2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs: My Thoughs

I guess if there is one word to describe this year's Playoffs it's Dirty. You can never guess or expect that with a one team eliminated*thank goodness it's Detroit* and bloodbath between Philly and the Pens erupting as many expecting....For me as a Die Hard Passionate Ducks Fan and Hockey enthusiast I am happy at how things are going. except of course if two series have four of the Ducks Enemies battling each other in first round. Never less I am however not cheering or supporting any team since the Ducks are out of the Playoffs and retooling,refocusing and finding renewal in this summer. Ducks Hockey ended in April but it does not stop me and other Ducks fans in watching some great Hockey...No worries,fears or concerns just imho scouting for potentials Ducks Candidates whom the team can re-sign come July 1st. I have no qualms bout who the team needs. But I am looking at guys like Gaustad,Carle,Paille and maybe few others I think would be nice fit in reinvigorating a the Ducks who has youth but needs experience to balance the team permanently. Anyways in regards to the Playoffs I hold no desire to support any team in the Post-season...Call me old fashion but that is who I am no more no less and nothing can change that. One thing I have in mind is 1. I DO NOT WANT the Stanley Cup back in Canada and 2.Boston will repeat as Champs. You ask why I said number1? I do believe and reject this BS notion that bringing the Cup back the Canada is needed for our country....Since when did Canada become so downright Petty in the sport of Hockey I love?. Oh wait it did not long ago but that is another story....Watching some of the games give me a insight on how important it is to have a balance team and what our Ducks need to create a team based on Strong Defence,Reliable Offense and a goal tending tandem of two good goalies. Strength in Numbers as I call it on the Ducks Message Board and elsewhere. There is nothing wrong with expressing concerns bout the supposed grit shown this year...all in all this playoffs has shown a mix of old school hockey with offense and Battles that went down to the wire. If this sort of things beings to continue to the SCF rest assure 2012 Stanley Cup Finals maybe a mix of skill,talent an extreme Grit. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

My Anaheim Ducks Offseason wish list

With the Playoffs on going and at least 7 teams I refuse to root for due to my disdain and hatred. I am going to put up what I feel are necessary needs our Ducks must do in order to never REPEAT slow starts that cause 11-12 to not be forgetable but disapointing...Too many times since 07-08 our Ducks had a unpredictable yet topsy-turvy finish. Sometimes when one Tolerates it enough there is a limit and This is NOW the time our team needs to correct the flaws that were so apprant it was not even funny. List I have is 3 important objectives this team must make in order to re-organize,Rejuvenated and Reload. They are as followed:

1.Scoring Depth:Free agency even though there is not alot to choose from requires the Ducks to look at players who can 1.spread out the offense and 2.Compliment Youth within the ranks of the team for 12-13. Players like Daniel Paille,Cody McLeod is two candiates along with Travis Moen i would like the team to sign. Need is to strengthn Depth and ensure Forwards will motivation. I must also add Paul Gaustad reason is having 6-5 can give the pk some much needed grit.

2.Sign a Defencemen: Now what I mean by that is Ducks need a Defencemen since signing or getting a Top 4 D may involving giving up a player of utmost importance. My two D-men I would love the Ducks to sign would be Brad Stuart and Matt Carle. Signing Ryan Suter will require us to to sign him to perhaps a overpay or it would be godsend he signs form 5mil. However I am confident the Ducks D will be resilince when the Puck drops for 12-13 season.

3.Find Long term AHL Farm team: The one thing that really makes me angry and so pissed off is the fact our Ducks CANNOT a farm team in the long term. As much as I want them to be on the West Coast it looks more and more likely there maybe a chance Ducks may align with Norfolk or some other team. But first things's first It would be BETTER off if some teams in New York or in North East just set up shop beyond the Miss River. If anyone knows what I am talking bout look at the AHL Map on wikipedia. Then you know What I am talking. I hope Ducks have it sort out soon it would suck if Ducks have a repeat of what happen after Iowa Chops Fell apart.

Whatever Happens I hope Ducks can set things right before 12-13 season....One thing I really hope for is the CBA is sorted out asap. God Forbid we go through another Labor strife.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Anaheim Ducks:2011-2012 Season in Review

Sad,Bittersweet and at times hopeful...That is how i feel when the buzzer sound in Calgary and our Ducks loss final game of what is a forgettable yet disappointing season. There were so many factors that played into our team falling short be it Injuries,weak Defense,Coaching changes and reliance on youth lead to Ducks Falling short. I cannot tell you how disappointed I am but at times I feel frustrated our team can better. When I see the Players from forwards to Defense and Goal tending I see a Good team full of Potential. Neither Bad or Worst....yet not Great there comes a time when a Team such as the Ducks must look within and re-evaluate the strategy the put down months ago......All Offense strategy has not Work Why you ask? well when a this team is ranked 24th something needs to improve and be fixed. Another flaw needs to address is lack of veteran experience in the Bottom Six of the Ducks Depth.

