Anaheim Calling

New York State of Mind Playoff Thread: NJD/NYR

2012-05-16T23:00:13Z

Quick Duck Update: I was looking for something to add to this thread and I came across a new feature on the Ducks website. They added an 'Offseason Player Tracker' that gives the contract status of the current roster. Keep in mind that we are still in the 2011-2012 season. This won't change until July 1st.

***

GAME 1: New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers, 5:00PM on CBC, RDS, NBCSN

SBN Sites: Blueshirt Banter & In Lou We Trust

Series Record & Storyline: Rangers 1 - Devils 0. This isn't a storyline related to the actual game, but I thought this was funny. On Deadspin, they reported that there is a movement underway by Devils fans to not sell tickets to Rangers fans. Our SBN brethren, In Lou We Trust, are supporting the movement. I think this is hilarious. I WISH our fans weren't so apathetic and could pull together to do something like this. Good job, Devils fans. Sorry in advance for taking Zach Parise from you (ha!).

Your Friendly Wednesday Links Roundup: The Always Bet on Mike (Richards) Edition

2012-05-16T14:40:14Z

I'm back! Yay. [Ed. Note: Give Kristen a HUGE congratulations for graduating from Yale! We're proud of her. She makes us look smart!]

And Jeff Carter scored a hat trick last night. Boo.

But to paraphrase Justin for the umpteenth time, never bet against a team that has Mike Richards on its roster.

On to the links!

Schultz Watch: Everyone's favorite defensive prospect is currently taking his final exams at Wisconsin, and the Ducks organization expects to hear a decision from him very soon. [OC Register]
The Hockey Writers' Ryan Fulford argues that Bruce Boudreau's recent contract extension will act as a stabilizing force for the Ducks. I agree with this. But Fulford goes on to argue that Randy Carlyle would have stymied the offensive development of Emerson Etem. It's a moot point now, but something that's interesting to ponder. [The Hockey Writers]
Corey Perry overcame the flu (during which he lost 12 pounds) to lead Team Canada to a 5-1 win over Belarus in world championship action yesterday. [CANOE]
Francois Beauchemin thinks that the Rangers and Coyotes will meet in the Stanley Cup Final. [Los Angeles Times]
Blueshirt Banter editor George E. Ays discusses the Rangers-Devils series. [Blueshirt Banter]
Would anyone watch a New York-LA Stanley Cup Final? [Puck Daddy]
The Backhand Shelf's Chris Lund believes that last night's chippy Yotes-Kings game might result in several suspensions. [Backhand Shelf]
The Ducks website is counting down the top 25 moments from this past season. Here are moments 6-10. [Anaheim Ducks]
Friends Christian School of Yorba Linda won the S.C.O.R.E. Shootout street hockey tournament at Honda Center last Saturday (and for the fifth year in a row). [Anaheim Ducks]
The Anaheim Ducks Towel Invades (even in the offseason!) the Whatcom Museum of History and Art in Bellingham, WA. [Anaheim Ducks Towel Invasions]

C'mon Phoenix! Playoff Thread: LAK/PHX

2012-05-15T22:25:03Z

Quick Worlds Update: Both Bobby Ryan and Cam Fowler scored in Team USA's 5-2 victory over Luca Sbisa and Team Switzerland. The Swiss will not be moving on to the quarter finals, but Team America (f*ck ya!) will. On Thursday, the Americans will face Team Finland, again. Last time the two teams met, Team USA beat the then heavily favored Finns 5-0. That same day, the Canadians will face Slovakia. Slovakia certainly have the potential for an upset, as they handed Team USA its only loss.

***

GAME 1: Los Angeles Kings at Phoenix Coyotes, 6:00PM on RDS, TSN, NBCSN

SBN Sites: Jewels From The Crown, Battle of California & Five For Howling

Series Record & Storyline: Us 0 - Them 1. The Kings are the Cinderellas of this year's playoffs. The mainstream media types are head over heels for this story of the Little Eighth-Seed That Could. They are now 11-1 in the playoffs. Crap. Phoenix looked out-gunned. Let's hope they learned something on their day off.

