The Swiss and the Americans

Sometimes and usually there's a time when a teammate is no longer a teammate. Instead, he's pulled a different jersey over his head. Usually this is when a player is traded to a different team or when he undoubtedly signs with a different team as a free agent.

This year is different, there's going to be teammates playing against each other. This is different though. It's the Winter Olympics, where hockey is the main event. Teammates will dress for their respective country, and take the ice against their teammates or with their teammates.

Tuesday is the first Men's hockey game at 3pm Eastern Time and 12pm Pacific time. Tuesday February 15,2010 Switzerland and the USA will compete in the round-robin game on NBC. This brings two players on Team USA whocurrently Ducks fan favorite  Bobby Ryan born in Chery Hill, New Jersey on March 17,1987 and the every so debated Ryan Whitney. Whitney was not originally listed on the roster; he was named to Team USA in replacement to the injured Paul Martin. Whitney was born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 19, 1983.

Potentially, there is four players against each other. but if you're only considering players on Anaheim's curren NHL roster than, yes, it's three. Jonas Hiller will most likely be the goalie for Switzerland. Hiller was born in Felben Wellhausen,Switzerland on February 12, 1982. As for the fourth player it's Luca Sbisa who was acquired  in the Chris Pronger trade with the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a couple first rounders in the NHL entry draft(s) and reuniting Joffrey Lupul with Anaheim, who was ironically in 2006 was traded for Pronger to the Edmonton Oilers. Sbisa was born in Ozieri, Italy but he was raised in Switzerland and his decided to play for the Swiss.

Hiller  will be facing mainly shots from teammate Bobby Ryan; there is also a high possiblity of Bobby scoring on him throughout the game. Whitney will also have shots against his teammate in Anaheim. The Olympics brings competition against a teammate it also brings the same unity as with Ryan and Whitney, even though they play different positions. It brings some sort of unity with the same team's crest on their chest.

Hiller is going to be completely focused on his game, while the only place he's stopped shots against his teammates was mainly in practice he'll be attempting to stop pucks against his teammates in actual playing games. Though, he has stopped possible shots against Whitney in actual playing games, but never Bobby.

Switzerland is a team that will be overlooked but not necessarily more overlooked than a different team, such as Germany. The Swiss do not have a strong NHL presence and Hiller is the only goalie, who is currently playing in the NHL. Hiller can steal games. He can steal them, he can rob shooters, even the best. Sometimes he makes vital mistakes and lets in made goals." He's only human" May sound so cliche, but it's true. He, as a goalie isn't fully capable of scoring goals to win games. He can only stop them, however, goalies have scored goalies before. This is true though, he's only human and he is. He's not a well oiled machine, who the only thing you have to do is put  Penzol Oil in and he'll perform perfectly. Being human, he's going to make mistakes, as a goalie. He's going to put every little detail in the spotlight. The slightest mistake can lead to a goal and  red flashing light with a celebrating opposing team is going to magnify the mistake even more.

He will also need help from the team in front of him. Where a skater can go hide on the bench after a mistake he made, a goalie, Hiller will not be able to see this. There's also the result of being pulled, where the entire game is stopped and every pair of eyes lays on the goalie who by his coaches standards let in too many goals. While his backup replaces him. The pulling of a goaltender  will always make it's way into every media outlet reporting the sport. Fans will always go into depth why a goalie was pulled mainly being critical of that particular goalie.

While everyone else has skating jobs on the Ducks roster who are in the Winter Games, they're going to have to score have to defend. Hiller has the hardest job on the lucky Duck Olympians, as mentioned above, he is under that amount of pressure but Hiller most likely will not let any of this get to him.He'll be mentally focused and he'll steal games for a country who isn't even expected to make it very far. He'll be lighted up by Ducks' teammates and he'll rob them all the same, too.Hiller's job is tough but for those outside of hockey this job is definitely overlooked as they say goalies do nothing but stand there making their job sound unworthy to his team. This as you all know is not true.    

Hiller has the toughest job going into the Olympics among all 9 players and that's a fact. And judging by Hiller's past successes to even failure, he will not let all this pressure press down on  his shoulders. He's one tough kid both physically and mentally and nothing is going to ruin that. Hiller must and will remain focused no matter how many goals against is up on the board.

