Anaheim Ducks 20th Anniversary Season:So it Begins

1 Day from now...1 Day till Ducks Begin a milestone season. A Symbolic moment that defines who we are as Ducks Fans and how far our Team has come. 2 Decades of Ducks Hockey and our Accomplishments that has brought new Ducks Fans and Memory etched in the minds of all Ducks Fans worldwide has given us a new sense of purpose. Reflecting back on the highs and lows,good,Bad and Ugly. These Moments we live through them,witness what makes the Ducks who they are and What I believe is the Best NHL Team of the 1990's Expansion era. It seem like yesterday the Ducks were mocked for their name,jokes where made of O.C and SoCal as not Hockey Hotbeds and of course there is that bias of Media favouring East Coast instead of the West. What makes this 13-14 season very important 3 things. 1. Staduim series to highlight the growth of Hockey in SoCal and the ever growing feud between our Ducks and the enemy that is LA Kings 2. Teemu Selanne's Farewell tour of course and 3.Olympic Year. Rise in Talent both in the Ducks participating in 2014Sochi Games and young Guns within the Ranks of the Ducks have me smiling and hoping best is yet to come this season. Stadium series at Dodger stadium is something I hope to see. it marks a moment for the Ducks and for Hockey fans in SoCal...seeing a Hockey rink outside will be something special and I am eager to see what it looks like outside. Teemu Selanne signing for one Final year was expected he did so much for the Ducks and for this Diehard Ducks Fan who could imagine a Finnish Player traded to the Ducks from Winnipeg 17 years ago can have that much impact and positive inspiration for everyone who follow the Ducks since Day1. This season is different and I can feel since there are so many things to reflect on the Ducks Unique Past and looking forward with Positive Optimism and Hope towards the Future. Looking at the Ducks Roster seeing names of Etem,Fowler,Maroon,Silferberg,Sbisa,DSP and likes of Vets in Selanne,Getz,Penner,Perry and Hiller makes me smile this team will fly higher and continue the persistent of raising the Bar and flying higher to achieve greatness through Winning and Hard Work. As Much as many Fellow Ducks Fans who I know on the Ducks Message Board I will not be making any Predictions as I did before in prior seasons. Yes I am superstitious But I believe whatever the Ducks Do They must not let complancy and our Enemies from taking advantage of any lack of urgency. As we apporach season Opener I ask of all Ducks Fans reading this...BE LOUD,BE PROUD and Show your DucksPRIDE DO NOT let anyone tell you it can't be done. THIS Team through adversity has shown Hockey can do well in SoCal and can inspire people to do great things. DROP THE PUCK....LET'S GO DUCKS! DuckPride 4ever MosoeDuck

