henrik Zetterberg  won the Conn Smythe. There have been four player's names added to the Smythe since the lock-out and only one goalie has won it.. Cam Ward won it when the Carolina Hurricanes lifted the Cup in 2006. Then Scott Niedermayer won it when the Ducks lifted the Cup in 2007. Before the lockout in 2003; J.S. Giguere won the Conn Smythe despite being on a losing team. Since the Conn Smythe was introduced in the 1963-64 season only ten goalies were awarded the trophy; three goalies winning it multiple times. Go here for the list

Campbell says that in today's NHL after the most recent lockout in his article he stated "Teams lose because of goaltending. They don't win because of it" while to an extent that is true, it's obviously not very true and I'm pretty sure goalies aren't a huge fan of this statement. Without goalies a team can't win. How could they? Campbell did state that they're the last line of defense, goalies have been known that for years. Certainly, the can lose games for a team, letting in too many goals and ones they shouldn't of let in like Campbell stated that goalies can lose games. But goalies are always blamed for the lost games so many times; skaters have not been factored into that loss at least not immediately but a goalie can most certainly win games. Bail his team out. 

Somewhere, some how I'm pretty sure Campbell would say Jonas Hiller was overrated when he helped take the Ducks past the San Jose Sharks, the President Trophy Winners and then to Game 7 against the Red Wings last year. Was his performance overrated? Was Hiller the only guy Anaheim and fans talked about? Most certainly not to all those questions. The skaters in front of him were highly regarded too. According to Campbell teams under appreciate everyone BUT the goalie. Campbell's article is rhetorical to say the least.

While goalies are obviously highly regarded, they're definitely not overrated, so not sure where Campbell gets off.  Annti Niemi  is getting tons of attention. Why? Because he's overrated? No, because he's good and the fact that he's some Finnish product. Finland cranks out some amazing products. Teemu Selanne,Saku Koivu to name the two Finns on the Ducks. Last time I checked they're not goalies, and they get as much if not more respect than Hiller. Niemi has been beast for his team to the fact that people have asked, if he's even human. But Niemi is most certainly not the only player talked about and he's not overrated. Niemi seems to be pulling a Hiller against the Sharks. Evgeni Nabokov seems to be struggling but for the first two rounds of the playoffs. Nabokov wasn't talked about a lot. It was always Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton (surprisingly), Patrick Marleau, Dany Heatly, Dan Boyle those aren't goalies. 

Jaraslov Halak has struggled as of late but Mike Cammalleri is talked about a lot. Scott Gomez. Not goalies. Marc-Andre Fleury played well before the Penguins were knocked out by the Habs. But he wasn't the only one, who was talked about. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Chris Kunitz etc where talked about making huge contributions. 

Tuukka Rask had some great and amazing saves, a excellent performance. Such a young goalie, a rookie. Despite the Bruins recording the ultimate choke performance....and all this just the second round. Micheal Leighton came in to replace a injured Brian Boucher and Leighton has been outstanding in his performance. But like said for every other goalie, he's not the only player talked about and he's not overrated. Chris Pronger, Riley Cote, Ian Laperriere etc have been talked about making huge contributions

If you've watched the playoffs  you know that Campbell's assessments are wrong in so many ways about goalies. 

Establish Space

One thing what I'd like to see from Jonas Hiller is for him to be more aggressive in net. A lot of times, he seems too passive when opposing players are in or near his crease. Most times, he just looks around the bodies,  but avoids contact with them. He was quite the opposite to his former teammate J.S. Giguere. Giguere would push bodies when they got too close to him or punch them in the head (which was really funny).

Another aggressive goaltender is San Jose Sharks Evgeni Nabokov; a goalie who is well known for clearing his crease to the point of moving to the top of the crease, when an opposing player comes anywhere close to his crease. He's even kept his own teammates out if they're too close.

There's obviously no denial that Hiller is a great goaltender despite some struggles down the stretch during the 2009-2010 season. The past season, he was a little shaky but also managed to win big games. As a whole, the team didn't do what was expected of them for many reasons. Other than that, a little more aggression needs to be seen out of Hiller not necessarily Nabokov type aggression. Just enough where, he "marks his territory" keeping other players including his own, out of his crease. Not withholding, he hasn't or doesn't do this on an occasion. He needs to be aggressive to the point where like said, to keep his territory. But he shouldn't be stupid aggressive. Which once in awhile is seen in veteran Tim Thomas such as  in the Winter Classic, when he pushed a Flyers player  out of the way but ended up letting in a goal shortly after because he was too focused on the players in front not the play or the puck. (Thomas is still a excellent goalie and to the fact he's on my Fantasy team) Though, that was just a little quirk and a bad one on Thomas' part....a little more aggression from Hiller could help dominate his game more.

One thing with aggressive goalies, they have to be smart aggressively. Like described from the Thomas mistake, one cannot be so focused on the player(s) in front that it ultimately distracts them from the play. Another thing which has to be taken into consideration is, the player is there merely to "block out the sun"  to make an attempt at making the goalie lose the sight of the puck in hopes of their teammate scoring. Sometimes, players will back up into the goaltender while trying to cut the line of vision from the goalie, another vital distraction to get under the skin of the gatekeeper. The attempt of blocking out a goalie isn't only physical; it's mentally too (::cough:: Corey Perry ::cough, cough::) a goaltender who loses his concentration on the play would at the end ultimately lose the play. It could go "Off the post" music to a goalie's ears, the puck could be "fanned on" "misfired" or  "go wide" but because of the loss of concentration, because he's too focused on the player in front the puck usually ends up in the back of the net of something he  should of stopped. Watch Nabokov play, he rarely makes those mistakes yet he's still one of the most aggressive goalies in the league. 

Hiller needs to push the players out of the way, the ones who butt up against him or say something more to them, (although it is fairly unknown how much he does say to a player in front) he just needs to tell them stay out of my crease. While he does show some aggression; he needs to show it more, establish his space.Even taking Jiggy's lead and poking the player in the back of the head....and get away with it. Somewhere, where, he should start being more aggressive is in practices with the team because being scored on, isn't as vital as it is in game time. Then, while practice and playing a game is different from one another; he can make the transition to the game. As said, he seems too passive in his crease a lot of the time. He also shouldn't be afraid to push his own players out of the way, who are interfering with him... are too close to him.

Just to the fact, your own teammates will get in your way not on purpose but because they're so focused on the play, trying to block a shot, they're not paying attention completely to their surroundings and there... is where you hear "his own player blocked him out on that one" (Not just for Hiller that statement is rhetorical, it's for every goalie)

To see some more aggression from Hiller would be great and it'd fit his style of play. With Hiller, that's just his personality, he's not an aggressive person and it shows in his position. Hiller's more of the quite kid in class, but can and will be aggressive when he wants or needs  to be. Definitely like to see more aggression from him, pushing players away.  Establish his space, make it known it's his space and only his. Be a little greedy in that part. Jiggy was aggressive during his play, which if the two had almost complete different styles of play. While at the same time, they did have similarities.  Which came from being with the same goalie coach for such an extended period of time: Francois Allaire had worked with Hiller since he was 16 and Jiggy, at least since he first came to the Ducks. And now Allaire and Giguere are reunited in Toronto. Ducks currently have  Peete Peters as goalie coach.

But like said in a previous post look for more improvement from Hiller he'll have less on his plate it'd be a clean slate. And the season schedule will be back to normal, as in we'll see the All-Star break back. Instead of  the Olympic break.

As a grade overall this is what I wrote in The NHL Arena
I'd give him a B this time around. He clearly was a bit shaky down the stretch at times. There were games where we knew this isn't the Hiller we're all used to seeing. But given Anaheim's goalie situation and the way Anaheim coaching staff handled it (Carlyle) there was a lot on his plate.

After the Olympics, he definitely struggled but but given the fact that he was mentally tired, somewhere he even said it was hard mentally after the Olympics. I hope we don't play him as much but where he still has consistent minutes of being a starter. Sure, it could be argued that there's goalies who have a huge workload such as Luongo and Nabokov...but Luongo has been struggling since the Olympics though he did play a great game, to keep his team in the series....Nabokov has been solid but he also struggled after the Olympics....overworking goaltenders is bad. Yeah...they're a professional so they should be used to it....well yes, they should be used to it but Nabokov, Luongo, Anderson , Hiller etc are all human they will wear down at one point....go on a skid. No matter how good they are /rant 


Also read this excellent article from The Goalie Guild School of Block

Hiller shall play as we see him which earned him the name "Hiller the Killer" but with a little bit more fiestiness, more aggression. Otherwise he's just fine in the way he plays. 

Goalie playoffs....

Watching the playoffs can be pretty painful if you're a Ducks fan (or any other team who usually makes the playoffs, but didn't this year or one that was eliminated within the first round) This blog hasn't been updated since the 15th of April not much has gone on with our big league goalies.

However, J.P. Levasseur was awarded "player of the month" and Igor Bobkov has won some sort of tournament in  Russia the MHL according to his Facebook pictures.

On the side of those two with the boys in the big leagues, there's absolutely nothing going on so far, expectingly though. As the Ducks did not make the playoffs and no trade talks and drafting etc will be talked too much about at least for the public eye to see, just yet. 

As much and amazing it'd been too see Jonas Hiller and it could been possible to see Curtis McElhinney in the playoffs, we just aren't seeing it. And the San Jose Sharks have taken a 3-0 series lead against the Red Wings, a team that is for some reason struggling with a rookie goaltender in net (which seems to be as if a majority of teams of gone with their less or unexperienced goalie for the playoffs) As talking with a friend yesterday, via Instant Messenger naturally the Red Wings/Sharks series was brought up.I was making the comment on how the Sharks are actually doing something in Round 2 and Joe Thornton  has two goals in this series. Giving out the information how Jimmy Howard Detroit's rookie goalie and who has never had any NHL playoff experience in his life until the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs is in net for the Red Wings. 

A joke was part forth "Maybe Anaheim should trade Hiller to Detroit ...give him up as a rental and then get him back, before next season begins" 

"Yeah, Hiller the Shark Killer!"  

so I made the little joke on part of the Sharks:

Sharks: "When did they get Hiller?"
        
Hiller: "I'm back, bitches!"

Sharks: "Those damn Swiss"

Joe Thornton: "Hey, Hiller please let me team win I'm begging you. I'm the one that helped you come into this league. I'm one of the biggest reasons your name is on the back of an NHL jersey. I'm begging you"

Hiller: Sorry Joe, I'll never do that"

Thornton: ::throws down water bottle::"Come on Jonas, please!"

Hiller: "No"

(Continued extended version for blog)

Sharks: "Did you persuade him, Joe?"

Thornton: "No, he wouldn't budge"

Sharks: "Man, we're going to get killed with this guy in net. Damn Swiss"

Pavelski: "Maybe I could score on him at least once. I did pretty welll against Howard lately and I did get one against Anderson?..."

Sharks: "Sure, Little Joe......only THAT MAN WILL EAT YOU ALIVE"

Thornton: "He will...it's true. Jonas eats Shark for breakfast every morning He even did it when we were playing on the same team in Switzerland...and at that time, I wasn't even a Shark I was a Bruin."
...........

Hiller: (To himself) I look terrible in this Red Wings crap of a uniform...but at least it's for killing the Sharks, which later, I could totally kill the Red Wings once I get back to the Ducks uniform .Where I won't feel like I'm burning from the inside out for wearing it.

Hiller: Hey, Jimmy I'll show you how to efficiently kill the Sharks then you can definitely take the reigns back from me and I can go back to what I truly am.....a Duck...A Shark Killer....and a Red Wing Killer.

Howard: Thanks, Jonas! There I'll pull a Hiller on San Jose which apparently Sharks fans have said. At least that's what I've heard once.

Hiller: Yup, you'll strike fear into their hearts of those  Sharks. I call that Hillerphobia.

Howard: Hillerphobia?

Hiller: Hillerphobia is when people fear other goalies are going to pull a Hiller on them, it comes from last season, when the Boys and I beat the Sharks out in the first round.

Osgood: Yeah, and took us to a Game 7 some excellent goaltending right there.




It's exciting though watching the other goalies compete against one another.

Marc-Andre Fleury vs. Jaroslav Halak
Tuukka Rask vs. Brian Boucher
Roberto Luongo vs. Antti Niemi
Evgeni Nabokov vs. Jimmy Howard


One thing which is interesting is the fact that it's such a mix  of rookie goaltenders and experienced goalies, even in between if  you count Boucher; who hasn't played in the playoffs for eight years, when he was with San Jose (is that right?) Goalies like Rask, Howard, Niemi and Halak have never had NHL playoff experience in their lives. Fleury has a Stanley Cup. Nabokov has consistently been in the playoffs with the Sharks as he's the goalie face of the franchise but has never won the Cup and neither has Luongo. In fact, Fleury is the only goalie out of the bunch who has won Lord Stanley.

Rask has been beyond amazing, while the goalie who is opposing him He's helped bring the Bruins to a 3-0 series lead. Yet Boucher has been good and has been there when he has been needed. He's also bailed out the team in front of him but so has every goalie. Howard helped the Red Wings prevent being swept by San Jose, when they won 7-1 and the series for the San Jose/Detroit series is now 3-1. Halak helped the Canadiens past the Penguins and Fleury last night. But Halak has also been an excellent goalie, while Fluery has struggled at times on an occasion but is there, when he is needed at times. On the other hand, Luongo is still seems to still be struggling since from the Olympics. He's letting in goals, he should of saved and while he is composed with the roughness in front of his net. He is complaining too much to the referees, which he should not be doing. If Luongo is more calm around the officials this will help him be more focused.

Niemi has been pretty good as well look the others, he's been there when he's been needed. The youth of some of the goalies and the inexperience is different since hockey fans are so used to watching all the older more experienced goalie with maybe the occasional rookie goalie thrown in there. But everyone needs to start somewhere, despite the come out for either team it still gives the goalies and young skaters experience that will help them in the future. The three goalies who have the experience will only improve their skills or keep them at the level; where they need to be.

Boucher has been very good and composed despite not winning a game for a goalie who hasn't played in the playoffs for eight years. This will give him further experience for the remainder of his career. The younger goalies, like Rask, Niemi, Halak and Howard this gives them tons of experience to take for their careers. This teaches them how things work in the playoffs so they're more prepared for the next time they're in the playoffs, and for the upcoming season. People learn from experience they'll never learn from just sitting and watching, and listening to plays. It has to be put into action with them because it's different from watching to actually playing. It's also different from practice to an actual game. Giving the young inexperienced goalies the ability to play for their team in the playoffs, no matter what and keeping them in as said, gives them the experience needed for the future.

(Though can't make too much of an assment as I've missed quite a few games but the games I have caught and watched it's been fun watching the mix of young inexperienced goalies with the more experienced goalies)

Experience is a vital part of life in everything. 

Look for a improved Hiller

Look for a much more improved Jonas Hiller next season. Hiller was stuck with trying to fight to be the No 1 goalie with former Duck J.S. Giguere the two goalies supported each other through thick and thin, and denied the fact that they were competing against one another for the No 1 spot. Obviously, both of them wanted to be the number one goalie wearing a Ducks sweater and fought for the opportunity to play the position and overall, Hiller won it as the management gave him the go ahead by giving him a $18 million four year contract. Giguere was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Vesa Toskala who was traded at the deadline for Curtis McElhinney.


The goalie situation was a hot topic in Anaheim when it came to hockey. The situation also showed constant goalie switching, both goaltenders had the potential threat of if they weren't in for a win; the next game, they would be riding the bench. Hiller did get some consistent starts but after Randy Carlyle had started the win, you're in. His minutes started to dwindle. This wasn't good for EITHER goalie, the fact that you take out a goaltender because he was in for a loss will damage his play overall. It doesn't allow him to get into a rhythm and this is going off of wins not his performance which clearly for the longest time that was what  Randy  was doing with both Giguere and Hiller at the time. It took him awhile for him to actually figure that fact out.

Carlyle also overplayed his main goaltender after Giguere left. Giguere struggled throughout the season and so did Hiller both goalies as said weren't able to get anything going because of the "If you win, you're in" Carlyle overplayed Hiller refusing to play his back-up, which consisted of young goalies like Justin Pogge, Timo Pielmeier,, yes, the young guys were serving as emergency back-ups to Hiller, but when Toskala was with us, we should of seen him at least one game before he was traded away. Overplaying Hiller both mental and physical stress on him. Overplaying could of been a result on why Hiller eneded up with bad back spasms. When Hiller starting having back spasms, this is where we actually were able to get the best look at McElhinney. A goalie who has proven to be an excellent backup for Hiller and someone, who can answer the call when needed.

Overall, Hiller stayed strong mentally even though he did show lapses of showing mental and physical fatigue throughout the season. Especially after the Olympics, it was mentally hard for him to get back into the game at such a quick pace. The Olympics, of course, didn't only affect Hiller it did with a few other goalies, and skaters in general. The Ducks couldn't get much going from the beginning though, but the second half despite some struggles after the break they were booming.

Again, look for Hiller to improve next season (as well with the rest of the team) Hiller knowing he is the No 1 goalie will definitely help him being the goalie we all know he's capable of being. This will help him being less mentally worn down from the very beginning of the season. Improving his game over the summer will definitely help him, and as what has been read in various articles and else where and from what has been seen; Hiller has a very good work ethic and has excellent dedication to the game of hockey. Look for McElhinney next season as a back up to Hiller and for him to have some consistent minutes.  Lets hope Carlyle actually realizes overplaying a goalie isn't the greatest idea. He should realize this from experience (the overplaying of Hiller in situations such as back to back games, almost every game after the Olympics before he was injured, give or take a game or two.) and from around the league such as the examples of Craig Anderson of the Colorado Avalanche, who showed some mental and physical exhaustion in games. With Hiller being able to completely rest his re-injured back (4/11/10) and a clean physical and mental slate his game will improve and he will play at the level we're all used to seeing.

Play McElhinney

With the Ducks officially out of the playoffs andthree more games left in the regular season, all teams that Anaheim will play against are not in the playoffs on Thursday (4/08/10) against the Dallas Stars,  Friday (4/09/10) against St. Louis Blues and on Sunday (4/11/10) against the Edmonton Oilers. Anaheim shouldn't play Ryan Getzlaf (like said in the previous post) let him completely  heal. The Ducks lost to the Los Angeles Kings last night giving up a 3 goal lead and losing in the shootout. As was, it didn't really matter the outcome of the game after the Colorado Avalanche beat the San Jose Sharks in overtime and the Avalanche beating the Vancouver Canucks yesterday in the shootout.