When you have two Rookies,One Sophomore,A AHL Minor League comprise of the bottom Six with only two Veterans something is tells you that some players were not ready to embrace duties of the Ducks when the season began. Looking at the Final standings 34-36-12 80pts I do not see a record that reflects our team in 2nd half of 11-12 campaign. Mostly it's a modest records that neither great or worst it seems clearly now and with a deep understanding that If our Ducks are to regain the honor,Success and victories they must endure setbacks....THIS is one of them and as tough as it is the young guns on this team including the newly installed Leaders must understand the way forward is to regroup,retool and RELOAD. By doing this our Ducks face a off season that is unprecedented and very important that Bob Murray Must address basic and important areas that need to improve....following is 3 that i have put down are areas that must turn from weakness back to Strength:

1.Scoring Depth:As I always say "Strength in Numbers" it's way of saying that all players in the Ducks Roster must contribute offensively, defensively and Together Fight as one in holding back our Rivals and enemies opposing players in process. Missing link is veteran experience...A team CANNOT rely too much on the youth who will have nervous anxiety since most will be assuming their duties and adjusting to the style of NHL and system that is Ducks Hockey. I have had high hopes for this team and I always do for the past 19 years and 18 season when the Ducks assemble a edition to battle and compete for the Stanley Cup. Since the Ducks First Stanley Cup Win five years ago I always give each team a benefit of a doubt. To me I if our Ducks seek out veteran experience they must embrace some players via Free agency to help out the Youth of within the ranks. Having someone to calm the rookies and those young guns down would beneficial in balancing out the new blood within the lineup...whether they be Holland,DSP,Palmieri,Bonino and Beleskey one needs to have these players compliment with the likes of say Moen and Gaustad....how the Ducks choose depends on the decision in front of them and tough choices that will be made.

2. Strengthen Defense: Ducks six D-man comprise of the Defence Corps was weaken by a mix of injuries and dependency on Fowler who was at times not ready to lead in several games.It irritates me how Defense has from time and time again gave the Opposition way too many chances easy for those to regain and control the game when Ducks lead. I think of Chicago debacle in November and Ducks relying too much Hiller to bail them out..for example attending Ducks-Detroit game in March I was happy but not impress with the Effort by the Defense. What is needed is a D-man to provide Physical presence. As much As I am patient with some of Defense It would be suitable for the Ducks to Sign Brad Stuart and Dennis Wideman..Signing one of the two may lead to our Ducks trading a Defensemen perhaps Lubo or in one of the Trade Scenarios I have Trade for a Top Four D.

Goal tending situation I am not going to address it since the Ducks have come to verbal agreement with Viktor Fasth. But as Much as I say at times question Hiller and his ability it's very troubling for the Ducks to start Jonas 69 games. It's beneficial and a need for the Ducks to have a reliable Backup....One can ask why Jeff Deslauriers was never used but I think it would be suitable to use him with Ellis out with a injury. Just wondering makes me think it would be better if the Ducks have two goalies...both good and provide a long term benefit to the Ducks. In the Past Ducks had two goalies five years ago it was Giguere-Bryzgalov and before that it was Hebert-Giguere...Better to have two then On imho.

Positives that have been apparent during this tough season....overcome a poor 1s half by surging in Jan and Feb,Teemu visiting Winnipeg and playing at the home opener in Finland.....These positives stuck out for me. Most definitively this season did not feel abit worst yet bad from what I see. I am most certain that next season on 20th anniversary of the Ducks season....They will Rise again for me our Ducks will BE BACK. Nothing motivates players then never repeating the mistakes of the past.....If there is one thing we know is the Ducks will be eager to not repeat the flaws that lead them to fall short of their goals....For now many of us including yours truly will reflect and take a step back...Laying low will be needed for me I can tell you I am going to take some time off but I will discuss the need to improve no more no less.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

My Ducks Roadtrip:5 years later part2

I remember as if it was yesterday coming to SoCal...My mind was full of what People in Orange County was like. Sometimes i wonder what they are like? are they like on TV or what i hear from people I met in University or in my Hometown.......I left Nova Scotia wondering curious bout the People and how they perceive the Sport and team I love. I have follow the Ducks most of my life. 14 years from 1993 to 2007 when i made that trip. Flying into LAX meeting my Uncle who wanted meet my dad after he retired....he offer to drive me to O.C while him and My Dad catch up on old times. Setting foot in Ayres Inn looking out across the Ponda it made me giddy and full of joy. Whatever anxious moments and nervousness I had was erased by kindness of one man and his family. They treated me well as a equal and I appreciated their generosity that I still to this day wonder how they are doing. Living in Idaho i am not sure what is like one thing is certain i always in their debt for showing me kindness.

Games I attended now are like a old hat to me...Felt like Home. 5 years ago i was awestruck, Hyperventilating and at times can't stop smiling. Getting the autographs and seeing them live change how i view Players and Other Ducks Fans. I feel those local Ducks fans are blessed and never should take things for granted. i know this since I meet folks like Kyle,Stefanie,Larry and Vicky. Flying to and from John Wayne I always wonder if I can live there...find a place to live,get a job and work for the Ducks. A Dream any Canadian kid has.

My experience in 2007 and for past five year made me appreciated and feel very humble. While i attended the 3 Ducks games I contemplated and though of the future and of many things in regards to the team those nights....I though of the past and the present and of the future. I though of the players who wore the Ducks D and Ducks Duck Mask before....I though players who are waiting in the wing and Ducks Legend who has become one of the team's all time Greats. When a Fan such as Myself looks back and forward he knows what it means to be Dedicated.

Often they need to take it a step back... "Dumb it down" as someone I tolerated told me tonite. Knowing what the future holds I stand by what I say when I want the Ducks to Finish strong. If they finish no higher then 12Th so be it. As for the Draft and Draft Lottery I will be watching it But I know a team that is fiscally Responsible and truly a team that is slowly allowing the New Blood to adjust to their duties will do find. Personally I will take a step back and try to get a true understand of My place in Ducks Nation!.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck