Anaheim Calling

Open Gameday Recap Thread Predators @ Ducks

2010-03-13T06:53:16Z

DANIEL:

It wasn't embarrassing, but it was most assuredly demoralizing. The Ducks fell 1-0 to the Nashville Predators, a team they were chasing in the standings. Anaheim now finds itself 9 points out of the playoffs with only 15 games left to play. They have earned one point in their last 5 games. Have scored in only 2 of their last 12 periods played, as well as scoreless in an overtime period in that span. It's hard to identify what's been wrong. The Ducks played a pretty solid game, but just couldn't get a bounce to go their way. The refs only wanted to call penalties for a small segment at the end of the first period. The Ducks surrendered a goal on a 5-on-3 disadvantage, and that was all the goal scoring the Preds would need.

Jonas Hiller was phenomenal tonight. He gave the Ducks every opportunity to win. However, Anaheim's offense has simply evaporated. It's not over yet, but the Ducks will need a lot of help to get back in the playoff picture. Right now it looks like there are simply too many teams ahead of them for the Ducks to make a serious run.

We Need A Hero

2010-03-10T19:10:01Z

ARTHUR:

The Ducks may not have eliminated themselves from the playoffs mathematically, but they've certainly squandered any advantage granted them by the architects of this year's NHL schedule. What started as a seven game homestand, 8 of their first 9 at The Pond to open the month of March, is now a tough final 16 games. Seven of the remaining sixteen will be road games, ten against playoff teams and three played on the tail end of back to backs. The table suddenly looks impossible to run on this side of a four-game losing streak.

And yet, the table also seems set for a hero to emerge. So Daniel, who is your superstar? Who is the ONE player you think will have to make a 180 degree turn from his performance in this losing streak for the Ducks to make the playoffs?

DANIEL:

I'm really torn about this. My instincts say Bobby Ryan, but my brain says Saku Koivu.

I'm going to go with Koivu. The second line has been invisible for 3 games now. They had 5 points in the first game out of the break and have had nothing since. I know wingers can find the net without having a great center to get them the puck, but the Ducks best games were the ones where Koivu's second line with Bobby Ryan and Dan Sexton was clicking on all cylinders. Not only was Koivu generating offense during that stretch, but he was a force in the circle and a defensive rock in late minute situations.

When Koivu has been playing a quality game, not just scoring, the Ducks have been at their best. If the second line is clicking, it eases some of the stress on the top line and makes it harder for teams to defend. Getzlaf might have finally used his anger to dominate last night, but it's going to take more than him Hulk-ing out to turn this team around. The Ducks have needed a second line center ever since they traded McDonald, and Koivu is the closest thing we've had to that. If he turns it around and becomes more of an impact player, then the Ducks might be able to turn this streak around.

ARTHUR:

Koivu isn't my choice, but I agree that secondary scoring is important and that he contributes in a myriad of ways, not the least of which is his play in the circle.

Still, my guy is Jonas Hiller. He hasn't been invisible during the losing streak, but he hasn't been a difference maker either. And he's let close games slip away from him. Against Colorado, you could argue the penalty killing needed to be better. But then after giving up one power play goal in the 1st period against Phoenix, he gave up two goals on the first five even strength shots of the 2nd period, giving the Coyotes a 3-0 lead. You can argue that Jonas didn't have goal support in that game, but he had a 3-0 lead against the Canadiens before he was beaten by a breakaway goal in what was only the team's third shot in eight minutes of the 2nd period. Maybe these aren't bad games, but he certainly hasn't made an argument for a three-star selection since he came back from Vancouver.

Of course, Jonas regularly has bad games. He had some in the Olympics. He even had some bad games during the Ducks stretch run last year. And at that time, I think a lot of people wrote off the bad games as Hiller adjusting to the fatigue of finally seeing regular starting time, but this year, I think he might be fighting the fatigue of the long season.

I've argued before that Hiller has yet to climb the hurdle of proving himself over the NHL schedule. His longest season plus playoffs in Davos ran 58 games. He played 59 with the Ducks last year. This year, if you count the Olympics, he now has 55 games played with 16 squarely in front of him. I wouldn't blame him for hitting a wall. But if the Ducks are going to make the playoffs, they need him to be a hero for the last 16 of the season. They need him to get hot, and they need him to keep every game close and winnable, whether it's the Blackhawks or the Oilers out there. And if he's going to make that new contract look like a discount, he can't just "transition" into a 60+ GP goaltender, he has to dominate, even with nothing left in the tank.

Canadiens and Blue Jackets Photo Galleries Courtesy of CK The girl does great work for someone who...

2010-03-10T09:13:44Z

Canadiens and Blue Jackets Photo Galleries Courtesy of CK

The girl does great work for someone who has to shoot from her seat with the maximum sized lens they'll let in the building. Hang in there, CK. We'll try and get credentials next season. Couple of out of focus ones in this batch, but she wanted to catch the major events, and that she did-- see money shot above.

Getz, My Goat

2010-03-09T03:55:11Z

DANIEL:

This is Anaheim Calling to the hockey world.

The Ducks' skid has reached a depressing 3 games. After key acquisitions at the trade deadline, Anaheim has wasted two quality opportunities to generate points and get back into the playoff race. While mistakes are being made all around, perhaps the most disappointing Duck since the Olympics has been Ryan Getzlaf. He had two assists last night, but after setting up the first two Canadiens goals, he left the ice an even player. His turnovers have steadily climbed in the past two games, and he seems even more hesitant to shoot the puck (if that's possible for Getzlaf). Arthur, Getzie has shown his ability to dominate a game with his talent, but he seems incapable of being consistent. What do the Ducks need to do to make sure he takes care of the puck and dominates?

ARTHUR:

You know, I've always defended knocks on Getzlaf's consistency, essentially since we drafted him, by saying that he needs to mix it up or else he's complacent. He needs to make every game personal, and only when you see Getzlaf The Bully, Getzlaf The Stupid Retaliation Penalty Taker will you see Getzlaf The Superstar, Getzlaf The Shooter. Only when he's physically involved in a game does he swat guys off of him and bring it to the net. I stand by that, and I honestly don't know what this iteration of the Ducks can do to address that. We're not very physical, we're moving toward a three scoring line system and we're asking Getzlaf to play some defense against top lines in the NHL, which will always have their fair share of divers and debutantes who are hesitant to mix it up.

We can't ask the rest of the team to change because, frankly, I doubt they can. Just looking at the Hits stats-- though, yes, I know hits are subjective --Getzlaf is 52 hits ahead of second place Wisniewski. Getzie tries to mix it up, but he really has no back up out there. His blind passes are actually the one thing he does that fits in with this soft squad. The team can't exactly ask him to stop being a perimeter player when that's all he sees from them on the ice.

Ideally, if we want to see Getzlaf The Superstar again, we'd put away the perimeter playmaking by keeping Beleskey on that line as a banger and getting Perry back to pure agitation-- sixty minutes of punching people in the face instead of five. That was the sort of situation that frustrated Joe Thornton into dropping the gloves in the playoffs last year. And it's that frustration from the opposition and the lack of cuteness in the play of his linemates that forces out the competitor in Getzlaf. I just don't see him coming around by any other means.

DANIEL:

It might seem irrational, but I think maybe some time on the second line would do him some good. I just can't agree that Getzlaf needs very specific conditions in order to play at his best. I agree that he is at his best when he's in the middle of a wild and physical game, but that can't be the only time he dominates. He and Perry will be the highest paid players on this team next year. Getzlaf has pretty much been anointed the captain when Niedermayer leaves. So how can he not take full responsiblity to be prepared and active in every game?

ARTHUR:

Is it really fair to come down on Getzlaf with that expectation this year, when 90% of this team, including its captain, isn't showing up for every game?

DANIEL:

If he's going to be a captain, then yes.

Getzlaf has all the tools to be a superstar, yet he chooses not to showcase them on a consistent basis. My problems with Getzlaf don't stem just from the blind passes in the offensive zone but from his costly defensive giveaways and his inability to ever recognize that putting the puck on the net is a good play. Yes, a blind offensive zone pass led to the first Montreal goal, but a defensive zone giveaway led to the second. Even if he needs to be crazy to be offensively dominant and give up that first goal, he shouldn't need to be that crazy in order to make a safe defensive play. When the offense isn't clicking, the defense still needs to be there. There were also a few rushes in the Montreal game where Getzlaf held onto the puck so long that the defense was able to get back before a play even developed. He wastes odd man rushes because teams have learned that if they take away the pass, Getzlaf won't shoot.

Getzie needs to step up his game if the Ducks are going to make the playoffs. He's out of time and out of excuses. Carlyle should put him on the second line with Selanne and Blake, then see if Koivu can get Ryan and Perry going. Even if it's only for half a game, it will be well worth it if Getzlaf gets the message.

Tabernac! Les Canards Méchants!

2010-03-07T19:01:00Z

ARTHUR:
The Canadiens visit the Ponda Center tonight. It will be Saku Koivu's first crack at the Habs since they released their longtime captain to free agency last offseason. Daniel, players often feel the need to stick it to to the teams that declared them non-essential personnel. Does Koivu have to beat his old team tonight to prove them wrong, or has he done that already this season with the Ducks?

DANIEL:

I'd like to see him beat his old team tonight, but not because he needs to prove them wrong. Koivu's 34 points aren't an astronomical number. Still, I think he's been invaluable. If he hadn't anchored that line with Sexton and Ryan in December, we'd be long out of the playoff race. He has made key defensive stands late in games to preserve one goal leads, and he's been a phenomenal penalty killer. His leadership was probably instrumental in the quick development of Dan Sexton. The chemistry between he and Selanne hasn't played out the way Ducks fans had hoped, but I still think he's been a serviceable second line center and has plenty of time to get hot and reach 50 points. I think he needs to beat them to continue to make the case he's making on the Ducks squad, and to make his case for free agency this year, not last year. Koivu would be a valuable addition to any team, and he'll be a major reason why the Ducks make the playoffs this season, you know . . . IF they make the playoffs.

ARTHUR:

If Saku is going to prove the Habs wrong, he has to do it tonight. I mean, let's be honest. Canadians don't really care that anyone is playing hockey in the state of California. So, as good as Koivu has been-- and he might be the most consistent and valuable player on the Ducks this season --no one connected to the Montreal organization was watching. Maybe not even the pro scouts.

But the Canadiens will be watching tonight, as will the rest of Montréal. If Koivu wants to make his case, this is his chance. This is his chance to look the NEW 8th seed Canadiens in the eye and show them he can beat them one-on-one, he can out chance them and he can out hustle them for pucks. Free agency is the time of year when teams tell you what you're worth, and these games are really the only opportunities players get to make their counter argument.

Avs @ Ducks Photo Gallery By CK

2010-03-05T17:50:22Z

Avs @ Ducks Photo Gallery By CK

From time to time, our photographer, CK, throws us a photo gallery. We put them up on the old Blogger site, backdated to keep our "We've Moved" notice on the front page. We've got one for the Avs game with a few pictures of the medals and the pre-game ceremony.

Trader Bob's

2010-03-04T21:38:26Z

DANIEL:

The trade deadline has come and gone, and the Ducks have two new defenders coming to Southern California. Arthur, you and I have been pretty vocal critics of GM Bob Murray, his ability to give away prospects without getting much in return and his seemingly lost-in-the-woods acquisitions that don't seem to fit our team. So, in your estimation, did Murray have a good deadline day, or were these just superfluous moves to save his job?

ARTHUR:

Well, I think every move on a struggling team is a move to save a GM's job, but I do think that Bob Murray had a good deadline day.

My primary problem with Murph is that he has a very limited eye for talent, but he still insists on being a bull market GM. As such, he often loses his shirt on guys that most people know, going in, aren't going to work out for him. These guys aren't bums, but Anaheim just isn't the place for guys like Christensen, Whitney, Boynton, or Wisniewski. Just as Chicago wasn't the place for Wendel Clark in '99. But yesterday, Murph finally showed me the difference between the GM he is now and the GM he was in Chicago. He is still going to make epically bad moves, but he's not going to run one bad move into another until he's buying out Wendel Clark. This version of Murph is committed to digging himself out of trouble by moving what he's got, NOT by throwing good money after bad.

There was a real measured approach to his moves over the last few days. He didn't just throw Burke's assets out the window like he did last year, and like Burke did with Bryan Murray's before him. Murph sat down with what he had and the mistakes he had made, and he created the picks and the money to get things done. It may not work out the way he hopes, but we're no longer stuck with Whitney or Boynton. And hopefully, we won't be stuck paying Wisniewski. So, other than sending prospects out the window last year and completely misjudging this defensive corps at camp this year, Murph is back to square one in my book.

I also want to say, in defense of Murph, that his supporting cast has let him down on occasion. The front office is a a team as much as the product on the ice. Murph proved that himself by insisting on Beauchemin in the Fedorov trade. This year, Rick Paterson was wrong about Artyukhin, or at least wrong about how much leeway he would get playing for the most notorious team in the league, and Carlyle may still be wrong about Eminger. David McNab has bailed the team out with his acquisition of Dan Sexton, but generally, everything has to come together to make Murray's job easier. It hasn't so far.

DANIEL:

I have to agree that he had a good deadline day. I also agree that we saw a different Bob Murray this deadline than we did last deadline. I know I'm the bigger critic of James Wisniewski on this blog, but I'm glad Murray didn't trade him. If for no other reason than it shows that Murray doesn't ALWAYS have to get assets for players that he might not keep. More importantly, he accurately evaluated our needs and filled them. Ward was an important pick up for a team that is still not killing penalties efficiently. Visnovsky will shoot. He won't think about shooting like Wisniewski does and Whitney did while he was here. He will shoot, and he will get it on net. He will also make for a sturdier option on the first PP unit as the high man, the quarterback, something we desperately need, because Niedermayer, Whitney and Wisniewski were not it.

Last year, I saw an irrational Murray make a lot of deals because he didn't want to lose important assets. I still believe he jumped at too many offers just to put his stamp on this team as quickly as possible. I agree that he has done sufficient work to alleviate those errors. I also know that I have been critical of Murray in saying that there hasn't been a top down vision of what the on ice product should be. I think Murray is taking steps to rectify that, and it began this deadline with his goaltending moves. By picking up the likes of Joey McDonald and Curtis McElhinney, and essentially commiting to Pielmeier as the goalie of the future of Pogge, Murray has eliminated the butterfly style from the Anaheim goaltending pipeline. His acquisition of Visnovsky and his hesitation to move Wiz lead me to believe that he doesn't mind having smaller defenders who play more offense, something Burke was a little less willing to do with the exception of Bergeron.

I don't know if I like everything that Murray did or has done. I still have some concerns about paying Visnovsky until he's 36 years old, and whether or not his body will last that long, but at 3M on that last year, maybe that's okay. However, I think Murray used this deadline to send a message that this is his team and he is working to provide it with all the tools he deems necessary. He gets some slack from me, but this offseason is really going to be the final word on how far Murray has come since they fired him in Chicago.

Former Broadcast Manager In Detroit Sues Bob Murray, Ducks

2010-03-04T21:17:03Z

More photos » Ryan Remiorz - AP

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THE TELETYPE:

Anaheim calling to the hockey world...

Rachel Paris, a former TV broadcast stage manager in Detroit, filed a lawsuit against the Ducks and Anaheim GM Bob Murray in the Eastern District Court of Michigan on Tuesday regarding an incident in the Joe Louis Arena press box at last year's Game 7 between the Ducks and the Red Wings. The suit alleges Assault and Battery and Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress against Bob Murray, as well as Negligence against the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club LLC and vicarious liability of the LLC for all of Bob Murray's actions. You can read the full complaint at this link, courtesy of Court House News Service.

The incident, originally reported by MyFoxDetroit.com is recounted here by the LA Times' Helene Elliott. Murray, apparently upset and angered by the events of the game, threw a barstool-like chair in the press box. Paris claims the chair struck her and knocked her to the ground. Her complaint alleges over $75,000 in damages (a requirement for federal court to have original jurisdiction between two parties who are citizens of different states), supported by her claim that she has had to undergo multiple surgeries related to the injury and is suffering from permanent disability affecting her earning potential. Paris was 55 years old at the time of the incident.

Ducks Trade Whitney To Oilers For Visnovsky

2010-03-03T20:36:46Z

More photos » John Ulan - AP

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THE TELETYPE:
Per TSN, Anaheim has traded defenseman Ryan Whitney to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Lubomir Visnovsky. The Edmonton defenseman is signed into 2012-13 with a cap hit of 5.6M, however his salary descends from 7M this year to 6M, 5M and then 3M. Whitney was signed for the same period at a cap hit of 4M, but with an ascending salary from this year's 3.5M to 4.5M, 5M and then 5.5M.

UPDATE: Anaheim has also moved Petteri Nokelainen for a 6th Round pick from Phoenix.

Ducks Trade Toskala To Calgary

2010-03-03T19:22:17Z

More photos » Chris Young - AP

I had a Ducks uniform picked out and everything (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young)

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THE TELETYPE:
Per TSN, Anaheim has shipped goaltender Vesa Toskala to the Calgary Flames in exchange for Curtis McElhinney. McElhinney, who becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season, makes 500K (535K cap hit) this year and 570K next year. Toskala would have collected gamechecks on a 4M salary for the rest of this season until becoming an unrestricted free agent in July.

UPDATE: The Ducks also acquired goaltender Joey MacDonald from Toronto for a 7th Round pick in 2011.

Ducks Acquire Aaron Ward For Pogge, Pick

2010-03-03T16:49:44Z

More photos » Mark Humphrey - AP

2 months ago: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Aaron Ward (4) checks Nashville Predators forward Nick Spaling (13) into the boards as they chase the puck in the first period of an NHL hockey game on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

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THE TELETYPE:
The Fourth Period is reporting that the Hurricanes have traded Aaron Ward to the Ducks for goaltender Justin Pogge and a Fourth Round pick in 2010.