Jonas Hiller is another player who should be shelfed; if he does return it would only be for two games, the issue with this because as well with Getzlaf he hasn't played since March 24 against the Vancouver Canucks. Shelfing Hiller would be the best thing, two games won't allow Hiller to get into a rhythm. Even if Hiller does feel better and is able to play at least one of the three games; Hiller should still be sitting on the bench because it'd be too much of a mental toll on him just for three games when his team isn't even going to make the playoffs this season. Give Curtis McElhinney the next three games this will help him improve his game and playing him the next three games, despite losing to the Kings will keep him in his rhythm that he had from the beginning. Allow Hiller to start on a clean slate next season where his back should and will be spasm free next season.

The question stay lies will we see McElhinney next season, will he offered an extension and would he accept that offer? Curtis may stay with the Ducks for at least one more season as a back-up to Hiller. Something else comes into a factor, how many more teams are looking at McElhinney and are willing to sign him. McElhinney was acquired over Toskala because he was cheaper than Tosky was, something the Ducks needed to do, so they stayed under the cap. It is unknown how well Toskala would of played with Anaheim, but he did struggle when he was with Toronto.
 Other teams may be interested in McElhinney especially since he's played so well but I do see him re-signing with Anaheim next season. If the Ducks do give him consistent minutes next season and NOT over play Hilller.  McElhinney will have a much, much improved game. The Ducks are giving him his best chance to become a better goaltender. The Anaheim coaching/staff and the fans can see his potential. If McElhinney isn't able to play the next two games, this may and will interfere with his rhythm, putting in a goalie who won't have an immediate rhythm, this isn't anything against Hiller because this applies for every goalie, one cannot just magically come into a perfect rhythm specifically after an injury interfered with it. It's because, as cliche as it sounds, "We're all human." being human doesn't allow anyone to be some well oiled machine. Giving Hiller the next three games would give the impression as if he were not too good of a goalie because he'd be struggling to keep in the game.

Allowing Hiller to start on a clean slate would allow him to rest both physically and mentally, as starting him for the final two games, when they really don't count could put too much stress on him and he needs to be mentally strong as a goalie to play the game he does. However, another factor that could go into an argument to play him is it would help him physically, such as keeping his limbs lose and that he should be played since these three games don't count. Physically though, this could injury has back even more, he will probably not  play the next three games; it is unknown if he is still feeling tightness in his back. It would be best as said to give McElhinney the last games; let him improve and become a better goaltender, let him know w hat he needs to improve in his game. McElhinney will not only learn  from Pete Peeters but he'll learn from Hiller and the best way he'll learn is by experience and the next three games if played would give him that needed experience.

Still No Hiller

The Hockey News

Jonas Hiller remains out of Anaheim's lineup as well does Ryan Getzlaf. Getzlaf, who is out with a troublesome ankle could be out for the remainder of the season, though Getzlaf is hoping to play before the end the regular season ends also out of the line up is Joffrey Lupul but he's been out for half of the season which was originally a raptured disk, but he contracted a blood infection and will most likely play the 2010-2011 season.

Hiller has suffered from back spasms and has been out for at five games and has handed Curtis McElhinney the reigns while he's out on injury. McElhinney has taken an advantage of this opportunity he is currently 5-0-1, each game he is more confident in net and he has great footwork and hands. The injury to Hiller has helped McElhinney show his true potential  but he still has a little ways to go if he wants to be a No 1 goalie like Hiller did. McElhinney will need to take what he's given and make the best of it. This enables a goalie to improve his game and learn from his mistakes. The best thing right now for McElhinney is he's receiving consistent starts that has let him get into a rhythm which is something that is needed by a goaltender because playing a goalie one game, then taking him out in favor of his teammate takes him out of the rhythm or more likely, it does not allow him to fall into a consistent rhythm. For Anaheim fans the best example would of been when the Ducks' coach Randy Carlyle installed his "You win. You're in" earlier in the season between J.S. Giguere and Jonas Hiller before Hiller signed his 4-year contract extension worth $18 million and Giguere was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Vesa Toskala, who did not play a game in a Ducks uniform despite him making all his gear more fitting for Anaheim. Toskala was traded to the Calgary Flames and was re-united with his old teammate from the San Jose Sharks, who drafted himself (Toskala) and Mikka Kippursoff. When Hiller signed his extension the first person to know about the contract was Giguere; Hiller said he had told Jiggy first even before the contract was official and before the rest of the team had any idea, he said "we're just honest with each other that way" The 'you win, you're in' did not work and it took awhile for Carlyle to figure that out.

Hiller has  been overplayed for most of the season but especially after the Olympics, where he played every game for Switzerland, the back spasms were mostly caused by the overplaying of the goaltender .Giving a goalie consistent starts does help a goaltender but giving him an overabundance of starts and minutes, may hurt him in the long run. Yes, there are goalies who can deal with a huge workload of games, but they're also have a lot of experience such as the Flames' Mikka Kippursoff and the Sharks' Evgeni Nabokov. Goalies who are used to playing a large amount of the games in the regular NHL season and sometimes the playoffs. Hiller is a goalie who has improved in back to back games, but he still struggles mightily a lot of times, when he is giving back to back games especially games, which require long travel periods outside the state of California. If Hiller played less back to back games and a little less in general he may of been saved from missing so many games due to back spasms. As a goalie, this is a normal injury which one cause is a lot of stress (work) on the back, twisting of the back, etc. In part because Carlyle refused to let the leash loose a little on Hiller; Carlyle may be part of why Hiller is experiencing long and deliberating back spasms/tighting of the back. Joey MacDonald so far still remains as the back-up goaltender to McElhinney. Although, despite both players wanting to come back it may be best to "shelf" them for the rest of the season, giving them the rest and letting them start and a brand new clean slate next season this would give them the rest they need, and would prevent them from playing through pain which is not needed especially so late into the season. In Getzlaf's case, it would give him a chance for the ankle to heal completely which would help him in the long run. In Hiller's case, back pain even just a little is something which cannot be taken lightly. Give Hiller more time to heal along with Getzlaf and this will help them with their careers in the long run.

It's a learning process

The Anaheim Ducks kept with Curtis McElhinney for the game against the Canucks, where the Canucks would beat the Ducks in a shootout to clinch a playoff spot.

One of McElhinney's problems in his game is he leaves big rebounds. He also has stiff leg pads, which is another factor that helps leave big rebounds, as the puck bounces off like a ping-pong ball off a paddle, which was hit a little too hard. Sometimes, McElhinney seems to be swimming  but he does have the ability to stop pucks, despite him being all over the place. Rebound control is something McElhinney will need to learn to control and the only way he's going to learn is by more game time. As with Jonas Hiller last season as the back-up to J.S. Giguere. Giguere suffered through injuries late in the season, this is where Hiller got his chance to play in consistent games as Giguere recovered. Hiller took the opportunity by storm helping the Ducks barely squeak into the playoffs, clinching the 8th spot and then being matched up against the Sharks for the first round playoffs. Hiller showed his true potential as the Ducks would beat the President Trophy Sharks in six games. Hiller also would help the Ducks take the Red Wings to seven games, but would ultimate lose in a rip out your heart loss, as Daniel Clearly  would score the winning goal breaking the tie. Hiller fought back tears, as he engaged in a conversation with the referee as he tried to tell the ref that it was indeed goaltender interference but the ref virtually shrugged Hiller's disagreements on the goal off. This gave Hiller tons of experience and helped in making the hard decision of trading the franchise goaltender, Giguere to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Both goaltenders wanted to remain in a Ducks uniform but at the same time, either goalie said they'd be willing to be traded to another team if they did not get the No. 1 spot. Giguere and Hiller also remained very good friends on and off the ice. And if it weren't for Giguere, Hiller wouldn't be the goalie he is today, despite the different styles each of them play.

This is what McElhinney seems to be getting; Hiller is suffering some minor injuries late in the season, where the Ducks have a slim chance of making the playoffs, but with the injury to Hiller McElhinney is getting the chance  to play. The goalie who took the back-seat to Mikka Kipprusoff when he was with Calgary is getting most of his chance with Anaheim. As  McElhinney is getting more and more consistent starts his game is improving. As playing more, he is able to figure out his weaknesses and where he is either consistently strong and/or strong but needs some patch work.  As with every goalie, McElhinney will learn as he goes. This is the best way he's going to actually learn something about himself as a goalie at the NHL level. As of now, McElhinney with the Ducks is 4-0-1.

There isn't a doubt that Hiller is helping McElhinney improve on his game in each practice and game, as goalies, they're going to bounce suggestions off of each other but Hiller as he has more playing experience is more of a Mentor to McElhinney. The two goalies seem to be getting along just fine, if McElhinney does stay another year look for another strong relationship between the Ducks two goaltenders. Also look for a more improved McElhinney and a better poised Hiller. Hiller has had some struggles this season but every game, every season, no matter how old someone is...is still a learning process. McElhinney is taking his learning process to heart and is loving and thriving in the opportunity of consistent minutes with a team, where he doesn't only play once and then is thrown on the bench for the next few weeks so that one of the best goalies, Kippursoff, in the league munches much more on the time.

NOTES: The Ducks re-assigned J.P. Levasseur and recalled  the 30-year old, Joey MacDonald as a back up for McElhinney for the game against the Canucks. MacDonald was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings. Joey was born in Pictou, NS, Canada on February 7, 1980. The Ducks seem to be switching the guards, giving more goalies a chance to at least be up with NHL players as Hiller recovers from his back spasms. Hiller is not expected to be back for Saturday's game vs the Los Angeles Kings. However, it is a possibility he may be available for the next game against the Kings on Tuesday. James Wisniewski will be available for Saturday's game, as his 8 game suspension is up after hitting Chicago's Brent Seabrook, where Seabrook hit his head against the glass and then Wiz got a inflated Suspension. Welcome back, Wiz!

Hiller stays home

                                                J.P. Levasseur is recalled to back-up McElhinney

Jonas Hiller was promised to play against the rival Dallas Stars at the Honda Center on Teemu Selanne's night, but the new comer Curtis McElhinney was instead thrown into the net. McElhinney had to answer the call at the last minute as Hiller  had suffered back spasms during warm-ups according to reports. According to Brian Ahlers Hiller left at the end of the first period holding his back and in pain as his back had tighten up. Hiller was not seen on the bench as the television cameras scanned the benches

Hiller did not make the trip to Denver, Colorado for tomorrow's game against the Avalanche; McElhinney will start the game for his 3rd consecutive stare. He is undefeated in two starts and third time overall. J.P Levasseur was recalled from the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons. As a cautionary process, Hiller was suggested to stay at home as told by the source the OC Register

“He’s better today, but it doesn’t make any sense to risk it,” Carlyle said.

Something like this will have to be closely watched but as far as is known there has been no tests scheduled for the Ducks No.1 goalie. RC said he is better today but there isn't a doubt that Anaheim is keeping an eye on him and is asking Hiller to give any type of discomfort to the medical staff immediately.  McElhinney has proven to be a very viable back up goalie.

Anaheim drafted Jean-Philippe Levasseur, 23, in the 2005 entry draft, he was the Ducks 7th (197th overall). Levasseur was born in Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada on January 15, 1987. He was one of the goalies invited to Training Camp, where he performed fairly well. He has also played with the Ducks as he as gotten the call to back up Hiller during injury to J.S. Giguere

Resting Him Up.

Coach Randy Carlyle and Anaheim have made the decision to rest their number one goaltender Jonas Hiller for the first time in 19 games, Hiller was the one watching the game from the bench as Curtis McElhinney played in net for his first start as a Duck and second time playing as a Duck overall. McElhinney got the start against the Edmonton Oilers, where he played fairly well. McElhinney made 34 of 36 saves to help the Ducks win 3-2. McElhinney showed a massive amount of trust in his teammates as he left rebound after rebound in nearly  the most perfect place for the team in front of him to clear. Sometimes McElhinney seemed lost while the Oilers created tons of traffic in front and started whacking away at the puck but he was there to prevent Edmonton from scoring, as was he had trust with the team in front of him to help him clear the puck.

As Anaheim most likely will not be making the playoffs the decision has been made to rest Hiller up and give McElhinney a more of a chance down the stretch for the next 8 games or so. Though, Hiller probably will not sit out for the remainder of the season but probably a good chunk of it. McElhinney has definitely showed what he's worth. He's a good and focused goaltender that will benefit a lot from starting a good amount of the games down the stretch. As for Hiller this did take more of a mental tow on him than a physical, especially the fact that he was just fresh off the Olympics.

As he stated in this comment to the Orange County Register's Curtis Zupke:

Quotes from Boys in the Crease: 

“Toward the end, it was mostly mental, especially after the Olympics to stay focused, to play here again, to get ready for another challenge to make the playoffs,” Hiller said. “It was tough and, mentally, there were a lot of games on the schedule, so it wasn’t easy.”

The question still lies for McElhinney who seems to enjoy his time with Anaheim the answer was much clearer with Vesa Toskala of if he was going to remain a Duck or not. For Toskala the answer was most likely no. McElhinney he may not remain a Duck next season but that answer isn't clear. He seems to be a viable back-up for Hiller next season. McElhinney, who turns 27 on May 23rd still has the youth and a lot left in him. Giving McElhinney the chance will help improve his play if he does play with Anaheim next season. This will give him more of a chance to know how the Ducks play despite the struggling this season. Where if he does play next season, he'll most likely have a more of an improved play than he does now.

Giving Hiller the chance to rest may benefit him in the long run the Ducks had been riding him like a workhorse with little rest tiring him out both mentally and physically. Hiller will improve his play next season as well with the Ducks. The clean slate will help both but Anaheim may find ways to win while getting used to with most likely two too familiar faces in Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne in the locker room next season. (There is still a slight chance of Teemu returning though not Scotty who is most likely done, as he has won it all even though Anaheim did not make the playoffs this season. He has four Stanley Cups and he just recently won the Gold Medal virtually in his own backyard, which most likely was the cherry on top) 

As for Hiller he will probably be at the rink a lot trying to improve his game this by the given impression of former Duck J.S. Giguere's  light-hearted comment last season saying  how Hiller is always at the rink. "Jonas, he's always at the rink. He needs a girlfriend" He'd probably be home in Switzerland working on his game and doing whatever he does over there like fixing up cars.
Timo Pielmeier is always oneg goalie who Anaheim is definitely looking at for the chance of McElhinney not resigning next season with Anaheim; Pielmeier most likely is high on t he list for the Ducks to call as a backup for Hiller. Pielmeier is an excellent goaltender who is one that has made himself stand out in the crop of excellent goalies "In the System"" for Anaheim. There is also no doubt that the Ducks are also taking a good long hard look at J.P. Levasseur, Joey MacDonald, Marco Cousineau who are all playing in North America and also the three goaltenders who are playing overseas on Europe or Russia. Igor Bobkov (Russia), Matias Modig (Sweden), and Sebastian Stefaniszin (Germany).

The fans also seem to be liking McElhinney and with McElhinney's seeming of liking it in Anaheim there is a pretty good chance we'll see him next season in a Ducks uniform.  Resting Hiller up is a great idea where he has been overworked as of late however he should and most likely will be starting more games down the stretch in the remainder of the season. Which will give Anaheim a lengthy summer...unfortunately.

The Young Russian: Igor Bobkov

Not a name that is thrown around in North America too much but at the World Junior Championships his name did get some recognition.

The 19-year old born in Segund, Russia (Jan 2, 1991)  Igor Bobkov goaltender who Anaheim drafted in 2009 had strong play in the WJCs, against Switzerland he played a strong game despite Russia losing 3-2. 

Bobkov, who The Hockey News lists as No 8 in the Top 10 prospects for the Anaheim Ducks.  Bobkov is not eligible to play for Russia in the World Juniors in Buffalo, New York in 2011 as he has just barely aged out within the group of WJC players.

Bobkov in the game against Finland. He is No 20 in white. He made 46 saves for the shutout win against the Finns 2-0.


He plays in Russia but the Ducks should really consider trying to bring him over to North America, as a permanent stay. This would definitely help him get accustomed to North American Hockey, it'd give him experience past the small tastes he's gotten over the years of being in the WJC tournaments. He still has room to learn before he could make a trip up to the NHL but he has time. He's not even legally allowed to drink in the United States, and is just barely legal to drink in Canada. Giving Bobkov some good long experience in Northern American hockey would improve his game all around. He has the Russian style of hockey, a country who has turned players into well rounded and very good players.

As said, he had a  strong performance in the World Junior Championships, where he was a strong asset for the Russians, despite them not medaling in the World Juniors. In the WJC, Bobkov's record was 3-2-0 with a 2.45 goals against average and a  .930 save percentage. Bobkov is also a big goalie, he stands at 6-4 and currently weighs 192lbs. Bobkov tends to play on the top of his crease. He's aggressive with shoots and sometimes makes shooters shoot early and cuts off possible angles. He does have some struggles when he plays deep in his crease. Bobkov still has some room for development but as said, he's only 19 years of age.

He has a weak glove side. This is something he'll need to work on with the most this is an area where he has a lot of goals scored against him. He also needs to put on some more muscle on his frame but as he gets older; his natural muscle will start to fully develop "Fill Out"  (men don't fully develop until they're 25). Part of his development must be working on a stronger glove. His reaction is a little slower and players tend to see his weak area. They shoot top shelf and not always but a lot of the time the red light ends up flashing behind him. As a big goalie, Bobkov has learned to use his size but in a different style of hockey, such as more North American style this may come to be against him. He'll have to learn how to use such a big frame in net in North American style. This means he'll need to improve better on dropping and his lateral movement which is fairly strong currently.

Bobkov was solid in net for Russia but he still has some things to learn and improve on. Otherwise, Bobkov definitely has potential and the Ducks could definitely use him down the road assuming he'll be kept within Anaheim's system for awhile to come. As with being solid in net for Russia he has definitely given something for the Ducks scouts and staff to write about in their notes as a positive and possibly of trying to get him overseas to play and to watch him at a closer distance develop his game.

Bobkov is on the list of many good goaltenders "In the System" and he is very worthy of being looked at and brought to the NHL level even if it's just for practice much like Timo Pielemeier had the chance to come up from practice as he covered for Jonas Hiller during/after the Olympic break once the Ducks had taken the ice. As the Ducks had traded away Vesa Toskala to Calgary getting Curtis McElhinney in return. Pielmeier had the chance to attend a regular NHL Ducks game as Hiller's backup he did not play but he did get the chance to be up there with the big boys. Bobkov really does deserve a chance just like that.

(Not too sure how well Matias Modig or Sebastien Stefaniszin plays) Joey MacDonald is also a strong goalie, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and made a strong impression with the Leafs despite a team who was struggling on the ice in front of him. He still had strong games and big saves. MacDonald, an older prospect is looking for more of a solid NHL experience and one where he knows he won't have to stray off the road almost all the time.