Also get a prime sneak peek and look at Hiller's new Olympic mask. The Goalie Guild has their sources, and official resources with Alan Vingualt of Airxess, the company who has made Hiller's mask. Including his mask he is currently wearing with the Ducks. Airxess has never failed to impress with their airbrush painted masks, and surely, this mask does not absolutely not fail to impress. The mask goes back to Hiller's tradition on his mask.

and the (Men's Hockey) Games begin tomorrow; Switzerland vs. USA.

Hiller and the Olympics

 

1988-2010

The Van2010 Winter Olympics started off on the wrong foot as a Luger was killed on the dangerous track in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada..
Nodar Kumaritashvili  was born on November 25, 1988 (21)  Borjomi, Gergorian, SSR Soviet Union;. now known as Russia. We mourn the death of Nodar. RIP Nodar. The USA sends our regards and condolences to family and friends. RIP Nodar everyone knows you'll be watching from Heaven along with Brendan Burke (1988-2010) he'll be looking down with you too along with friend Mark Reedy (1991-2010)

 Tragedy brings out the rawest of human emotion. Tragedy brings those to their knees, it brings controversy. Death brings more respect for a person that Life. In death is where people are appreciated the most. Tragedy strikes all of us but it only makes us stronger. Brendan was a hero, he was courageous for what he did. His father said, his message will live on. AND IT WILL. Nodar is a hero he was in one of the most dangerous sports. It seems all the good people die. But those such as  Brendan, Mark, and Nodar will always be with us. They'll always be in our hearts.



Oh and  Happy Belated Birthday to Hiller! He turned 28 on Feb 12, 2010!





Jonas Hiller of course has been chosen to play for his native Switzerland he'll most likely be the starter and therefore would get the most minutes out of his fellow goalie teammates.Former Ducks goaltender Martin Gerber will serve as Hiller's back-up, if not possibly split time. Tobias Stephan will serve as the third goaltender for the Swiss.

UPDATE: DUE TO GERBER SUFFERING AN INJURY HE MAY NOT GET AS MUCH PLAYING TIME, SO THE FACT THAT HE MAY SPLIT TIME WITH HILLER IS LESSER THAN BEFORE.  (I almost totally forgot about Gerber's neck injury but he is still on the roster)

One thing that is so controversial about the Olympics in hockey is for one, there is about a two week break and players take off to wherever the Olympics are taking place. As for 2010, the Winter Olympics are taking place in Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada. Players will be stepping foot on the biggest stage for athletes. Controversially, some believe that the Games is too risky to send a elite player  too. The Ducks have currently nine players headed to Vancouver but Ryan Getzlaf may not play for Canada (first game on Tuesday). Getzlaf suffered a ankle injury against the Los Angeles Kings while tangled up with Dustin Brown.

Controversially, the players are apt to more injury as they take part in a very condensed schedule. This is one concern for every Ducks and hockey fan of their respective team that their player maybe be injured, with Hiller something that at least a few fans are saying, they hope Switzerland doesn't make it far, as this will give Hiller a more opportunity to rest. This is Hiller's first Olympics and him being chosen has made a dream come true. Before making the NHL, he was more focused on making the Olympic team than he was the NHL, as in Switzerland the Olympic and the National Team are the biggest event. The NHL would be nice for the players but it's more distant  in their minds than the Olympics.  Now that Hiller is in both not to mention just signed a big contract; he will be seeing plenty of time between the pipes on the biggest stage.

After the Olympic break, the Ducks will have 20 games remaining. Though in that 20 game stretch, we may be seeing new Ducks goalie Vesa Toskala as for the reason people wanting the Swiss to be knocked out early is because as mentioned before Hiller would have a longer time to get some rest as he still has some regular season NHL hockey to play and very possibly playoffs. This also gives Hiller less chance of injury; as a goaltender he will be out for the full 60 minutes of the game and would not get too much rest, with the exception of game stoppage or when he is pulled. It also depends on the team in front of him how much he, personally will have to work to keep the puck out of the back of his team's net. The Swiss shouldn't be a team that is overlooked; they could very well possibly make it into the medal rounds, and take home a medal.


The Goalie Guild will have some excellent updates, which obviously will include Hiller along with every other goalie who is participating in Van2010.

Hiller has most certainly earned his spot for his native country, it's not so much the fact that he's an NHL goalie it's his performance. If he weren't so damn good in the blue paint then he may of not been called to duty for his country. Although, it is a possibility, the NHL may of resulted in his selection just slightly. Just as Nike says " You don't wear it. You earn it" Hiller's stellar play has shown he has earned to wear Switzerland's sweater in the Olympics along with Ducks' prospect Luca Sbisa. Hiller's determination in hockey has earned him more than one thing. It has earned him, respect from the fans, the media, and most of all teammates. He has the utmost respect from a goalie who was the franchise goalie of the Ducks before being traded to the Leafs. J.S. Giguere him through thick and thin, never being angry at him for taking his spot as a No 1 goaltender in Anaheim. Hiller has most definitely gained support from Switzerland; where before the NHL he played on his national team. Hiller didn't get here from just sitting there, he's earned it, he's done it all. He's struggled, he's been stellar he's fought through thick and thin and he never once gave up. This is one huge reason why he's in the Olympics and a reason why he is so respected. With help from Francois Allaire, Pete Peeters, and of course Giguere he is an important piece to both the Swiss and Anaheim those three people have been some of the most important to him in his development both in NHL hockey and at the European style of play.
 

Random Fact: Hiller is the only goalie in the NHL who wears KOHO protective gear he is also the face of KOHO. He wears the KOHO 700 Series (Hiller has an endorsement with KOHO) . He is loyal to the company who was once a big name, but has since died out. Hiller is bringing the name back into the NHL and rightfully so. Hiller's mask was made in Switzerland by Airxess(English) by Toronado Proton  and it is the first mask in the NHL made by a Swiss company. He also has a special kind of blade guards on his skates, which he also got from Switzerland. They protect the blades from chipping or being damaged during play against the goal posts (mainly)

Once again Good Luck to all the Ducks Olympians!


Ryan Getzlaf, Scott Niedermayer (Captain), Corey Perry -Canada
Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu-Finland
Jonas Hiller, Luca Sbisa-Switzerland
Bobby Ryan, Ryan Whitney-USA

Ducks take it to 11

Some random picture I found via Google

The debate about who'll be the No 1 goalie between Jonas Hiller and J.S. Giguere has since, say slowly died out among not only Ducks fans, but the media. Hiller has been absolutely sensational from when he was able to show his true self when his [former] goaltender teammate Giguere was able to take the time to take care of personal issues off the ice. In the wake of the death of Giguere's father; who rightfully so had time off to cope emotionally. You could just imagine Hiller saying to Giguere, once he had returned from Montreal.

"Hey J.S. I'll try all I can do so you don't have to play as much."

Giguere and Hiller probably commuted somewhere along the lines of that, which not only did Hiller get to play more, he was probably also pushed to help a friend in need who wasn't all emotionally there, when it came to hockey. Giguere has had a hefty load served up on his plate but he managed himself through it. Hiller told Giguere about his new contract even before it was official at the time  Hiller had made this announcement; Giguere was the only person who knew while the rest of the team was clueless before it [Hiller's contract] became official."We're just honest that way" Hiller said.

Giguere has been nothing but supportive over a red streaking Hiller. Giguere; who hoped to play as a Duck knew he had heavy "competition" with Jonas. Giguere though didn't believe in the competition against a teammate the only competition he's ever believed in was against the puck. He never believed in it especially against his own teammates. Giguere was soon gone after Hiller had signed his contract. Giguere was traded in exchange for Vesa Toskala and Jason Blake. Giguere is 2-1 in his first three games as a Leaf. He recorded his first loss in a team that knows him a little to well a rival when in Anaheim the San Jose Sharks beat the Leafs 3-1 (2/08/10) Giguere would tie a record with Ed "The Eagle" Belfour with a shutout in his debut later that week, after Gustvasson was put in net in favor of Giguere in the 3-4 loss to the New Jersey Devils (2/05/10. Giguere was started against the 0-5 shutout win over the rival Ottawa Senators (2/06/10). The shutout against the Senators put Giguere in the books as the Leafs first goalie to have two shutouts in his first two games.