Aaron Ward's 2.5M contract expires at the end of this season. In three pre-deadline deals, the Ducks cleared 2.5M in salary and acquired a 4th Round pick from Boston.

Anaheim Trades Boynton, Recalls Sexton

2010-03-03T00:52:35Z

More photos » Jeff Chiu - AP

Future consider this! (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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THE TELETYPE:
The Ducks announced today that they have traded defenseman Nick Boynton to the Chicago Blackhawks for future considerations. The team also recalled winger Dan Sexton, having sent him down to the ECHL yesterday afternoon. Boynton was frequently scratched this season until Sheldon Brookbank and Steve Eminger were able to secure roster spots ahead of him and the Ducks decided to waive the veteran blueliner. He has been playing in Manitoba of the AHL since clearing waivers. Sexton was reassigned to the AHL after the Ducks completed a trade for Toronto winger Jason Blake, and he will take the roster spot evacuated yesterday by Evgeny Artyukhin.

With the trades of Artyukhin and Boynton, Anaheim has cleared ~2.5M from the team budget.

Ducks Trade Kampfer to Boston For 4th Rounder

2010-03-02T19:41:37Z

THE TELETYPE:
Anaheim announced today that it has traded the rights to Michigan Wolverines defenseman Steven Kampfer to Boston in exchange for a conditional 4th round pick. The condition is rather complicated, as the Bruins 2010 4th round pick was part of the Daniel Paille trade with Buffalo. Per the conditions of that trade, If Paille scores 16 or more goals this season, Boston will have the option of sending one of its two 4th Round selections (the other formerly belonging to Carolina) in 2010 to the Sabres, a decision they have to make prior to the opening of the second round. Paille currently has nine goals. If Paille fails to score 16 goals or if he does and Boston decides to send Carolina's pick, then the Ducks will receive the Bruins' 2010 4th Rounder. If Boston sends its own 4th round pick to Buffalo, then the Ducks will receive the Bruins' 2011 4th Rounder.

Kampfer was Anaheim's 4th round draft selection in 2007 and was involved in two well-publicized incidents last season. The first was an off-ice assault involving a Michigan football player which left the defenseman with a fractured skull. The second was an on-ice incident in which Kampfer was clotheslined and slashed in the back of the head by two Michigan state players in retaliation for what appeared to be a clean open ice hit. Kampfer is playing well this season, though both incidents left many wondering if professional hockey was still in the young defenseman's future.

Top 20 Prospects: Midseason 2010

2010-03-02T12:00:11Z

ARTHUR:
I will caveat this list by saying that the trade deadline looms and other teams are asking about the Ducks' cupboard. If Murray moves some kids around, I will update this post.

UPDATE: Pogge has been removed, Pielmeier's breakdown revised and Cousineau added.

I've only done this once before, so let me briefly explain my methodology again. Unless otherwise noted, I've seen every player play at least one game this season. Other than that, I follow them through stats and game recaps from local writers. I break down my rubric here, but essentially, I rank the Ducks' prospects based on three factors: skill, position in the development process, and relationship to the organization (i.e. organizational preference for the player and likelihood of an opening in the depth chart). The ideal number one candidate on my list would have the most impressive skillset in the cupboard, three years of dominant play at the junior/NCAA level, three years of dominant play at the AHL level, an affordable and signed entry level contract, positive performance at all conditioning or training camps, an opening for himself in the depth chart, and the favor of the coaching staff and front office.

I graduate all players who have played 25 games (considered a rookie season) in the NHL. This is why you did not see Luca Sbisa (39 GP with Philadelphia) on my last list and why you will no longer see Dan Sexton (previously 11th) or Matt Beleskey (previously 4th) on my new list. I will inject a little NCAA bias from time to time-- it's who I am --but I will also inject the bias of others. For example, the glowing praise of the front office put Brian Salcido on my last list, and it would have put Troy Bodie on this list if he didn't need just one more game to hit 25. I'm not sure why the front office and coaching staff have so much faith in these players, but they would really know better than I would. And clearly, in a situation like Bodie's, they are willing to inject him into the roster despite the fact that Big George still has two years and a clothing line on his contract.

On to the list...

The (Bob) Murray Ducks are generally GP (NHL games played) obsessed, giving players like Calder and Boynton the nod ahead of Sexton and Festerling. However, in an emergency and a tight budget situation, Murray has shown a willingness to go to the cupboard. In the next three years, barring major free agent signings or trades, the Ducks have immediate openings for affordable playmaking centers, backup goaltenders and shutdown defensemen. This list factors in those organizational needs.

Editor's Note: the name links will take you to my profile or scouting report update on the listed player, not to an SB Nation profile on the player.

1. Jake Gardiner

Truthfully, Gardiner spent the year taking a step backwards in my book. He spent much of the season working on his defense (which I observed to be little more than a converted defenseman clinic on hesitation), and he will likely plummet in the rankings of anyone who doesn't actually watch NCAA hockey-- the lowest point total (currently at 9) on the Badgers defense will do that to you.

And yet, it seems unfair to criticize someone for trying to become a 'more complete defenseman,' especially when you look across the Wisconsin blueline at Ryan McDonagh, who took that same pilgrimage for completeness last year and has emerged much the better for it. Still, it's a shame to see Gardiner bottle up his offense, if only because his offensive toolkit is so impressive. For now, the offensive creativity is still there, and he's a responsible member of a top pairing on a top team. A successful finish to the season could even get him talking about a transition to the next level, but in all likelihood, he will spend next season in Wisconsin, learning to be the gamebreaker the Ducks drafted.

2. Nicolas Deschamps

He signed a three-year contract last summer. Check. He had a great camp with the Ducks in September. Check. He now leads the QMJHL in scoring. Check. The Ducks have very little competition for playmaking centers if Koivu leaves. Check.

You can argue that Deschamps isn't an NHL-level playmaker yet, or that he never will be, but the kid has done everything right this season. Despite a glut in their Top 6, the Ducks will need a playmaking center in the next two years, whether he plays on the second line or the third, and due to the aforementioned glut, they may need an affordable pivot for those 4M wingers. That may get Bonino and Deschamps an early cup of coffee in the next two seasons, with Deschamps getting the edge because, as I said, he did everything right this year.

3. Matt Clark

At camp this year, Matt Clark looked NHL-ready. From his work along the boards to his violent checks to covering a 2-on-1 for Scott Niedermayer, the 6'4" blueliner didn't look like a rookie until he handled the puck in the offensive zone. And since he returned to his junior team in Brampton, Clark's focus has turned to handling the puck on the power play and getting pucks on net-- well, that and being a leader on a young team.

He turned 20 in October, and getting him to the pros this fall should be a primary motivation for the Ducks to work on their AHL affiliate situation. Clark's defensive toolkit feels fully matured, and as long as the Ducks don't expect too much offensive contribution out of him, a long stay in the AHL seems unlikely for the blueliner.

4. Nick Bonino

"I'm not even supposed to be here today," best sums up Bonino's season with the Terriers. He had discussed turning pro in the offseason, but without an AHL affiliate, it made sense to send him back to Boston. Upside? He got to play in the Frozen Fenway game, and he was the go-to guy on a depleted BU team. Downside? He took his first major injury (a separated shoulder) and at times, he looks like the only player trying to make things happen at even strength. He wasn't even supposed to be there this season.

Even on a struggling team, Bonino remains a strong playmaker, an active shooter and a reliable faceoff man (284/560). As far as what he's added this season, I can only point to a little more grit and the advantages related to surviving the mental rigors of leading a struggling team. Things came, perhaps, a bit too easy to him last season and a bit too hard to him this season. If he gets anything in-between at the next level, it should be a smooth transition.

5. Mark Mitera

Mitera falls from number two on my last list, surrendering his spot as top Ducks' defensive-defense prospect to Matt Clark. This, for the simple reason that Clark has played more and played consistently over the last two years. Mitera, through no fault of his own, has managed only 63 games (with Michigan, three AHL teams and Bakersfield) since coming back from ACL surgery one year ago. I predicted he would suffer most from Anaheim's lack of an AHL affiliate, and he has.

Make no mistake, though. Mitera hasn't taken a step backwards, in the ECHL or anywhere else. He simply hasn't gotten the opportunity to take a full step forward after his knee injury. He's found some consistent AHL time with Abbotsford, but at this point, it looks like he'll need at least a full AHL year in a Ducks system just to get back on track.

6. Justin Schultz

I won't reiterate my previous talent breakdown of Schultz. Instead, I'll just say that he is the most confident and versatile blueliner in the Wisconsin Badgers corps, the corps that also includes Jake Gardiner, the number one prospect on this list. Gardiner's potential for gamebreaking offense gives him the edge, of course, but as far as every facet of being a defenseman, Schultz has Gardiner beat hands down. In fact, wherever Gardiner's journey for completeness leads him, he's likely to find the carved message, "Schultz was here," if not, "Schutlz was born here."

If I was really pressed for a shortcoming for Schultz, I would say that he could work on his checking, but only because I've yet to see him really line someone up. Aside from that, he's a skillful power play quarterback, an effective penalty killer and he's good with the puck in all three zones. He still has a lot of development time in front of him, but it may be more than he actually needs.

7. Kyle Palmieri

I haven't seen much of Palmieri with Notre Dame, other than that first nationally televised game, but my opinion of his performance then is the same as my opinion of his performance at the World Juniors: he consistently creates chances. Statistically, he isn't having a standout season for the Irish, but his stat sheet isn't much different from much lauded Notre Dame freshman Riley Sheahan. Both players are smart and tenacious, but both players are still working on translating that into an aesthetically pleasing statline. As a small, strong forward, he still compares well to Zach Parise, even if he hasn't posted a freshman season quite as good.

8. Peter Holland

Holland had a tough start this season, suffering a shoulder sprain and struggling in makeshift line combinations. He's certainly picked up the pace, but my opinion of the 6'2" center hasn't changed. He's a perimeter player in a larger player's body, the Ryan Whitney of forwards. He struggled considerably with the Ducks' power forward drills at camp in September and from what I've seen from him this year, he would struggle through them again. He likes space, he may need space and he doesn't take space away from others often enough. Unfortunately, space is something that tends to disappear at the higher levels of the game. Still, you can teach physicality; you can't teach size. Holland will need to learn to use his size to really dominate, and if he doesn't . . . RYAN WHITNEY OF FORWARDS!

9. Brandon McMillan

I had long seen McMillan as a Swiss Army Knife type of player, with speed being his x-factor. However, after seeing him at camp and seeing him play on a dominant line at the World Juniors, I can't deny what this kid can do under the right circumstances. He's a competitor. He uses his speed to get to pucks, not just advance them, and he can bury chances when he gets them. He's a smart two-way winger who can play up to the offensive level of his linemates, even really good linemates.

10. MacGregor Sharp

Early in the year, Sharp received a short call up in which he proved himself more than capable in the faceoff circle but fell short of capitalizing on his scoring chances. His play with Dan Sexton in the ECHL earned both players AHL assignments, but Sexton, due to his size and speed, got the better NHL tryout on the Ducks second line. Sharp will have to get through a deep Bottom 6 center group (Marchant, Nokelainen, Carter and maybe Chipchura) to crack the Anaheim depth chart, but his skillset and his nose for the net give him a natural edge in an organization trying to transition to a mostly offensive lineup.

11. Timo Pielmeier

Pielmeier has relished his opportunity in the ECHL, playing 42 of the team's 54 games so far, scoring a goal and turning in a star performance at the ECHL All-Star game. He sees 23 shots per game while backstopping the Condors, and his confidence is probably the one bright spot of the Ducks' AHL affiliate problems. I've noted his tendency to be a little too active in net, but with Pogge in Carolina, and goalies who have already struggled at the NHL level in his way, he may have an easy road to the NHL backup job.

12. Stefan Warg

Warg had an impressive camp in September. Coach Carlyle noted the defenseman's compete level but said he probably had to work on his mobility. A big, physical blueliner with a willingness to drop the gloves, Warg turned 20 last month and can only hope that Bob Murray (who has an affinity for cheap defensive defenseman and overpaid offensive defenseman) is still in power after Warg's first year in the AHL.

13. Josh Brittain

His point totals have dipped this year, but Brittain remains the only true power forward in the Ducks' cupboard. He can crash on the forecheck, and he's a Tasmanian Devil around the net. However, he will need to find his confidence and consistency to succeed at the next level, and he'll definitely need to show a lot more of what he only showed in flashes at camp. But as a solid forechecker at 6'5" 220 lb, it's hard to believe the Ducks won't find some use for him, even if he leaves his scoring in the juniors.

14. Igor Bobkov

Boasting the best save percentage of the tournament and a solid shutout performance at the World Juniors, Bobkov is proving that his raw goaltending style is still working fine for him. Until someone solves him, I would give him the nod over Marco Cousineau, who recently signed a contract with the Ducks, and Mattias Modig, who appears to have fallen by the development waysides.

15. Sami Vatanen

He was dynamite at the World Juniors, scoring highlight reel goals and proving himself just as clutch as he was at the IIHF U18's. Size remains the only hurdle for the 5'9" defenseman. And despite being physically strong, his ability to take care of his own end at the next level, especially in the defense crashing Western Conference, remains a large question mark. As Ducks Director of Amateur Scouting Martin Madden said of Vatanen after the team drafted him, this is a homerun or strikeout kind of a pick.

16. Maxime Macenauer

Macenauer looked strong at camp this year, skating at breakneck speed and roofing the puck in practice. At some point, he seemed to tweak his leg, and that was par for the course for his first pro season, where a high-flying start for Bakersfield turned into a long term injury. He's back in the lineup now, but he seems more focused on his ability to swarm the puck rather than the scoring that punctuated his hot start this season. He may ultimately prove a valuable two-way forward for the Ducks, but his scoring flare bodes well for his ability to get out of the minors.

17. Radoslav Illo

I still haven't seen Radoslav Illo play, but he's spent the season proving that Martin Madden stole a skill player in the 5th round of last year's draft. Illo has 34 points in 39 games as well as 4 game winning goals for the Tri-City Storm, a performance that earned him a spot on the USHL All-Star West roster. He also proved a strong scorer for Slovakia at the World Juniors. He's committed to Bemidji for next year, so I'm sure I'll get to see him then, but for now, it looks to me like Anaheim has picked up a goal scorer with a throwaway pick.

18. Stu Bickel

The ECHL was a good thing for Stu Bickel. He found his stride and looked more like the tough defenseman I remember from Minnesota. He didn't make his case at camp this year, but if he can make a strong showing at the next camp, the Ducks may give him a small call up. And with his pricy (1.375M) contract expiring at the end of next year, Anaheim may want to call him up, if only just to see what it is they're not re-signing.

19. Marco Cousineau

He's ending his time in The Q on a good note, going 13-2, with 2 shutouts, a 2.43 GAA and a .910 save percentage for the Saint John Sea Dogs. The performance got him a three-year, 650K/yr. (850K cap hit) entry level contract from the Ducks. He'll need to find consistency and keep his current confidence to beat out the Ducks' minor leaguers.

20. Matt McCue

There are plenty of size players who would be an upgrade over George Parros. The Ducks are currently trying Troy Bodie on for size, but players like Matt McCue and Justin Vaive wait eagerly in the wings. On paper, McCue offers something similar to Dustin Byfuglien: a so-so WHL defender who, when converted to forward, gives you size, grit and an unexpectedly hard shot around the net. He's not on par with Byfuglien's skill, but the theory is sound enough to give him the edge over Bodie.

Ducks Trade Artyukhin To Atlanta

2010-03-02T03:24:39Z

More photos » Jeff Roberson - AP

You are no match for my Flying Walrus Style!! (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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THE TELETEYPE:

Anaheim announced today that it has traded Evgeny Artyukhin for Atlanta defenseman Nathan Oystrick. If Artyukhin re-signs with the Thrashers, the Ducks will also receive a 6th round pick in the 2011 draft. The club has specified that Oystrick, who is recovering from a broken jaw, will stay with his AHL club in Chicago and that the move will allow the club to carry another forward on its roster. That other forward is presumably Dan Sexton, whom the club sent to Bakersfield this afternoon with goaltender Timo Pielmeier.

Deadline Defenses

2010-03-02T01:51:58Z

More photos » Paul Sancya - AP

What are you so upset about? You got a contract extension!

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DANIEL:

This is Anaheim Calling to the Hockey World. The trade deadline is looming and as the OC Register reports the Ducks are looking to upgrade the back end. The article lists seven defensemen that the Ducks might consider pursuing: Pavel Kubina, Dennis Seidenberg, Jordan Leopold, Dan Hamhuis, Joe Corvo, Aaron Ward, and Andy Sutton. I'll go ahead and add Sheldon Souray to this list since he hasn't been moved yet, and the Ducks are on his list of potential destinations. Not to mention, Leopold has since been traded to the Penguins so the list can stay at a solid 7. What will follow is a brief profile of each player and an analysis of the advantages they bring as well as the cost that each one might fetch.

PAVEL KUBINA

Team: Atlanta

Remaining Cap Hit: 1.08 million

Stat Line: 6'4", 250lbs, 5+29=34, +6

Kubina has the distinction of being the only player on this list who combines size with a good scoring year. His 34 points lead everyone on the list, ranks 15th in the league and only 2 points out of the top ten. He's played in 59 of Atlanta's 60 games. He's played in 70 or more games in 7 of his last 8 years, implying he has high durability. Additionally, Kubina is playing against top offensive talent every night, but is still +6. There's an argument to be made that acquiring Kubina might be like getting a slightly better Ryan Whitney, because he doesn't always use his size effectively and can make mental mistakes in his own end. But he can log a lot of minutes, he currently averages about 23 a game, and would make a solid top pairing with Niedermayer, or provide Whitney a little more security. If the Ducks want to make a serious run at the playoffs, this is probably the defender to pick up. It'll cost them. Even though he's going UFA this summer, the Thrashers are probably looking at a serious retooling if not full on rebuilding, that means a high draft pick and top prospect minimum, as well as an NHL level player. Still, with the potential to have 2 fantastic scoring lines and a top 4 combination of Scott Niedermayer, Ryan Whitney, Pavel Kubina, and the surprisingly reliable Brookbank, Ducks fans might be able to whisper about a deep playoff run. Not to mention if Kubina likes it in Southern California, the Ducks might have a chance at re-signing him in case Niedermayer finally calls it a career.

DENNIS SEIDENBERG

Team: Florida Panthers

Remaining Cap Hit: 489,637

Stat Line: 6'1", 210lbs., 2+20=22, -1

Seidenberg is another interesting option for those seeking blueline help. For the Ducks it means getting a second Sheldon Brookbank only better. The man makes smart plays and moves the puck effectively. That's key for an Anaheim team that wants to get out of their zone quickly and spend as much time as possible in the offensive zone so the Big Line can let loose. He's also a UFA this summer, but the rental price might not be as high for a 28 year old who has only played 70 games once in his career. Seidenberg doesn't really have a physical side to his game and I think that's a downside that just can't be ignored. If the Ducks aren't making a high end acquisition, i.e. Souray or Kubina, then the Ducks should be looking to a game changing hitter. He'd certainly be a great asset for a Ducks defense that needs a little more security. The Panthers are in full rebuild mode and Seidenberg comes at a minimal cap hit. That's great for a Ducks team that has an extra first round pick, and might not miss the two mid-round picks it would cost to get Seidenberg. Then they can keep Wisniewski for the playoff run and maybe re-sign the cheaper Seidenberg while pursuing a different top 4 guy in the off season.

DAN HAMHUIS

Team: Nashville

Remaining Cap Hit: 435,233

Stat Line: 6'1", 209lbs., 4+12=16, +1

Not getting anything too different from Seidenberg here, except he comes at a higher price. He's an efficient puck mover who doesn't have a strong physical side to his game play. His point totals leave a little bit to be desired. However, Hamhuis has a bit of the Scott Niedermayer factor going. He sees the game well enough to know where to be at the right time. So, even though he doesn't have the physical upside, he still knows how to use his body positionally to deny the puck. As a former first round pick, his price tag will be a little higher. Ideally, the Ducks would like to include Jason Blake in this kind of deal since the Predators are desperate for offense, but the Preds aren't known for taking on these medium-big sized contracts. Even though, they currently sit in a playoff spot and would probably rather have NHL players, Nashville likes prospects and Hamhuis is going to come at a cost. Probably one the Ducks can't afford.

JOE CORVO

Team: Carolina

Remaining Cap Hit: 571,244

Stat Line: 6', 204lbs., 4+8=12, -12

For an offensive defenseman the numbers certainly aren't dazzling. In Joe's defense he's missed a slew of games to a right leg injury, and of course Carolina had all those struggles earlier in the season including that epic losing streak. Despite all of that though, Corvo still has a phenomenal point shot that he doesn't have a lot of difficulty getting through to the net, and he can definitely run the point on the power play. That last skill would have come in handy when Selanne went down and we were trying to simplify the power play. Carolina wants assets. I'm not familiar with their prospect situation; but the team does have a few old bodies it's looking to move, which will be better exemplified in the analysis of the next defender. Still, the Ducks might be able to land Corvo for a pick or a prospect or even a strait trade of Wisniewski if the Canes want to save a little salary. Still, I can't help but feel that acquiring Corvo would really be like picking up a less physical version of Wisniewski. The Ducks don't need a really offensive minded defenseman unless he comes with a physical upside or less defensive liability.

AARON WARD

Team: Carolina

Remaining Cap Hit: 544,041

Stat Line: 6'2", 209lbs., 1+10=11, -17

The -17 is a little alarming for a guy who has spent the majority of his career as a pretty reliable stay-at-home/shut down defender. Mix in his 37 years and this has the makings of a mediocre acquisition at best. Still, Ward can be had on the cheap, and the Ducks have missed this style of defenseman ever since they traded Sean O'Donnell. It might be worth the risk if Ward can be had for a 6th or 7th round pick. The Ducks wouldn't really lose anything, and Ward might find some of the old tenacity that made him so valuable in multiple playoff series. If Ward turned out to be as reliable as he was his last couple of years with the Bruins, the Ducks would have a great penalty killer on their hands with shut down potential.

ANDY SUTTON

Team: New York Islanders

Remaining Cap Hit: 652,850

Stat Line: 6'6", 245lbs., 4+8=12, -3

Andy is a giant and he knows how to play like one. The Ducks have been missing blueline size all year and having a guy like Sutton to plough the net might make another first round visit to San Jose a lot less intimidating. Too bad his lack of mobility would make a first round trip to Chicago down right terrifying. He has a good point shot. But, there's no telling what the Islanders might want. They have an interesting collection of talent up front and a few quality defenders. DiPietro's perpetual injuries has made them long in the tooth in the crease, as they use a stop gap of veterans waiting for Rick to come off IR. I imagine a mix of picks or prospects and an NHL player would be the cost of Andy Sutton. I don't know if he has a large enough tool kit to be able to adapt to life in Anaheim. It would be nice to have a physical defender again, but I don't know if this is the right guy. His lack of mobility might ultimately cost us in the playoffs. He's just not a good acquisition due to our other holes. Kubina might not be as physical, but he has much more offensive upside.

SHELDON SOURAY

Team: Edmonton

Remaining Cap Hit: 1.175 millions

Stat Line: 6'3", 233lbs., 4+9=13, -19

Might seem odd for an offensive defenseman to have such low point totals and such a high minus number. Hey, strange things happen. It's been an awful year for everybody in Edmonton. Souray's shot is deadly, like being a Clippers fan and having a gambling problem deadly. He might make the Anaheim PP unstoppable. Perry's camped up front, Niedermayer is floating from the top of the crease to the blueline, Selanne runs the half boards and Souray and Getzlaf could let loose at any second. He's tied up for another year and paying 5 million to him, and 4 to Whitney might make it impossible to have Niedermayer back. He's also pretty inept at one on one defending. He can definitely protect the front of the net, but he's getting a little injury prone and those battles up front might start costing more than just a goal or two. I'm a card carrying member of the acquire Souray fan club, and the fact that he's hurt might drop the price a little come deadline time considering there's no telling how long a team will actually have him. But I'm getting nervous now that the deadline is here and the fact that Edmonton hasn't seemed to be successful in trading with us. I think they might overcharge for Souray and demand a first rounder. The only guy on this list possibly worth that price is Kubina.

In summary, I think that Kubina is probably the best option on this list in terms of immediate success. After that, Seidenberg seems the logical second, since the price on Hamhuis would probably be too high. I hope that Murray does acquire somebody for the blueline and if he could have had Leopold for a second round pick and didn't pull the trigger, then I like him a little less. Of course he should have signed him in the first place, but who's really holding a grudge. Murray has made pretty basic deals, except for the Pronger deal in which he pretty much got back everything that was given up, and he needs to make a deal that will prove he can handle a serious trade.

Ducks Announce Next Year's Ticket Prices, 4 Player Recall

2010-02-26T00:41:07Z

More photos » Chris Carlson - AP

Yeah. They're bringin' sexy back. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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THE TELETYPE:
After freezing their ticket prices for the 09-10 season, the Ducks announced today that they will increase ticket prices by roughly 2.6% for next year. The team announced that season ticket packages will start at $12.50 per game. According to the team's marketing report, Anaheim's season ticket prices were the 9th cheapest in the NHL for 09-10.

The Ducks also announced a four player recall of defensemen Brett Festerling and Brendan Mikkelson from Toronto, right wing Dan Sexton from Manitoba and goaltender Timo Pielmeier from Bakersfield of the ECHL. Sexton and Pielmeier were able to attend practice today.

Selanne Sets All-Time Olympic Scoring Record

2010-02-20T06:50:28Z

More photos » Jae C. Hong - AP

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THE TELETYPE:
With the secondary assist on Kimmo Timonen's second goal against Germany tonight, Teemu Selanne set the all-time Olympic scoring record with his 37th point (20 goals and 17 assists). The tally came with 3:57 left in the 2nd period.

This is Selanne's fifth Winter Games with Finland, who finished 7th (1992), Bronze (1998), 6th (2002) and Silver (2006) in its first four efforts with the Finnish Flash. Selanne was ineligible for the Lillehammer games in 1994, where Finland won a Bronze medal.

Condors In Town

2010-02-19T19:40:07Z

Click on the photo for CK's full photo gallery from the December 16th Condors/Reign game.

ARTHUR:
Anaheim calling to the hockey world...

For those who haven't managed to make it to a Condors game against the Reign this year, the Ducks ECHL affiliate will be playing its last two games in Ontario on the 21st and 28th. That's this Sunday and next Sunday, both with 5 p.m. starts.

A lot of the "must see" players that were there when I first went to Citizen's Bank in October have moved on to the AHL, players like MacGregor Sharp and Dan Sexton. And players like Mark Mitera, who were Condors just last month, have also moved on to the American League. But the price of admission on Sunday (about $20 to sit on the glass behind the opposing goaltender) will still get you a look at Ducks prospects like Timo Pielmeier, Maxime Macenauer and Matt McCue.

Pielmeier, you know, but McCue and Macenauer are two guys whose injury troubles this season have kept them from permanent AHL assignment. McCue played 10 games with the Manitoba Moose before a November injury took him out of their lineup. He's since played 11 games with the Condors and managed 34 PIM. Macenauer was a top scorer for the Condors, but took a major injury just before Halloween. He's back on track now with 5G and 13A in 26 games, but he may not find himself in an AHL uniform until next season. Both players had good camps with the Ducks, and they're definitely worth a look if you have the disposable time and money.

I should warn you that the Condors have played poorly against the Reign the last two times I went. And I mean Generals against the Globetrotters poorly. Interestingly, both games came after absolutely stomping the Reign in Bakersfield, which the Condors did again 7-0 on Valentine's Day. Hopefully they can break that pattern.

Festerling Reassigned To Toronto

2010-02-17T18:04:17Z

More photos » Mark Humphrey - AP

I kill you Mikkelson! I kill YOU! --Uh, who's Mikkelson? (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

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THE TELETYPE:
The Ducks announced yesterday that they reassigned defenseman Brett Festerling to Toronto of the AHL before the Olympic roster freeze. The move leaves the team short a starting defenseman, but the club specifically noted that the reassignment would allow Festerling to play in games during the Olympic break.

Anaheim Calling

Open Gameday Recap Thread Predators @ Ducks

We Need A Hero

Canadiens and Blue Jackets Photo Galleries Courtesy of CK The girl does great work for someone who...

Getz, My Goat

Tabernac! Les Canards Méchants!

Avs @ Ducks Photo Gallery By CK

Avs @ Ducks Photo Gallery By CK

Trader Bob's

***Former Broadcast Manager In Detroit Sues Bob Murray, Ducks***

***Ducks Trade Whitney To Oilers For Visnovsky***

***Ducks Trade Toskala To Calgary***

***Ducks Acquire Aaron Ward For Pogge, Pick***

***Anaheim Trades Boynton, Recalls Sexton***

***Ducks Trade Kampfer to Boston For 4th Rounder***

Top 20 Prospects: Midseason 2010

***Ducks Trade Artyukhin To Atlanta***

Deadline Defenses

***Ducks Announce Next Year's Ticket Prices, 4 Player Recall***

***Selanne Sets All-Time Olympic Scoring Record***

Condors In Town

***Festerling Reassigned To Toronto***

Former Broadcast Manager In Detroit Sues Bob Murray, Ducks

Ducks Trade Whitney To Oilers For Visnovsky

Ducks Trade Toskala To Calgary

Ducks Acquire Aaron Ward For Pogge, Pick

Anaheim Trades Boynton, Recalls Sexton

Ducks Trade Kampfer to Boston For 4th Rounder

Ducks Trade Artyukhin To Atlanta

Ducks Announce Next Year's Ticket Prices, 4 Player Recall

Selanne Sets All-Time Olympic Scoring Record

Festerling Reassigned To Toronto