There Will Be Blood Playoff Thread: NJD/NYR

2012-05-14T22:29:07Z

Yeah, these guys don't like each other very much. I doubt the thug lines will be starting for each team tonight; however, I hope the hatred carries over nonetheless. Should be a great series.

Here's how we picked it. (Daniel and Kevin were unable to post bond and are still in jail.)

	New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers
	Winner	# of Games
Jen	New York	7
Robby	New Jersey	6
Daniel
Kristen	New York	6
Sara	New York	7
Chris	New York	6
Justin	New Jersey	5
Kevin

GAME 1: New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers, 5:00PM on CBC, RDS, NBCSN

SBN Sites: Blueshirt Banter & In Lou We Trust

By the way, I'm currently on the East Coast. Watching games at 10:30PM blows. I'll take a 4:30PM start over this crap any day.

***

I'm not going to be opening a separate thread early tomorrow morning for Team USA's game versus Team Switzerland (hi, Luca Sbisa!) and Team Canada versus Team Belarus. Both Canada (playing at 2:15AM) and the USA (playing at 10:15AM on NBCSports) have qualified for the next round and these games are moot. Feel free to use this thread to comment on the games.

***

Quick Ducks Update: Goalie Iiro Tarkki has signed on to play in the KHL for two years. He signed a one-year deal with the Ducks prior to the 2011-2012 season and provided to be a solid backstop for the Syracuse Crunch.

Let's Go Phoenix! Playoff Thread: LAK at PHX

2012-05-13T21:54:52Z

Quick World Championship update. The USA pummeled defending World Champion gold medalist Finland 5-0 early this morning. Bobby Ryan and Kyle Palmieri both had goals while Cam Fowler was a +2. They have one more qualifying game on Tuesday against Luca Sbisa and Switzerland. They don't need to win this game, as the win against Finland clinched their spot in the group quarterfinals.

***

The Dark Days have how descended upon us. The Pacific Division Western Conference Championships start tonight. Picking a winner is like picking the worst of two evils. We'll have our predictions later on. Here are our predictions. (Daniel, Kristen, Justin and Kevin are all in jail or something and have not made their picks.)

	Los Angeles Kings vs Phoenix Coyotes
	Winner	# of Games
Jen	Phoenix	6
Robby	Phoenix	6
Daniel
Kristen
Sara	Los Angeles	6
Chris	Los Angeles	6
Justin
Kevin

GAME 1: Los Angeles Kings @ Phoenix Coyotes, 5:00PM on RDS, TSN,NBCSN

SBN Sites: Jewels From The Crown, Battle of California & Five For Howling

This One's For Bruce World Championship/Playoff Thread: KAZ vs CAN & WSH/NYR

2012-05-12T17:00:24Z

This video is somewhat related to today's games. Coach Boudreau was on NHL Live yesterday discussing the playoffs. How do they manage to find the silliest picture of him for every interview he's not at?

GAME 7: Washington Capitals at New York Rangers, 4:30PM on CBC, NBCSN, RDS

SBN Sites: Blueshirt Banter & Japers' Rink

Series Record & Storyline: NYC 3 - DC 3. Win or go home. Period.

***

Team America (f@ck ya!) barely beat Kazakhstan in overtime on Friday morning. While it looked like France was going to upset Team Canada, the Canadians shook off their hangovers and ended up beating the French 5-3.

The US is off today. Canada is in action against Kazakhstan at 10:15AM. You'll be able to see it if you get TSN or have access to the special YouTube channels.

S#*! Announcers Say: NHL Playoffs Round 2

2012-05-12T01:28:35Z

After the first round, I introduced a new series documenting the ridiculous stuff play-by-play and behind-the-glass announcers say over the course of a game. Remember, this doesn't include quotes from the intermission "experts". Those idiots say so many stupid things, attempting to document them would break the internet.