The Ducks have been hot and they've made a franchise record of 11 straight at home. The 11th win came in sloppy and nail biting game against a team who has only won three of their last twenty seven games the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers tallied two short handed goals against the Ducks. Ryan Potulny scored to tie up the game Ethan Moreau scored to put the Oilers in the lead over the Ducks  Bobby Ryan scored the first Ducks goal than would shortly tie up the game on a sniping wrister to tie up the game. James Wisniewski shot the puck from the blue line which had rookie goaltender Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers down. The puck deflected off of Todd Marchant's stick beating a shocked Deslauriers. A penalty had been "awarded" to Petteri Nokelainen putting the Ducks one man short. Then Drouin-Deslauriers went to the bench, in hopes of the Oilers tying it up. The Ducks survived a 6-4 man disadvantage.


Jonas Hiller had 37 saves as he was one if not the biggest reason on making this franchise record eleven straight at home. Hiller had bailed out the team and if he hadn't come to save the day, the game could of easily been 6-3 Oilers. The Ducks had played almost unenthusiastic but it kept the game exciting. Hiller had the first star of the game and he has been coming up big. Toskala was shown on the bench, as he was chomping away at his gum. He looked pretty happy and content though most likely cannot wait to hit the ice to play a game with the Ducks. He most likely will not get a start in the next two games. The Ducks have 20 games remaining after the Olympic break. Toskala will probably play within that stretch at least once.


GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE DUCKS OLYMPIANS!


Team Canada:
Ryan Getzlaf
Scott Niedermayer
Corey Perry

Team Finland:
Saku Koivu
Teemu Selanne

Team Switzerland:
Jonas Hiller
Luca Sbisa (prospect; not on current roster)

Team USA:
Bobby Ryan
Ryan Whitney.

Go for the Gold USA! Gold for Brendan (Burke)!

Hiller will be standing on his head, in where he'll be reunited with his friends from his native Switzerland; the 2010 Olympics should be interesting and intricate! This is the Athlete's biggest stage. Winter Olympics Vancouver 2010; Let the Games begin!

Vesa Toskala: No more blue and white

According to a small tidbit from Orange County Register. Toskala has made it clear he doesn't want to be a back up.


And if Vesa Toskala doesn't want a back up role which he had in Toronto then he's going to have to prove more than one thing. He's in competition with Jonas Hiller this is to say Toskala believes he is in the running of competition with Hiller. J.S. Giguere never saw it as a competition between him and Hiller in fact he didn't believe in that.  Toskala hopes to wash the 'blue and white' out of his gear."Hopefully soon," Toskala said. "So I can wash that blue and white out of my gear." Meaning, he didn't leave Toronto on a good note and obviously didn't have too many good memories with them. In the case of him running in competition with Hiller here is a comment he told to OC Register

"I don't think I'm a backup goalie," he said. "I obviously want to play a lot, and I know how good I can play. But like I said earlier, there are lots of things you can't control in this league. I just do whatever I have to do here to help the team make the playoffs.
"I'm not going to complain or anything. If it's my call, I would play every game because I love to play. When I play a lot, I play my best."

Most goalies play his/her best when they get a lot of time to play it creates a rhythm which is needed, despite the way one played more time will better credit to their play; thus is why Randy Carlyle's "Win. You're in" mantra did not work. Toskala is going to have to prove his worth in Anaheim especially after being acquired in the Giguere trade. Despite Giguere's struggles over the last season and a half fans and media are going to be skeptical over Toskala. Giguere wore a Ducks' uniform for way to long for there to be no skepticism but not only what was previously stated skepticism also comes from his recent struggles with Toronto. As with the comment, he is going to have to prove he can play well but maybe he'll play well in a new place. Toskala hails from a hockey mad country; where [returning] to California  isn't so much of hockey crazy place. In  Canada, a hockey player has about literally 30 reporters following him where in California 5 reporters for a hockey player is considered a lot. California is a state that cares a lot about baseball it's baseball made and of course, there's football but when it comes to the top four sports hockey takes the back burner.

If Toskala thinks he can out do Hiller then he's going to have to be good. No he doesn't have to be good, he has to be superior to win over a hot Hiller and he's going a lot more to prove than just stopping the puck if he wants to "pass" his newest goaltending teammate. Hiller has made a big name for himself in the Orange County hockey world and Toskala has not. While his name is very recognizable, which has been more in a scrutinized light than good. Toskala has good amount to clear off of his plate. While he is in a less pressurized market the fans are going to be critical. Especially through the remaining year since the Giguere trade still has a pretty good hold emotionally of all the Anaheim hockey fans.

More than likely Toskala would be gone after this season as he is an unrestricted free agent.Where the Ducks will most likely call upon Justin Pogge as a backup. However, the Ducks have Timo Pielmeier who has been stellar with the Condors. The Ducks also have J.P. Levasseur and Marco Cousineau as touted future goalies.

So all thoughts will be reserved on Toskala until he gets some games in a Ducks sweater under his belt. More than one game well be needed for a new player to be judged. As well, lets hope Toskala has a good attitude in the locker room if he does he should be welcomed in fairly quickly as all other players have into the Ducks family.

"Toskala said he did request jersey No.35 ... but for obvious reasons was denied. He will wear No.36."

However since Toskala said, he did request the number 35 he will be put in somewhat of a critical light for that.Even though Toskala wore 35 in Toronto that number still (as also previously mentioned) has too much of an emotional attachment among Ducks fans. Lets play the waiting game with Toskala only time will tell about him and his future.

Vesa Toskala joins Ducks

Vesa Toskala has cleared immigration his papers have been settled. Toskala will join the Ducks in Sunday's  practice and he has been added to the Anaheim roster. Toskala was acquired with Jason Blake in exchange for J.S. Giguere. According to Brady's blog; Toskala who wore 35 with Toronto will not wear 35 in Anaheim. This is where Ducks fans can  sigh a sign of relief. The number 35 will always be affiliated with Giguere in Anaheim and no other name can falter this. Giguere is wearing 35 in Toronto and tonight against the Senators where he played his second game with his new team, he is 2-0 with both as shutouts.


Justin Pogge has been sent back down to San Antonio Rampage making room for the Ducks newest goalie.

Toskala was born in Tempere, Finland on May 20,1977. He was drafted fourth (90th) overall in 1995 by the San Jose Sharks. His career record is  in 260 NHL games 127-82-5-25-13 (Wins, Loses, Ties, Over Time, Shutouts) With a career average of .922 save percentage and 2.77 goals against average. Vesa will be another Finn added to the Ducks roster. There are currently four players from Finland on the Ducks roster; Finland is the most represented out of North America country in the Anaheim Hockey Club. The Finns include: Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, Petteri Nokelainen, and the newest Vesa Toskala. There are only two other players  on the current Ducks roster not born in either Canada or the US. Jonas Hiller (Switzerland) and Evgeny Artyhukin(Russia)

And now, we must play the waiting game to see how Toskala will pan out in Anaheim, behind Hiller.

The new era: After Giguere

 

 

LETS TAKE A MOMENT OF SILENCE BEFORE READING THIS ENTRY FOR FORMER DUCKS GM BRIAN BURKE AND HIS FAMILY.THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH BURKIE AND FAMILY. It has been confirmed that Burke's youngest son, Brendan (21) has succumbed to injury from a car accident in 

Indiana.

                              

Jonas Hiller during warm-ups. Red Wings vs. Ducks Feb 3, 2010

Since the franchise goaltender was shipped off to Toronto, Ontario in Canada the Ducks have played three games; Hiller has started all three games and he is currently 2-1. The first game after J.S. Giguere's depature the Ducks took the ice in Sunrise, Florida where Hiller and Anaheim recorded a 3-0 shutout.  Giguere's departure consisted of him in his full gear in Sunrise but before he was out on the ice; the phone was handed to him and there, he knew, he was no longer a Duck. He asked if he would waive his no trade clause and he agreed. According to the Orange County Register, the scene was surreal as the entire team skated over to Giguere and all of them hugged the Ducks legendary and franchise goaltender. Then Giguere took the team bus, a ten minute ride back to the hotel; where he packed his belongings. Giguere then made his debut against the New Jersey Devils where he posted a 3-0 shutout. Who would of thought right after Hiller signed his contract that each would put the same exact score in their respect team's record books (3-0) The only difference was, Giguere recorded the shutout at home and Hiller recorded the shutout on the road. Giguere's 3-0 shutout put him in the books of Leafs history as he was only the second goalie in franchise history to record a shutout in his debut with the team. Ed "The Eagle" Belfour was the first (2002) to do so.

