The Ducks made it their 5th straight win and 6th straight at home over the visiting Boston Bruins. The Ducks would see the first two goals for the Ducks from two rookies; first to put the Ducks on the board was 22-year old Minnesota born Dan Sexton as the second would come from 21 year old, Windsor, Ontario born Matt Beleskey. For the Ducks, goals would come from Ryan Getzlaf which was also his 100th career (NHL) goal, the game winner would come form someone unexpected, Steve Eminger scored his first goal in a Ducks uniform. Beleksey also has a radio interview listen in here
22-year old Tuukka Rask a big goaltender, standing at 6-3, born in Finland opposed Jonas Hiller.
For the Bruins the goals came from Zdeno Chara, Matt Hunwick, and Marco Strum. Chara's goal would come up as controversial, which was not reviewed by the league, as the league found no point and there really wasn't a reason to review his goal. Michael Ryder tripped up James Wisniewski and they were both tangled up. Wisniewski went awkwardly into the boards, his back snapping, but he is injury free and was back out on the ice in the same period.
24 year old Troy Bodie just in his fourth fight of the season, fought with Boston's Adam McQuid a line brawl also started when Zdeno Chara f/ace washed Bobby Ryan in front of Hiller's net.Both teams got into shoving matches, even Scott Niedermayer dropped his gloves, pushing about Bruins players.
Teemu Selanne sustained a fractured jaw, as teammate Ryan Whitney shot the puck in and towards the net, the newest Bruin Miroslav Satan blocked the shot, and it deflected hitting Selanne in the jaw. Blood poured from the cut. Head team doctor Tim Clark rushed to the Finn's side, and helped him off the ice along with other Ducks players
Hiller came up big when need be. He's been on fire and he's kept that fire going, he has been in net for the past five wins. Last season, Hiller helped the Ducks make the playoffs after J.S. Giguere was on leave for personal off ice issues with his family back in his home town in Montreal. He helped the Ducks beat out the President Trophy winners the San Jose Sharks and helped take the Red Wings to game 7, where painful memories would come back to haunt fans but most of all him. Daniel Cleary scored the goal with less than five minutes left in the period and the Ducks just couldn't come back. Cleary laid on his back after being knocked over and celebrated. Hiller's eyes welled up, holding back the tears, he differed to the referee saying it was goaltender interference,but the ref wouldn't budge. Surely, it was a makeup call for the Red Wings because Cleary did push his stick into Hiller's pads.
You don't miss with a goalies rhythm, especially a butterfly goaltender such as Hiller, Carlyle has stuck with Hiller for the majority of the time. We'll just have to hope, if and when the Ducks lose a game, see if he'll stay in net or if Carlyle has gone back to that mantra. There is an issue stating Giguere, who has been sidelined for the past six games. He's cold. And with Giguere, if he doesn't get consistent play he'll falter in the long run. If he does play, he should have a much more improved team in front.
Hiller, along with Giguere has been fighting for the No 1 spot, which was up for grabs and has been since the beginning of the NHL season.Hiller has shown a lot more consistency in his games, and a tough back to back when he played Nashville and then Chicago, who he absolutely stone walled. Within the past games, Hiller has robbed players, including ended Patrick Kane's point streak. He robbed David Krejic more than once in the game against the Bruins.
A question is still being steered aside, is Hiller the new No. 1 goalie? He very well could be, he has definitely shown no 1 material and his play has improved a lot over the time he first came into this league. Hiller was also a factor in waiving Illya Bryzgalov after the 2006-2007 season. Another question lies, if Hiller certainly is the No 1 goaltender, where would this stand for J.S. Giguere? According to rumors, which have also been confirmed, Giguere gave Murray his last of teams he wouldn't mind going to and the top two teams were the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs two teams close to his home or in his hometown. As it would make sense, what factors in for the Leafs is goaltender coach Francois Allaire, who is most famously known to shaping Patrick Roy signed with the Leafs after 13 years service with the Ducks and heavy work with both Giguere and Hiller.
Hiller has improved reading and reacting to plays through traffic which new goalie coach, Pete Peeters most likely has worked on with Hiller. Also, with puck handling with both goaltenders; Hiller isn't exactly the best goalie to play the puck, as he for the most part blindly pases the puck in pressure situations because he doesn't know where his teammates are on the ice.Hiller has been on fire, he's set the tone for himself, and while Giguere wants to play he has been very supportive over his fellow teammate. As the two have gotten a long right off the bat. Hiller said, Giguere came up to him when he first came to this league, and said "Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything. I'm here for you"
And the question lies, is Hiller our no 1 goalie? or is he being showcased? Hiller is still in need to sign an extension, which he did not do over the summer. His contract ends this season and unrestricted free agent (UFA) Giguere still has one more year left on his No Trade Clause (NTC) which will pay him 7 million if he continues his career as a Duck next season.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Marco Cousineau
Anaheim Ducks goalie prospect has signed his name on the dotted line. 20 year old Marco Cousineau has signed a three year entry deal with the Anaheim Ducks. Cousineau was one of the four goaltender prospects invited to training camp, which also included J.P Levasseur, Timo Pielmeier, and Justin Pogge
Cousineau has a 3.17 goals against average, with a .906 save percentage, he is 12-15 with Prince Edward and of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) Anaheim drafted Cousineau in the 2008 entry draft; he was taken 3rd (87th overall)
He struggled slightly at training camp, but his skill has yet to be foreseen. Who knows, you never know if he'll be a NHL puck stopper, or if he will in the future. Consineau is still in the prime of his development and only time will tell.
Cousineau spent the previous three seasons of the QMJHL's Baie-Comeau and Drummondville
Jonas Hiller has been named the 2nd Star of the NHL this week. Way to go, Jonas! A much deserved award.
Alex Burrows is the First Star (Vancouver Canucks, Left Wing), Jonas Hiller the Second, with Mathieu Garon (Goalie of the Columbus Blue Jackets) as the second
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Bath Time
In response to Ahler's question about if he's exhausted:
"Yeah. I'm exhausted. I cant wait to get home and take a bath"-Jonas Hiller
If you've watched him when he came here and now or more over listened to him. His English has rapidly improved.Hiller is fluent in three different languages. German, French and English.
Hassen Sie Jonas Hiller? (Do you hate Jonas Hiller)
Meine: Nein. Ich hasse Jonas Hiller nicht. (Me: No. I don't hate Jonas Hiller)
(My German isn't strong so I had to use a translator thing to be sure I was correct. Hoping to become fluent in Deutsch though.)