Here are my findings from the second round.

[Ed. Note: These are early - I know. I'll be on a plane during Game 7. If anyone says anything worthy of this list, please add them to the comments.]

***

Game 1: Nashville at Phoenix. Broadcast Team: John Forslund & Joe Micheletti

-- "Shane Doan has been the spiritual leader of this team" - Joe Micheletti

-- "His stick is so good" - Joe Micheletti [The player is crap, though.]

Game 1: Washington at New York. Broadcast Team: Mike "Doc" Emrick, Eddie Olczyk & Pierre McGuire

-- (Said this while screaming at the top of his lungs to the point where his voice cracked) "WE'RE SEEING A STAR BEING BORN RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR EYES" - Pierre McGuire [I honestly had no idea who he was talking about.]

Game 1: Los Angeles at St. Louis. Broadcast Team: Dave Strader & Brian Engblom

-- "They were ready to run into each other...literally" - Brian Engblom [Oh, 'literally'. I was worried they were 'figuratively' run into each other. That play always works in hockey.]

Game 1: New Jersey at Philadelphia. Broadcast Team: Mike "Doc" Emrick, Eddie Olczyk & Pierre McGuire

-- "Even before the days of miss-i-les , there were miss-i-les and anti-miss-i-les that are part of the checks and balances that do make this interesting" - Doc Emrick [Doc has good analogies, but this one went way over my head.]

***

Game 2: Nashville at Phoenix. Broadcast Team: John Forslund & Joe Micheletti

-- "Phoenix played well, taking out Anaheim in the first round" - John Forslund [Holy shit! We actually made the playoffs?!]

-- "They need to be cold and hard when it comes to numbers for Nashville" - John Forslund

-- "You can soak up that emotion" - John Forslund

***

Game 3: New York at Washington. Broadcast Team: Mike "Doc" Emrick, Eddie Olczyk & Pierre McGuire

-- "Del Zotto looks like he has a piano on his back right now" - Pierre McGuire

-- "The probing continues" - Doc Emrick [That's what she said, ahthankyouverymuch]

-- (Accusingly) "YOU DON'T THINK THESE GUYS ARE IN SHAPE AND DON'T CARE?!" - Pierre McGuire [Not sure who provoked him.]

Game 3: Phoenix at Nashville. Broadcast Team: John Forslund & Joe Micheletti

-- "A team searching for its inner identity and they found it in this third game" - John Forslund

Game 3: Philadelphia at New Jersey. Broadcast Team: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire

-- "Check out that 'do', Pierre" - Kenny Albert

Game 3: St. Louis at Los Angeles. Broadcast Team: Dave Strader, Brian Engblom & Brian Hayward

-- "Mike Richards doesn't back down from anyone" - Brian Engblom [Unless you're a handle of Jack, I'm pretty sure that statement is false.]

-- "They have really dumbed-down the tempo" - Brian Engblom [Huh?]

***

Game 4: Phoenix at Nashville. Broadcast Team: John Forslund & Joe Micheletti

-- (Annoyed) "Good stick. You've said that a lot in this series" - Joe Micheletti

-- "Give Ray Whitney a lot of chance" - Joe Micheletti

Game 4: New York at Washington. Broadcast Team: Mike "Doc" Emrick, Eddie Olczyk & Pierre McGuire

-- "{Insert hockey every hockey commentary cliche that you know}, eh Eddie?" - Pierre McGuire [He was especially active with the cliches this game. 1 out of 10 times, Eddie would acknowledge him.]

-- "How many times is Ovechkin not gonna score on that deflection play" - Doc Emrick

-- "Don't miss the net" - Pierre McGuire

-- "I asked for my milk money early so I could take some your tips" - Pierre McGuire to a silent Eddie Olczyk [Pierre brought up the Kentucky Derby, a favorite of Eddie's, multiple times. Pierre never caught on that Eddie's silence meant he didn't want him to tag along. Awww-kwaaard.]