Soon after the shutout on the road against the Panthers, the Ducks flew home and played the heavily conference rival the Detroit Red Wings. Where Hiller record his career high of 47 saves including a breakaway save on Pavel Datysuk which brought a rain of cheers from the Ducks fans. Datysuk spoiled Hiller's shutout when he scored a power play goal in the second period a hooking call on Saku Koivu.

the Ducks newest fan John T Meyer met up with fans for a "Tweep Up" as the  Ducks won the contest of "Pick My NHL team" Adam Brady, the Ducks main and official blogger gave the group a tour of the some of the Honda Center and went down to the glass to watch warm ups. This was John's first ever NHL Game, and did the Ducks give him a memorable night a 3-1 win over a heavy rival.

The next day, the Ducks would travel to Los Angeles to play the division rivals, the LA Kings. Where they would lose 4-6.

                                       Justin Pogge during warm-ups vs the Red Wings Feb 3, 2010


Justin Pogge had been called up from the San Antonio Rampage as an emergency back up to Hiller. Pogge has not played in  regular NHL Season game yet with the Ducks.Pogge was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a draft pick. Pogge has played in an NHL game, in face he's played in a hand full with Toronto where he struggled. He hopes to have a resurgence in Anaheim. Former Ducks GM' Brian Burke thought it would be best to send Pogge to a different team and he best thought it was to his former team where he helped the Ducks win the first Stanley Cup in the state of California.


Vesa Toskala was acquired along with Jason Blake in exchange for J.S. Giguere. Toskala still remains in Toronto as he is going through the immigration process and will be with Anaheim shortly. Toskala was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the 1995 entry draft. Toskala during the 2009-2010 season has a record of 26-7-12 with a 3.66 goals against average and a .874 save percentage

Hiller inked; Giguere traded.

 

2007 brand new parents. Kristen and [former] Ducks goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere 

sit Maxime Olivier in the Stanley Cup.

We knew this was going to happen at some point. When the goalie situation started, we knew one goalie was going to be wearing a different sweater. J.S. Giguere was the goaltender most leaned towards not wearing a Ducks sweater. Jonas Hiller signed a $18 Million contract for four years. Rightfully so, Giguere was slotted as a backup goaltender before he left Anaheim.

It's a sad thing to see someone like Giguere sent to another team, but he is excited as this brings a new opportunity for him. Giguere came to Anaheim in 2001 from the Calgary Flames; he was drafted by the Hartford Whalers (Carolina Hurricanes) in 1995. Giguere has done wonders for the Ducks; he won the Conn Smythe trophy as the most valuable player in the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals; the Ducks lost to the New Jersey Devils and Giguere only the 5th player to receive the honor on a losing team. 

He is the winningest goalie in Ducks goaltending history, as he has set the record, he also has the highest amount of shutouts.

Giguere even acquired his nickname from the Ducks "Jiggy" from the Will Smith song; "Gettin Jiggy wit it" at first Giguere didn't like the name but he had warmed up to it and has been called it ever since. Every time the then Arrowhead Pond played the Will Smith song, he would come up with huge and timely saves and the team opted his nickname as "Jiggy" Giguere has since asked the facility not to play the song during his career in Anaheim. The facility has happily obliged to his wishes.

Jiggy is nothing but class, sure he stated out publicly that "I'd rather retire than be a back up goalie" which the media and fans had spun into something completely different than what he intended it to be.


Jonas Hiller wouldn't be the goalie that he is today, if it wasn't for Giguere. The two have an excellent relationship and this won't ruin it. Giguere was the first person for Hiller to tell about his extension. When Hiller had this deal for sure,  people knew Giguere was gone, but no one not even Hiller expected for him to be gone the next day.