Jonas Hiller has been hot lately. He's been helping the Ducks win games, last night Hiller played in Nashville, where the Ducks also won. Less than 24 hours later and after the plane trip to Chicago he was between the pipes where he was absolutely stellar in the 3-1 win over the hottest team in the league; the Blackhawks lost their previous game to the Minnesota Wild in the shootout.
The Ducks are currently on their longest win streak of the season with four wins. Last week, Anaheim would see both of these teams on the road. Nashville and Chicago, the exact same days. The difference was, the Ducks won both of these games, and Hiller played back to back instead of alternating goaltenders the biggest difference was the return of Teemu who did not play against these two teams last Saturday and Sunday. Hiller played in both games and he won the both of them. This was one of the best games Hiller has had all year. A season high of 42 stops but his shutout was spoiled when Duncan Keith got it past a screen, a shot that was impossible for him to read.
Finally, the Ducks are finally putting heart and soul into the game; General Manager Bob Murray and Coach Randy Carlyle had some talking. Maybe Murray should of talked earlier in the season because after his speech we look like a much better composed team.
In the third period, the Hawks were out shooting the Ducks by 17-2. During the game. Hiller stone walled Jonathan Toews on a wrap around and the Patrick Kane, who tried to stuff it in. Hiller also stopped Kane's point streak who had the longest streak in the league. Hiller had pounced on Kane's shot where he left a wide open net.
Stone-walling and winning, this is exactly what this game was for Jonas Hiller, what was more impressive was this was a back to back game. He completely outdid his performance against Nashville. He was absolutely exhausted but he really kept to himself and he was focused. He's fast, he's very athletic and between him and Giguere, there is a different style of play. Hiller is more athletic than Giguere; but Giguere knows this, he has even stated he isn't very athletic and more over, he was actually surprised he made it into professional sports as he said, he is the least athletic in his family.
It looks as if the Goalie Situation is leaning towards Hiller but there is nothing much to say about this right now it seems like management is leaning towards Hiller. Hiller's nickname "Hiller the Killer" kind of got lost in a crowd. It was like walking amongst a huge crowd of people, jam packed at Disneyland, but while pushing through people he lost the person hanging on to him. Only to find it again after frantically but also more calmly as he kept on searching. He has found it and he has kept it with him.
The reason is there is not much to say about this is because, who the hell knows what management is really doing behind closed doors and how they're handling this situation, lets not get too far and deep into this at least right now.
As though, Hiller has been absolutely stellar in his past performances, and lets say in his last four starts in which he's won tonight's victory against Chicago has been his best performance; if not his best this season.
Antti Niemi opposed Hiller and he allowed only two goals, while the final score was 3-1 the third goal came from Teemu Selanne on an empty netter. The goals were scored by Corey Perry, Saku Koivu, and Teemu Selanne Perry had pushed Brent Seabrook off of the puck and put it past Niemi on the power play . Bobby Ryan would get the touched puck by Dan Sexton and Koivu was right in front of the net between two Hawks players. Bobby knew exactly what his linemate was going to do, with the excellent read he sent it over to Koivu who tapped it in past the stunned Chicago goaltender.
Hiller out performed Niemi, but Niemi's game wasn't too bad. Anaheim played a very good and solid game, there were a few mistakes but a team cannot play mistake free all 60 minutes of the game. Ryan Whitney banked the puck off of the post and tapped himself in the head with his stick he could of put the Ducks ahead by 3 if he had the goal. Niemi had kept Matt Beleksey off of the board. Who had a very good play and beautifully wristed it but was ultimately stone walled by that damn Niemi
Now, with this win Hiller can go home and do what he wants and that is BATH TIME! Hiller deserves it. He wants to go home and take a bath and he can do just that. As the Ducks will host the Bruins their next game.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Just some of the Boys
I can't deny really liking or more over loving Matt Beleskey. The 21 year old scored the game winning goal last night against the Columbus Blue Jackets against [Chris] Mason. The goal was assisted by Corey Perry who initially missed the net but Beleskey was there to stuff in the rebound. Beleskey had his second goal of his NHL career, again the goal stood as the game winner. The first one, he had was against the Red Wings off of a Sheldon Brookbank rebound off of Wings goalie Jimmy Howard.
We have a lot of young players on this team who are still considered rookies; Dan Sexton, the rapidly growing popularity of him which is much deserved and Matt Beleskey. One who many people didn't who he was he has definitely started making a name for himself. If that is one thing good coming out of Carlyle, is he placed Beleskey on the top line with young guns Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. The Twins have had a lot of success together; not to mention the year of 2003 the Mighty Ducks drafted them. In the same round, both of them are only six days apart in age. They both played together in juniors, including in the Junior Championships for Team Canada.
There is a rundown for both Dan Sexton and Matt Beleskey; Sexton was called up for a tour of duty with the Ducks when the biggest face of the franchise and the biggest fan favorite, Teemu Selanne went down with an injury on December 3 versus the Minnesota Wild. A broken bone above the knuckle in his left hand. Selanne, who hopes to be back against the Nashville Predators, in his return the Ducks will most likely have to make some line changes. With the first line anchored by Corey Perry and Ryan Getzalf, who can work with virtually anyone put on their line may see a different linemate who isn't Beleskey. Beleskey has been moved around constantly and it seemed as if, every shift he was on a different line. The second line was anchored with Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne and their third linemate was being switched around. Bobby [Ryan] was moving up and down the second line, where he'd have success on both lines. The second line has been huge for the Ducks the chemistry between Sexton, Koivu, Ryan has been scoring goals. Joffrey Lupul was one, before his surgery who was switched between lines with Bobby. Lupul isn't coming back anytime soon and he's itching to play but he has to take the precautions with his back.
As fans, we cannot chose who goes where, we can only give ideas... Well have to wait and see once Teemu finally comes back.
Beleskey was an emergency call up for (I believe) Carter, then Lupul went down on his injury and Beleskey, so far has stayed up ever since, and just recently has had wide success. Every player is amazing in his own way and Sexton/Beleskey have really made stride.
I became even a bigger fan of Beleskey when I went to see him and Bobby Ryan at Corona Inline-The Rinks Tours with Bobby, the speaking series which was a speech on "Learning from a Vet" I wasn't expecting to see Bobby let alone Beleskey; since they're hardly vets compared to other players. They did talk about what they've learned as rookies and younger players....and Bobby and John Ahlers, who interviewed the two very much enjoyed ribbing away at Beleskey. It was quite entertaining between the three of them. I had Beleskey's rookie card and got it signed by him.
He was surprised that I had it and he had turned to Bobby and said:
"This is the first time someone has had my card tonight everyone has yours."
He also said: He was going to sign the card in sliver which he did and he even signed his card with 64 on it!
I got uber shy around both of the boys and said nothing to them expect saying thank you for the fact they signed what I bought. Which was a puck for Bobby and of course, the card for Beleskey. After some people were in need of help with my phone camera; I took a picture with the two of them and then left and said nothing until Bobby said: "Nice meeting you" which I turned back and said to the both of them "Nice meeting you, too"
Troy Bodie had his first NHL point of his career. Congrats to him!!
Now, on to the goalies: There's still the ever on going debate about the Ducks goalies. One person likes this guy the other person that guy. Though, in this blog I may of hinted leaning towards [Giguere] over [Hiller] but some times the debate starts to get ridiculous it's as if you can't like both of them. I said to a friend, there is a lot of in fighting with Sharks fans, which there is living up with them for the entire season including playoffs last year deemed just that. There is also infighting with Ducks fans. I still don't understand why both cannot be liked at the same time, even if a person is more for the other goalie. Which ever you're a fan of [more].
Jonas Hiller has started more games than J.S. Giguere lately and he has won his last two games against the Red Wings and the Blue Jackets where he has performed up to his name "Hiller the Killer" seeing Hiller playing well is much of a relief; I'm a believer in Ducks goalies: Giguere or Hiller. Always positive thoughts towards them, even while critical towards their performance but was also put on the backs of the team in front of them.
Here are a couple quotes taken directly from Curtis Zupke's article. Quotes from Boys in the Crease:
On his playing time and hinting towards the competition with his fellow goaltender, J.S. Giguere:
“I’m playing a lot, so that’s a good sign,” Hiller said. “I’m not thinking too much about No.1 or No.2 spot. Once I get the call, I just try to play as good as possible and I think it’s worked out lately. I hope I can keep it going, but I also know I have to keep it going. (If not), it goes quick. I’m out of there again. I don’t want that to happen.”
and about the team in general his honest opinion
“We’re still not consistent enough,” Hiller said. “I think there’s still some games where we’re a little up-and-down. It’s not easy, but I try to keep the team in the game as long as possible. (But) definitely we’ve been playing better than earlier in the year. We’ve kind of found our (defensemen) pairs. I definitely think we can be more solid. Every game, every night we should be able to do that, not just once in a while.”
Management has definitely showed more favoritism to Hiller than Giguere, along with the media, which people have noticed. In reality, one thing that is slapping Giguere in the face is his contract. Which is being thrown in around for the reason of him him being traded. Hiller also is indeed of signing an extension and with Giguere, he has the no trade clause which if he does stay he will be paid 7million in the final year of his contract. Carlyle isn't the best when given a goalie situation, he seems to favor one goalie at one point then he'll lose and favor the other goalie at the other point. Thus, making either goalie unsure of himself but still works his hardest in a team that cannot keep with its consistency in winning. We'll have to see how the road trip goes since the Ducks have won their last two and five straight at home.
Carlyle has stated he wants to go with the goalie that will give the best chance but he never says who will start in a game regardless of a performance of the goaltender. The "Win you're in" was and still is a over the top ridiculous mantra. According to both goalies: Giguere and Hiller they have said they too as with the fans, are unsure who will start. No one knows who will be starting until the night before or the day of the game. There you'll have to use the word assume.
To start off the roadtrip is deja vu as with last week. The Ducks will see Nashville Saturday and Chicago on Sunday. Hiller was put in the loss against Nashville and Giguere in the loss against Chicago. As always, the schedule for back to back games of the starting goaltender is unsure. We don't even know who is starting tomorrow against Nashville as with Carlyle it seems just because one goalie played well against the previous team doesnt' mean he'll start. He started doing this after he 'ridden' of the 'win you're in' mantra.
Again, Giguere will need more of a chance to see how he can do since Giguere was hot but was shafted when he lost which probably ruined his momentum. Hiller had a hot streak but again was shafted by Carlyle.
Alright, this is an update because some how I managed to forgot to include Bobby's amazing goal.
Bobby on a Break away with STL defensmean Eric Brewer. Just him and Bobby and Bobby with his nifty hand work shoots it through Brewer's leg and next thing you know is it's behind Chris Mason and Bobby ties up the game at two a piece! Then came Beleskey's goal and Todd Marhcant's empty net. James Wisniewski put the Ducks on the board first:
We have a lot of young players on this team who are still considered rookies; Dan Sexton, the rapidly growing popularity of him which is much deserved and Matt Beleskey. One who many people didn't who he was he has definitely started making a name for himself. If that is one thing good coming out of Carlyle, is he placed Beleskey on the top line with young guns Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. The Twins have had a lot of success together; not to mention the year of 2003 the Mighty Ducks drafted them. In the same round, both of them are only six days apart in age. They both played together in juniors, including in the Junior Championships for Team Canada.
There is a rundown for both Dan Sexton and Matt Beleskey; Sexton was called up for a tour of duty with the Ducks when the biggest face of the franchise and the biggest fan favorite, Teemu Selanne went down with an injury on December 3 versus the Minnesota Wild. A broken bone above the knuckle in his left hand. Selanne, who hopes to be back against the Nashville Predators, in his return the Ducks will most likely have to make some line changes. With the first line anchored by Corey Perry and Ryan Getzalf, who can work with virtually anyone put on their line may see a different linemate who isn't Beleskey. Beleskey has been moved around constantly and it seemed as if, every shift he was on a different line. The second line was anchored with Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne and their third linemate was being switched around. Bobby [Ryan] was moving up and down the second line, where he'd have success on both lines. The second line has been huge for the Ducks the chemistry between Sexton, Koivu, Ryan has been scoring goals. Joffrey Lupul was one, before his surgery who was switched between lines with Bobby. Lupul isn't coming back anytime soon and he's itching to play but he has to take the precautions with his back.
As fans, we cannot chose who goes where, we can only give ideas... Well have to wait and see once Teemu finally comes back.
Beleskey was an emergency call up for (I believe) Carter, then Lupul went down on his injury and Beleskey, so far has stayed up ever since, and just recently has had wide success. Every player is amazing in his own way and Sexton/Beleskey have really made stride.
I became even a bigger fan of Beleskey when I went to see him and Bobby Ryan at Corona Inline-The Rinks Tours with Bobby, the speaking series which was a speech on "Learning from a Vet" I wasn't expecting to see Bobby let alone Beleskey; since they're hardly vets compared to other players. They did talk about what they've learned as rookies and younger players....and Bobby and John Ahlers, who interviewed the two very much enjoyed ribbing away at Beleskey. It was quite entertaining between the three of them. I had Beleskey's rookie card and got it signed by him.
He was surprised that I had it and he had turned to Bobby and said:
"This is the first time someone has had my card tonight everyone has yours."
He also said: He was going to sign the card in sliver which he did and he even signed his card with 64 on it!
I got uber shy around both of the boys and said nothing to them expect saying thank you for the fact they signed what I bought. Which was a puck for Bobby and of course, the card for Beleskey. After some people were in need of help with my phone camera; I took a picture with the two of them and then left and said nothing until Bobby said: "Nice meeting you" which I turned back and said to the both of them "Nice meeting you, too"
Troy Bodie had his first NHL point of his career. Congrats to him!!
Now, on to the goalies: There's still the ever on going debate about the Ducks goalies. One person likes this guy the other person that guy. Though, in this blog I may of hinted leaning towards [Giguere] over [Hiller] but some times the debate starts to get ridiculous it's as if you can't like both of them. I said to a friend, there is a lot of in fighting with Sharks fans, which there is living up with them for the entire season including playoffs last year deemed just that. There is also infighting with Ducks fans. I still don't understand why both cannot be liked at the same time, even if a person is more for the other goalie. Which ever you're a fan of [more].
Jonas Hiller has started more games than J.S. Giguere lately and he has won his last two games against the Red Wings and the Blue Jackets where he has performed up to his name "Hiller the Killer" seeing Hiller playing well is much of a relief; I'm a believer in Ducks goalies: Giguere or Hiller. Always positive thoughts towards them, even while critical towards their performance but was also put on the backs of the team in front of them.
Here are a couple quotes taken directly from Curtis Zupke's article. Quotes from Boys in the Crease:
On his playing time and hinting towards the competition with his fellow goaltender, J.S. Giguere:
“I’m playing a lot, so that’s a good sign,” Hiller said. “I’m not thinking too much about No.1 or No.2 spot. Once I get the call, I just try to play as good as possible and I think it’s worked out lately. I hope I can keep it going, but I also know I have to keep it going. (If not), it goes quick. I’m out of there again. I don’t want that to happen.”
and about the team in general his honest opinion
“We’re still not consistent enough,” Hiller said. “I think there’s still some games where we’re a little up-and-down. It’s not easy, but I try to keep the team in the game as long as possible. (But) definitely we’ve been playing better than earlier in the year. We’ve kind of found our (defensemen) pairs. I definitely think we can be more solid. Every game, every night we should be able to do that, not just once in a while.”
Management has definitely showed more favoritism to Hiller than Giguere, along with the media, which people have noticed. In reality, one thing that is slapping Giguere in the face is his contract. Which is being thrown in around for the reason of him him being traded. Hiller also is indeed of signing an extension and with Giguere, he has the no trade clause which if he does stay he will be paid 7million in the final year of his contract. Carlyle isn't the best when given a goalie situation, he seems to favor one goalie at one point then he'll lose and favor the other goalie at the other point. Thus, making either goalie unsure of himself but still works his hardest in a team that cannot keep with its consistency in winning. We'll have to see how the road trip goes since the Ducks have won their last two and five straight at home.
Carlyle has stated he wants to go with the goalie that will give the best chance but he never says who will start in a game regardless of a performance of the goaltender. The "Win you're in" was and still is a over the top ridiculous mantra. According to both goalies: Giguere and Hiller they have said they too as with the fans, are unsure who will start. No one knows who will be starting until the night before or the day of the game. There you'll have to use the word assume.
To start off the roadtrip is deja vu as with last week. The Ducks will see Nashville Saturday and Chicago on Sunday. Hiller was put in the loss against Nashville and Giguere in the loss against Chicago. As always, the schedule for back to back games of the starting goaltender is unsure. We don't even know who is starting tomorrow against Nashville as with Carlyle it seems just because one goalie played well against the previous team doesnt' mean he'll start. He started doing this after he 'ridden' of the 'win you're in' mantra.
Again, Giguere will need more of a chance to see how he can do since Giguere was hot but was shafted when he lost which probably ruined his momentum. Hiller had a hot streak but again was shafted by Carlyle.
Alright, this is an update because some how I managed to forgot to include Bobby's amazing goal.
Bobby on a Break away with STL defensmean Eric Brewer. Just him and Bobby and Bobby with his nifty hand work shoots it through Brewer's leg and next thing you know is it's behind Chris Mason and Bobby ties up the game at two a piece! Then came Beleskey's goal and Todd Marhcant's empty net. James Wisniewski put the Ducks on the board first:
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Ducks/Hiller fend off the Wings
There was a lot going on in the hockey world, two very important games were scheduled yesterday day. Including Team USA vs. Team Canada. The game was wonders and we saw all four goaltenders in the World Junior Championship. The US would go on to win the Gold medal in overtime. Mike Lee allowed three goals against in which the third goal scored against him he didn't handle the puck very well.
First, I watch the USA win the Gold in a very intense game against Canada. I filed down my nails pretty short watching the game. Jordan Eberle, wow, talk about clutch. He scored on Campbell TWICE within 5 minutes. Once on a power play and then the second, he scored full strength which tied the game. It then went into OT for 20 minutes but John Carlson would be there to notch in the GWG against Jones, both teams pulled their goalies. Lee was having a bad game he allowed 3 goals on 7 shots and all three were ones he should of stopped. Campbell replaced him. Then after Allen (Canada) allowed 4 goals, a couple goals he shouldn't of let in especially the one where the captain Derek Stepan would get it past Allen; Allen badly mishandled the puck. D'Amigo had a good read slotting it and Allen left it right on the door step didn't pounce to cover it up. Stepan would have it behind the blue line.
Lee was crying on the US bench after allowing the three goals against. The Canadian fans constantly taunted "Campbell" to the point of just getting annoying, but it was like opposing fans for Turco who do nothing but chant Turco's name. Which is funny because the two goals Campbell allowed was when the fans weren't chanting his name. The US was very disciplined with an exception of a couple of penalties; Canada not so much [disciplined] but the US did the right thing to pull Lee out at the time he was pulled; . Campbell was very poised, he is a very good goaltender, but I wouldn't say the Ducks should draft him because we already have too many goalies. Palmieri had an assist in the game.
Jack Campbell hasn't been drafted by a team yet this year he is eligible to be drafted by an NHL team. Campbell will most likely be a high draft goalie pick. The other American goalie Mike Lee has already been drafted. (Which I didn't know at the time. I thought he wasn't drafted just yet but via Twitter it was happily pointed out to me by The Goalie Guild) Lee was very good in the comeback win against Sweden but he just didn't have what Campbell had against the host Canadians of the Gold Medal game.
Jack Campbell was impressive, he had been through out the entire tournament, the pressure was on him when he replaced his fellow goaltender Mike Lee after he was pulled. Campbell came in and didn't allow any goals until the last 5 minutes of the game. He's the point of consideration. On New Years'Eve; Canada would win in a shootout and who was in net? Jack Campbell. A heart had sunk, broken into little pieces, as Campbell had skated off the ice while Canada celebrated. The US looked on, holding back the tears but they felt a disappointment. Some of them didn't hold back the tears, but the players knew this game wasn't the gold medal game, it sure was a road to it though. Campbell didn't start for the gold medal round, Mike Lee was in. Lee, who was very good in the win 7-3 win against Sweden was the one who was called upon to start the game if not the entire game. Only, Lee struggled and allowed three bad goals in which he was pulled and replaced by Campbell.
The game was on Canadian soil, a team who has won the gold since 2005.
The chanting didn't faze him. It didn't nudge him. The chanting showed him coming up with huge saves, robbing of the red jerseys; it pumped him up more than that it was intended to do which was get under his skin, to throw him off of his mental game. The Canadian fans would go quiet after he made save after save but less than five minutes later, the entire arena would rise with the sound of "Campbell. Campbell. Campbell. Campbell. Campbell."
In the last five minutes, the Americans would need to kill a penalty, the Canadians had the second best power play in the tournament. Campbell had the goal scored on him in which he shook it off and recomposed himself. The goal was from Jordan Eberle and then Eberle, who's team was full strength would strike again, tying up the game 5 a piece. Campbell had fallen on his back and complete devastation filled the eyes behind the mask, he would throw his hands over his face, and basically said "I can't believe I let that one in. I shouldn't of let it in. That was all me"
The game would go into overtime, where Campbell did not lose anything, he kept to his mental state. He didn't let that tying goal bother him. 15 minutes later, the USA would play again, 20 minutes of overtime. Campbell stopped shots that came to him but so did Jones. Only Jones made a mistake, the Americans would win the gold from a goal by John Carlson would strike gold as he put it behind Jones.
Campbell's debut in the World Junior Championship came with a 3-0 shutout over Switzerland.
Campbell never let anything get to him. He had himself completely concentrated, he didn't flinch at a goal. He was there mentally and that is the biggest thing for a goalie. Sometimes, for a goalie especially at his age, his mind tends to stay with the last goal against it throws him off of the game and the only benefit is mistake after mistake after mistake. In this case, it wasn't Jack Campbell. He didn't let it creep on him. Jack Campbell he's going to be something in the NHL and lets see if he can keep to his play. Now when Campbell enters the NHL he'll have the undeniable pressure of "was it just that one time. Is he a one hit wonder? Will he succed in this league among very elite players"
He learned from Bandit's goaltending school
But regardless, always keep your eyes open for Jack Campbell.
Also, as there is already a link within the blog, here it is again: Justin of The Goalie Guild has written a nice piece on Campbell. "Fool me once, Fool me twice"
Allen and Jones were the Canadian goaltenders.
As for the Ducks, it was a huge night. Rookie Matt Beleskey had his first NHL goal of his career. The 21-year old Beleskey had the biggest smile on his face, he threw his arms up in the air, inhaled the air in complete surprise, and exhilaration. The goal was whacked at after Sheldon Brookbank had shot the puck from the point. Beleskey hit in the rebound off of Jimmy Howard's pads. Corey Perry was the first one to his line mate both who had huge smiles on their faces, Perry said something to Beleskey and they both embraced in the usual hockey hug as the rest came for the hugging huggles of a goal. Not to mention one who finally scored and got the first one off of his back.
Matt Beleskey told this to the Ducks main site on his first [NHL] goal:
"It took awhile, but it’s nice to get it off my back," said Beleskey, who was playing in his 22nd career game. "Hopefully, there are more to come. Playing with Corey and Getz, they are pretty good guys to play with if you want to score a goal. They moved it up top and then it went d to d. Brookbank took a good shot and I was in the position to whack it in there."
Not only did Beleskey score his first NHL goal but the one who put the Ducks on the board first, Saku Koivu notched his 200th NHL goal.
Hiller only allowed on goal against in the Ducks 4-1 victory the only Red Wings goal came from Valterri Fillpula. Hiller had a big fat red butt in front of him. Holmstorm screened him and Hiller was atop his crease. Hiller a not so aggressive goalie didn't push Holmstorm out of the way and Fillpula would score to spoil Hiller's shutout.
Corey Perry finally got a goal with the return of Ryan Getzlaf who banked it off the boards as a Wings player overturned the puck and another Wing player mishandling it in front of Howard. Perry would score his goal scoring drought.
Saku Koivu, Matt Beleskey, Corey Perry, and Kyle Chipchura who had an empty net would be the potential scorers for the Ducks. With a dreading 8 game road swing, thsi is what the Ducks needed. In the the games against Dallas, Nashville, and Chicago the Ducks would not account for any league points.
Hiller was very good and he is a huge reason why the Ducks won. He robbed more than a few Red Wings players including a lateral kick save both on the initial shot and on the rebound. Hiller made a stop on Malbtry's break away attempt. Hiller brought his A game, which both goaltenders have been doing expect maybe a bad game or two, but the team in front of them didn't play. they didn't score to go ahead and they had sloppy plays in front. But this game, the Ducks had much of a relief on the fans, the Ducks would win in REGULATION to notch the 2 points to help climb the standings. Here's to hoping the Ducks do it again
First, I watch the USA win the Gold in a very intense game against Canada. I filed down my nails pretty short watching the game. Jordan Eberle, wow, talk about clutch. He scored on Campbell TWICE within 5 minutes. Once on a power play and then the second, he scored full strength which tied the game. It then went into OT for 20 minutes but John Carlson would be there to notch in the GWG against Jones, both teams pulled their goalies. Lee was having a bad game he allowed 3 goals on 7 shots and all three were ones he should of stopped. Campbell replaced him. Then after Allen (Canada) allowed 4 goals, a couple goals he shouldn't of let in especially the one where the captain Derek Stepan would get it past Allen; Allen badly mishandled the puck. D'Amigo had a good read slotting it and Allen left it right on the door step didn't pounce to cover it up. Stepan would have it behind the blue line.
Lee was crying on the US bench after allowing the three goals against. The Canadian fans constantly taunted "Campbell" to the point of just getting annoying, but it was like opposing fans for Turco who do nothing but chant Turco's name. Which is funny because the two goals Campbell allowed was when the fans weren't chanting his name. The US was very disciplined with an exception of a couple of penalties; Canada not so much [disciplined] but the US did the right thing to pull Lee out at the time he was pulled; . Campbell was very poised, he is a very good goaltender, but I wouldn't say the Ducks should draft him because we already have too many goalies. Palmieri had an assist in the game.
Jack Campbell hasn't been drafted by a team yet this year he is eligible to be drafted by an NHL team. Campbell will most likely be a high draft goalie pick. The other American goalie Mike Lee has already been drafted. (Which I didn't know at the time. I thought he wasn't drafted just yet but via Twitter it was happily pointed out to me by The Goalie Guild) Lee was very good in the comeback win against Sweden but he just didn't have what Campbell had against the host Canadians of the Gold Medal game.
Jack Campbell was impressive, he had been through out the entire tournament, the pressure was on him when he replaced his fellow goaltender Mike Lee after he was pulled. Campbell came in and didn't allow any goals until the last 5 minutes of the game. He's the point of consideration. On New Years'Eve; Canada would win in a shootout and who was in net? Jack Campbell. A heart had sunk, broken into little pieces, as Campbell had skated off the ice while Canada celebrated. The US looked on, holding back the tears but they felt a disappointment. Some of them didn't hold back the tears, but the players knew this game wasn't the gold medal game, it sure was a road to it though. Campbell didn't start for the gold medal round, Mike Lee was in. Lee, who was very good in the win 7-3 win against Sweden was the one who was called upon to start the game if not the entire game. Only, Lee struggled and allowed three bad goals in which he was pulled and replaced by Campbell.
The game was on Canadian soil, a team who has won the gold since 2005.
The chanting didn't faze him. It didn't nudge him. The chanting showed him coming up with huge saves, robbing of the red jerseys; it pumped him up more than that it was intended to do which was get under his skin, to throw him off of his mental game. The Canadian fans would go quiet after he made save after save but less than five minutes later, the entire arena would rise with the sound of "Campbell. Campbell. Campbell. Campbell. Campbell."
In the last five minutes, the Americans would need to kill a penalty, the Canadians had the second best power play in the tournament. Campbell had the goal scored on him in which he shook it off and recomposed himself. The goal was from Jordan Eberle and then Eberle, who's team was full strength would strike again, tying up the game 5 a piece. Campbell had fallen on his back and complete devastation filled the eyes behind the mask, he would throw his hands over his face, and basically said "I can't believe I let that one in. I shouldn't of let it in. That was all me"
The game would go into overtime, where Campbell did not lose anything, he kept to his mental state. He didn't let that tying goal bother him. 15 minutes later, the USA would play again, 20 minutes of overtime. Campbell stopped shots that came to him but so did Jones. Only Jones made a mistake, the Americans would win the gold from a goal by John Carlson would strike gold as he put it behind Jones.
Campbell's debut in the World Junior Championship came with a 3-0 shutout over Switzerland.
Campbell never let anything get to him. He had himself completely concentrated, he didn't flinch at a goal. He was there mentally and that is the biggest thing for a goalie. Sometimes, for a goalie especially at his age, his mind tends to stay with the last goal against it throws him off of the game and the only benefit is mistake after mistake after mistake. In this case, it wasn't Jack Campbell. He didn't let it creep on him. Jack Campbell he's going to be something in the NHL and lets see if he can keep to his play. Now when Campbell enters the NHL he'll have the undeniable pressure of "was it just that one time. Is he a one hit wonder? Will he succed in this league among very elite players"
He learned from Bandit's goaltending school
But regardless, always keep your eyes open for Jack Campbell.
Also, as there is already a link within the blog, here it is again: Justin of The Goalie Guild has written a nice piece on Campbell. "Fool me once, Fool me twice"
Allen and Jones were the Canadian goaltenders.
As for the Ducks, it was a huge night. Rookie Matt Beleskey had his first NHL goal of his career. The 21-year old Beleskey had the biggest smile on his face, he threw his arms up in the air, inhaled the air in complete surprise, and exhilaration. The goal was whacked at after Sheldon Brookbank had shot the puck from the point. Beleskey hit in the rebound off of Jimmy Howard's pads. Corey Perry was the first one to his line mate both who had huge smiles on their faces, Perry said something to Beleskey and they both embraced in the usual hockey hug as the rest came for the hugging huggles of a goal. Not to mention one who finally scored and got the first one off of his back.
Matt Beleskey told this to the Ducks main site on his first [NHL] goal:
"It took awhile, but it’s nice to get it off my back," said Beleskey, who was playing in his 22nd career game. "Hopefully, there are more to come. Playing with Corey and Getz, they are pretty good guys to play with if you want to score a goal. They moved it up top and then it went d to d. Brookbank took a good shot and I was in the position to whack it in there."
Not only did Beleskey score his first NHL goal but the one who put the Ducks on the board first, Saku Koivu notched his 200th NHL goal.
Hiller only allowed on goal against in the Ducks 4-1 victory the only Red Wings goal came from Valterri Fillpula. Hiller had a big fat red butt in front of him. Holmstorm screened him and Hiller was atop his crease. Hiller a not so aggressive goalie didn't push Holmstorm out of the way and Fillpula would score to spoil Hiller's shutout.
Corey Perry finally got a goal with the return of Ryan Getzlaf who banked it off the boards as a Wings player overturned the puck and another Wing player mishandling it in front of Howard. Perry would score his goal scoring drought.
Saku Koivu, Matt Beleskey, Corey Perry, and Kyle Chipchura who had an empty net would be the potential scorers for the Ducks. With a dreading 8 game road swing, thsi is what the Ducks needed. In the the games against Dallas, Nashville, and Chicago the Ducks would not account for any league points.
Hiller was very good and he is a huge reason why the Ducks won. He robbed more than a few Red Wings players including a lateral kick save both on the initial shot and on the rebound. Hiller made a stop on Malbtry's break away attempt. Hiller brought his A game, which both goaltenders have been doing expect maybe a bad game or two, but the team in front of them didn't play. they didn't score to go ahead and they had sloppy plays in front. But this game, the Ducks had much of a relief on the fans, the Ducks would win in REGULATION to notch the 2 points to help climb the standings. Here's to hoping the Ducks do it again
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Not Just the gatekeepers
The 17-19 year old Americans beating Sweden in the Semi-Final in the World Juniors, the Americans, who were the underdog going the game beat Sweden 5-2 the fifth goal was an empty net. Sweden is considered as being in the "Big 3" for the WJC Canada, Russia, and Sweden in that exact order. The sight of the United States winning, and the American flag being raised to the rafters with the American boys hitting their sticks against the ice after the instrumental US National Anthem has ebbed the pain of the rough spot the Ducks are in and the 5-2 loss to the very talented Chicago team today.
For the most part in the game against Chicago Giguere looked as if he were out of position, he usually doesn't put himself out of position that much; he challenged the shooter too far out of his crease and for the most part the Blackhawks capitalized on it. But goaltending is not what it's all quaked up to be as both Giguere and Hiller are being criticized.
Hiller was solid in the loss to the Nashville Predators last night but the team in front of him was terrible, there were too many turn overs and sloppy players. Ryan Whitney was struck with a puck and came back to the bench with stitches below the side of his mouth. Whitney just doesn't fit in the phantom system of the Ducks, he causes a lot of turnovers and would benefit much better on a different team. In reality, Whitney isn't bad he just isn't what we call a Duck which probably helped push him off as a roster spot on the US roster which doesn't mean he won't replace the injured Paul Martin, and he just very well may do just that if Martin, who sounds doubtful for the Olympics Whitney's name can be etched into the US roster. The team doubted Hiller in Nashville in fact they let the "L" be ticked on the score sheet next to his name. For the Predator fans as their favorite two chants were "Hiller. Hiller. Hiller. YOU SUCK" and "Hiller. You Suck!" the chants didn't seem to faze Hiller whatsoever because he stuck with his strong play if not stronger when the taunted started up.
Giguere has also been good defending the net with a poor team in front of him. The Ducks just may need to fire Randy Carlyle to shake up the team. There has been two teams around the league, the Flyers and the Blue Jackets, who have canned their coach due to poor play the teams have produced for the Ducks to keep to their current coach can't really be explained at least not from a fan perspective. Other then the fact as all Ducks fans know Murray said: "Randy isn't going anywhere"
A majority of fans believe otherwise but the keyword is fans and fans can't do anything about it.
The Ducks are missing three of their top scorers: Ryan Getzlaf, Teemu Selanne, and Joffrey Lupul. Corey Perry is virtually a nobody without Getzlaf centering on his line. Carlyle is constantly switching lines having ridiculous combinations, then changing them up a second later. The Ducks aren't such a strong team when it comes to depth and Carlyle is relying off of a defensive system, which clearly the Ducks lack in. Not being able to put the puck in the back of the net at convenient times, when letting a team get ahead and letting stay ahead isn't going to help. The only thing it'll help is rivals and help bury the Ducks in the standings. Jiggy and Hiller can only do so much because it's not like they have every chance to score, as with the skaters in front of them. Nor could they fend off every single puck especially sloppy play but the defense in front of them. We don't have lack in goal as much as some people want to believe that is probably one if not our strongest in Anaheim. The goalie situation has been widely criticized. Carlyle doesn't say anything on who's starting who's not and had the "You win. You're in" mantra, which was terrible and he still seems to keep with in just slightly even though it's been said, he's "done away with it"
One of the most disappointing is those who are most likely going to retire in a Ducks jersey by the end of this season; it isn't exactly the best way to retire, with the team that seems so strong falter.
For the most part Giguere and Hiller aren't why this team is doing so poorly, it's the lack of depth and injury on the team. Last year, it was doubtful the Ducks would make the playoffs but we did and this year it is doubtful but we still can make it. Getzlaf and Teemu are supposed to be back this week and the return of Getzlaf would drastically help Perry. Lupul is expected to be out for at least another month if not two after his back surgery to repair a herniated disk.
For the most part in the game against Chicago Giguere looked as if he were out of position, he usually doesn't put himself out of position that much; he challenged the shooter too far out of his crease and for the most part the Blackhawks capitalized on it. But goaltending is not what it's all quaked up to be as both Giguere and Hiller are being criticized.
Hiller was solid in the loss to the Nashville Predators last night but the team in front of him was terrible, there were too many turn overs and sloppy players. Ryan Whitney was struck with a puck and came back to the bench with stitches below the side of his mouth. Whitney just doesn't fit in the phantom system of the Ducks, he causes a lot of turnovers and would benefit much better on a different team. In reality, Whitney isn't bad he just isn't what we call a Duck which probably helped push him off as a roster spot on the US roster which doesn't mean he won't replace the injured Paul Martin, and he just very well may do just that if Martin, who sounds doubtful for the Olympics Whitney's name can be etched into the US roster. The team doubted Hiller in Nashville in fact they let the "L" be ticked on the score sheet next to his name. For the Predator fans as their favorite two chants were "Hiller. Hiller. Hiller. YOU SUCK" and "Hiller. You Suck!" the chants didn't seem to faze Hiller whatsoever because he stuck with his strong play if not stronger when the taunted started up.
Giguere has also been good defending the net with a poor team in front of him. The Ducks just may need to fire Randy Carlyle to shake up the team. There has been two teams around the league, the Flyers and the Blue Jackets, who have canned their coach due to poor play the teams have produced for the Ducks to keep to their current coach can't really be explained at least not from a fan perspective. Other then the fact as all Ducks fans know Murray said: "Randy isn't going anywhere"
A majority of fans believe otherwise but the keyword is fans and fans can't do anything about it.
The Ducks are missing three of their top scorers: Ryan Getzlaf, Teemu Selanne, and Joffrey Lupul. Corey Perry is virtually a nobody without Getzlaf centering on his line. Carlyle is constantly switching lines having ridiculous combinations, then changing them up a second later. The Ducks aren't such a strong team when it comes to depth and Carlyle is relying off of a defensive system, which clearly the Ducks lack in. Not being able to put the puck in the back of the net at convenient times, when letting a team get ahead and letting stay ahead isn't going to help. The only thing it'll help is rivals and help bury the Ducks in the standings. Jiggy and Hiller can only do so much because it's not like they have every chance to score, as with the skaters in front of them. Nor could they fend off every single puck especially sloppy play but the defense in front of them. We don't have lack in goal as much as some people want to believe that is probably one if not our strongest in Anaheim. The goalie situation has been widely criticized. Carlyle doesn't say anything on who's starting who's not and had the "You win. You're in" mantra, which was terrible and he still seems to keep with in just slightly even though it's been said, he's "done away with it"
One of the most disappointing is those who are most likely going to retire in a Ducks jersey by the end of this season; it isn't exactly the best way to retire, with the team that seems so strong falter.
For the most part Giguere and Hiller aren't why this team is doing so poorly, it's the lack of depth and injury on the team. Last year, it was doubtful the Ducks would make the playoffs but we did and this year it is doubtful but we still can make it. Getzlaf and Teemu are supposed to be back this week and the return of Getzlaf would drastically help Perry. Lupul is expected to be out for at least another month if not two after his back surgery to repair a herniated disk.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Giguere and Team USA
Battle of California
Ever wonder why Giguere hasn't been considering for Team Canada Olympic wise. He has represented his home country in his career. He had been in the World Cup wearing Canada's colors. In 2000-2001 his stats show he was there but he didn't play any game. 2003-2004 he was in the World Cup where he played two games and won both of them where he had a shutout and had only one goal scored against him. Those two games accumulated his save percentage has a .50 and in total he played 120 minutes. At least he represented and played for his country at least once in his career but is the World Cup enough? 2006 Olympics Canada has the same exact goalies (with the exception of Turco; Marc-Andre Fleury is in place of him for Van2010) as they do going into the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Giguere has seen it all in the NHL he has played with Anaheim for nine years, after the Ducks won the Stanley Cup in 2007 he signed a No Trade Clause, he has to waive his NTC if he wants to be traded. He'll give a list of teams he wouldn't mind going to if he were to waive his NTC; Giguere is one of the main faces of the Anaheim Ducks franchise. In his career with the minor league teams, the Hartford Whalers (now the Carolina Hurricanes), the Calgary Flames and the Anaheim Ducks his career goals against average is 2.51 with a career total of .914; he has as of December 26, 2009 he is 214-175-36-32 (wins, losses, over time losses, shut outs) in 2003 he was only the fifth player in history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy on a losing team. In 2007 he helped Anaheim win the first Stanley Cup in franchise history and on the West Coast. There is only one other team who won the Stanley Cup currently in the Pacific Division: Dallas Stars (1999)
While Giguere doesn't have a long list of NHL awards, he is still a very good goaltender. In reality, Canada most likely cannot look past Brodeur and Luongo. Brodeur is a legend he has broken just about every single record ever set by a goalie including most career wins passing Patrick Roy who when he retired had 551 wins and most currently Brodeur has passed by one game Terry Sawchuck's shutout record. Sawchuck had 103 shutouts. Broduer has three Stanley Cups all with the New Jersey Devils and all three of those came with the Ducks current Ducks Captain Scott Niedermayer. Here are all of Brodeur's records:
* Most regular season wins (557)
* Most shutouts (record achieved during 2009–10 season)
* Most shutouts, regular season & playoffs combined (118)
* Most overtime wins (45)
* Most consecutive 30-win seasons (12)
* Most consecutive 35-win seasons (11)
* Most 40-win seasons (7)
* Most games played by an NHL goaltender (record achieved during 2009–10 season)
* Most total minutes played by an NHL goaltender (record achieved during 2009–10 season)
* Only NHL goalie to score a game-winning goal
* One of two NHL goalies (Ron Hextall) to score a goal in both the regular season and the playoffs
Luongo, as Giguere doesn't have a long list of NHL awards/records, and he has never won the Stanley Cup; you can also judge on the teams he's played for such as the Florida Panthers before he was controversially traded to the Vancouver Canucks; who he carried last season and into the playoffs. Luongo can be said to be an odd goalie he can come up big but sometimes he is absolutely terrible. Overall, he is a very talented goaltender. In regards to Brodeur this Van2010 is most likely his last Olympics, as in 2014 he will be 41 years of age. Brodeur has played with the Devils for 14 years. One of the main reasons in 2006 Giguere had a huge target on his back; he was being constantly criticized for the size of his pads they were too big. The controversy carried into much later after 2006 he has currently changed his pads to a smaller size.
Giguere is and has been ovelooked for all those reasons.
TEAM USA:
There's talking about Brian Burke's selection for Team USA people are stating how the American team is relatively weak especially on the blue line. This assessment is disagreeable. Burke stated during the summer he was going to go younger with the Olympic roster and he kept with his word. And the Ducks fans know Brian Burke, he's not exactly one who would break his word of promise. Now with the omissions of an American Legend Mike Modono the exclusion of him has been surprising, there were also Bill Guerin and Scott Gomez who were on the omissions list. Here is the roster for Team USA:
USA Olympic Team
Forwards:
David Backus
Dustin Brown
Ryan Callahan
Chris Drury
Patrick Kane
Ryan Kessler
Phil Kessel
Jaime Langebrunner
Ryan Malone
Zack Parise
Joe Pavelski
Bobby Ryan
Paul Stasny
Defensemen
Eric Johnson
Jack Johnson
Mike Komisarek
Paul Martin
Brooks Orpik
Brian Rafalski
Ryan Sutter
Goalies
Ryan Miller
Jonathan Quick
Tim Thomas
The team for the most part except for three player are inexperience at the Olympic level. While the US is inexperienced this team has strong defense, such as Eric Johnson, Jack Johnson, Oprik and definitely Rafalski. Offensively Team USA is very good as well Bobby Ryan, Ryan Kesler, Zach Parise, Patrick Kane. Gritty fowards, hard hitting defenseman the US isn't weak we're inexperienced at most. THN has made a very good assessment of the USA. The United States will match up well to Canada and Russia this roster will not be obliterated by those two countries. In fact they'd be fairly even match ups.
Ryan Miller has showed huge strides and he is the main reason for where the Sabres are, he has stood on his head and he has impressed many, becoming one of the best American born goalies. Tim Thomas won the Vezina Trophy laslt season and while his stats have fallen this season he still is a very good goalie and his name will ring around every where especially younger American born goalies. Jonathan Quick, maybe he was a surprise and he'll most likely be the third goalie behind Miller and Thomas but there had been a tough decision for that position; Craig Anderson. His season with the Avalanche has been nothign short of amazing, he got off to a very hot start. Quick has also been a hot goaltender for the Los Angeles Kings; last season, he was overlooked and he hadn't exactly done things to establish himself near the beginning of the season and most of the season. Erik Ersberg was the No. 1 goalie or Los Angeles, but Ersberg would be beat out by Quick. Anderson and Quick is a tough decision to chose for the American third goaltender spot but Burke wnet with Quick over Anderson. Quick could be good enough next Olympics to back stop Ryan Miller; as with Brodeur this is most likely Tim Thoma's last Olympics he'll be 39 in 2014 unless he decides play in 2014 maybe he will?
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