-- "Swede past Swede past Swede to the back of the of the net" - Pierre McGuire

-- "He's mad at himself. He's swearing in Slovak" - Pierre McGuire [Not only does he know the midget league team every NHL player played for, he's fluent in Slovak. Not really.]

-- "And though this is Washington part of the tape wasn't erased and we can show it to you" - Doc Emrick

-- "That's a laser beam because of the notification" - Pierre McGuire

-- "They brought Boyle's stick over to the Rangers bench and its fractured in two places. Just so you guys know, in case someone asks" - Pierre McGuire [I think you're safe on this one, Pierre, but thank you.]

Game 4: St. Louis at Los Angeles. Broadcast Team: Dave Strader, Brian Engblom & Brian Hayward

-- "Anze Kopitar has been a horse in this series" - Brian Engblom [I know he's not the most attractive man, but that's a little mean.]

-- "Jordan Nolan must be a morning person because he's coming up big" - Brian Engblom

-- "You don't have to play 20 minutes a game to have significant income" - Brian Hayward

Game 4: Philadelphia at New Jersey. Broadcast Team: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire

-- "Talbot and Giroux are like peanut-butter and jelly on short-handed goals" - Pierre McGuire

-- "The Red Hot Chilli Peppers played here the past few nights" - Pierre McGuire

***

Game 5: New Jersey at Philadelphia. Broadcast Team: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire

-- "That's what they need from Zac Rinaldo, a pugnacious game" - Pierre McGuire

-- "It's a little bit like what happened in Happy Days, eh Kenny?" - Pierre McGuire

-- "They're pocket hernias" - Pierre McGuire [I had to rewind the DVR 3 to 5 times to make sure I heard that correctly. Then I flipped on the Close Captioning and my hunch was correct.]

-- "In every series there is a feeling of inevitability. One team is inevitably gonna win. One team is inevitably going to lose" - Pierre McGuire

***

Game 6: New York at Washington. Broadcast Team: Mike "Doc" Emrick, Eddie Olczyk & Pierre McGuire

-- "He's become a useful NHL player" - Pierre McGuire

-- "Hockey is a three-ring binder. You keep popping it open and putting new chapters in" - Doc Emrick

-- "If you gave Chimera 10 pucks, 9 of those would go in" - Pierre McGuire

-- "Is that what it's called, Eddie? 'Slop'?" - Pierre McGuire

-- "That's Braden Holtby's mom. Don't you think she went through some calories tonight. Woah." - Pierre McGuire [That's rude! I think...]

Ducks Coach Boudreau Signs Two-Year Extension

2012-05-10T21:32:45Z

Bruce Boudreau was fired by the Washington Capitals on Monday, November 28th. On Wednesday, November 30th, he was named Head Coach of the Anaheim Ducks in place of the fired Randy Carlyle. Today, the Ducks announced a two-year contract extension that will take Boudreau through the 2014-2015 season.

Even though it took a while for the Ducks to adapt to Boudreau, he became a breath of fresh air that the team desperately needed. Boudreau brought an offense first system, but more importantly, a positive attitude. The team he inherited was broken on and off the ice. He managed to pull the guys together, get their confidence back, and make a very strong push for the playoffs, ultimately falling short.

The one player that benefited the most from Boudreau's arrival was Jonas Hiller. Bruce knew that Hiller's confidence was gone and he was trying to carry the team on his back. He gave Hiller significantly more rest time in between starts and it worked wonders for the goalie.

The next step for Boudreau is to work with GM Bob Murray on building a team he needs to win. Boudreau's team in Washington was more finesse than overpowering physical play. The Ducks are far from that type of group. It will be interesting to see how the lineup transforms and how much pull Boudreau has over Murray (who MUST put a winner together or he can kiss his job goodbye).