Todd Marchant, Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, Scott Niedermayer are some of the main players who were there when the Ducks took the 2007 Stanley Cup. The image of that will never fade from the fans of the Ducks. Perry was the first to jump into Jiggy's arms as time wounded down. Jiggy had troubles getting his gloves off and he was forced to jump as Perry followed by Getzlaf then the rest of the team mobbed him. He was forced to jump as to avoid not to get pummeled/killed by his teammates.

Giguere was the face of the Ducks franchise, but as a younger and cheaper goaltender came in and pushed him of his no 1 spot. He was no longer the more viable goalie. Hiller had attached to Giguere the moment he stepped into the Ducks locker room in 2007. Giguere made sure of this, not by arrogance, no. But by the mere fact that Giguere told Hiller; if you need (help with) anything don't hesitate to ask. Hiller never hesitated. Giguere gave him the ins and outs of the league and helped him tremendously, giving advice like it were candy. Yet, Giguere doesn't consider himself a mentor. Giguere will help any goaltender as long as it helps him advance in his career. This is what he'll be doing with his new team the Toronto Maple Leafs with his newest goaltender teammate; the sensational 25 year old rookie from Sweden Jonas Gustvasson. Gustvasson is happy to have Giguere as a teammate and believes he'll learn a lot from the goalie who has a lot behind him. This he will Gustvasson is going to learn tons from someone like Jiggy and there will be no regrets for the Leafs; signing someone as classy and noble as Giguere. Gustvasson will learn a lot from Giguere on and off the ice.

The Ducks acquired goalie Vesa Toskala and winger Jason Blake in return for the franchise's winningest goalie. Blake was with the team in Sunrise, Florida where Hiller and the Ducks posted a 3-0 shutout to beat the Panthers and end the road trip on a good note; despite the hectic weekend involving the Ducks. Anaheim also sent rookie wingers Dan Sexton and Matt Beleskey back down to the minors. Sexton was sent back to the Manitoba Moose and Beleskey to the Bakersfield Condors; Anaheim's main ECHL affiliate Anaheim also placed Nick Boynton on waivers Anaheim recalled goaltender Justin Pogge as a back-up to Hiller in Flordia. Toskala couldn't leave Canada as he was to clear the immigration process.  He must obtain his visa to become a legal immigrant in the United States; otherwise most visiting players have obtained at least a passport. Professional sports require all players to follow immigration laws in both the United States and Canada. As well with different countries, if the team has an exhibition game in a different country other than the US/Canada. This should/of been a smooth process for Toskala as he has previously played for the San Jose Sharks.

As the Ducks enter the new Hiller era, the Ducks are excited to move on. A legend has left the organization but he has been reunited with long time goalie coach; Francios Allaire.Also he has been reunited with former Ducks GM Brian Burke will is the GM for Team USA. Hiller will be starting for his home country Team Switzerland this month in the Vancouver Olympics. Hiller was acquired in 2007 and he is undrafted. Before Hiller came to the Ducks; he was virtually unheard of in the NHL, but thanks to the likes of Joe Thornton he has quickly found the spotlight in Anaheim. One big reason Hiller signed with the Ducks is due to former goaltending coach Allaire, now in Toronto and reunited with Giguere.

We can't deny Giguere, despite his struggles on the ice as Hiller had snugged himself between the pipes and found himself playing more and more efficiently as time went on. The Ducks no longer had a lingering goalie situation; As Hiller is now the clear cut No 1 goaltender. Giguere is getting a second chance in Toronto and he rightfully so deserves another chance. As he still has some hockey left in him.

LET THE HILLER ERA BEGIN! The German speaking Swiss as taken over the reigns in Anaheim.

#35 ALWAYS A DUCK IN THE HEARTS OF DUCKS FANS! #35.

#35 AMAZING, UNDENIABLE, EXCELLENT GOALIE, AMAZING HUMAN BEING. WE'LL MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU JIGGY. GOOD LUCK IN TORONTO! #35 WILL ALWAYS BE REGARDED WITH THE NAME GIGUERE ABOVE IT. If someone does wear 35 such as Toskala (which he most likley won't) 35 will never in a Ducks sweater be the same without you, Jiggy!

THANK YOU, JIGGY FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE! FOR 2003, FOR 2007 FOR EVERYTHING!