Anaheim Ducks at 20:Talent and Skill

2 Months from now our Anaheim Ducks will celebrate 20 years in NHL.Twenty Years......20 years of battling,overcoming adversity,haters and roadblocks that stood in our way. 20 Years of Fighting against all odds proving to those in Hockey World that a team like ours with a funny name and unique Hockey Sweater design and colors can battle,compete and stand toe-to-toe with NHL's Elites. As the Countdown towards the Ducks 20th anniversary season begins all Ducks fans including those in Orange County and elsewhere should reflect on how far our team has come. It was not long ago we were mocked,laugh at and at times be part of Hockey Purists insults but we strive and persevere through it all. Steely resolve of our team and Ducks Fans alike has given us a sense of Pride and inspire to do great things. Over the course of a few weeks I will be speaking honestly of the Ducks past....From the Draft Picks and Players they acquire via Trade or Free agent signings to the accomplishments both Team and Player has earn. To be fair to all including my critics on Ducks Message Board I will include best and sometimes worst results that our team has fallen short be it the Dark days when the Ducks were struggling from the early years to the pitfalls of being consider Fodder in the early 21s century. One should understand and know that History especially our Ducks is very VITAL to us all as Ducks Fans. Talent and Skill has been hallmark of the Ducks Drafting habits in NHL Draft for past 20 years...Since drafting a Young college Player name Paul Kariya every player who has worn our Ducks D and before that DuckMask has shown what make them worthy of wearing our Team's Colors. As Much as we have always disagree or agree the Ducks have at times put faith in the Players they drafted who then as I say "Develop within" the system. Keep in mind though it's in the Team's Character over the two decades they have allow homegrown Talent to thrive and contribute alot to the Ducks Cause. Be it Vish and Late Ducks Defender Ruslan Salei to Mike Leclerc,Joffery Lupul,Bobby Ryan,Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. To do this takes patience and a thing called waiting to see how well they develop and hone their skills for the good of Ducks Nation. When NHL began sending their Players to Olympics since 1998 our Team has a total of 10 players to the games from USA,Finland,Swiss,Canada and beyond to compete at one of the biggest stages in Hockey. In 2010 Ducks had 9 players to Vancouver games...out of 9 Seven earn Gold,Silver and Bronze Medals. It was in that same Year a Ducks Prospect name Kyle Palmierei help Team USA Earn a WJC Gold in Canada with USA Juniors. year later Another Ducks Prospect aided a USA Juniors to win Bronze. Two years later a Ducks Goalie Prospect John Gibson contributed in helping Team USA earn Junior Gold at World Juniors and Bronze at World Hockey Championships. let's Forget that in 2002 and 1998 Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne became the first two Ducks to earn Olympic Medals Now what does this say bout our team....Of course It speaks of the Truth and Honest Testament of the Talent that makes up our Team. Truth speaks volume in how well the Ducks have brought together players with such talent and skill over the years as they did through the Draft and Trades as we countdown I look continue putting together thoughts on the Players that have contributed so much to the Ducks Cause. We could forget and give too much of expectations to the next generation of Ducks who are rising from the ranks within Roster.....Sometimes those who are hunger and eager to prove themselves lead to players be traded or not sign. It's justified but for the good of our team it's necessary. For now I end this with my usual qoute......DUCKPRIDE 4EVER. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Bobby Ryan Trade,Silfverberg and Ducks 20th Anniversary

Call it what you will...Blockbuster Trade,salary Dump or Organizational shift. either-way we knew from before it was coming but most of us in Ducks Nation never though it would come to this. Some may assume it was expected but others like myself though it was another "Here we go again" Rumour. I must be the first to say this clearly that this trade took me by surprise let alone serves as a reminder that "Team always come first". Reading the comments from Ducks Message Board,Facebook and twitter and allowing this trade to sink in. Getting two prospects in return along with a first round pick was something We including myself never expected. Ducks getting a young player in Jakob Silfverberg from Sweden who I have heard nothing but good things and seeing the clips leaves me impress with his skill and talent and Stefan Noesen a Whalers teammate of Rikard Rakell left me wondering bout this Trade 5 Days after Bob pulled the trade Trigger on July 5th . Now I know Bobby had haters but it should not surprise me when some of the Ducks including Getzlaf and former Duck Giguere has their critics from time to time. Most often for Bobby it was his frustration that lead many within Ducks Nation believe he was a crybaby...Do I defend Bobby for his words?. No he had a right to say what he said as many Ducks Fans from Diehards to True blue and casual fans feel disrespect by his words when he said what he said to a local newspaper on the East Coast. As a Ducks Fan who has follow this team since Day 1 I will Miss Bobby's plays and hilite reel goals. It will be hard to not see Number 9 in the Ducks Lineup but like other Former Ducks who were trade we move on be it not seeing AndyMac and Giguere to Kariya,Rucchin and of course the Late Ruslan Salei. I hold no hatred for Bobby nor should all Ducks fans regarding Bobby Ryan......as Much as he has his supporters and critics I say to all Ducks fans who are player only fans and who appreciate Bobby. Follow his career see how well he does. For that I wish Bobby Ryan best of Luck and all be the best on his career. Now Let me say something bout this New Kid Jakob Silfverberg. Watching the clips of him left me with a good impression and understanding why the Ducks had to trade to get this kid. At 22 his stats shows he offensive player with speed yet in only one NHL season which was a short one due to the Lockout crisis he has 10goals 9 assists 19pts. Call me skeptical but I am hoping he turns out well for the Ducks in general once the gathering aka Training Camp begins. Whether he does well or not remains to be seen one way or another I am excited and intrigue to see how well he does for the Ducks and advancing the cause of our team. In recent weeks the Ducks Home Arena has started to vote for best moment in Honda Centres's history. It of course co-inside with the Ducks Official announcing and releasing 20th Anniversary Logo patch Celebrating 20 years of Anaheim Ducks Hockey. Seeing the Logo Patch first hand I have no problem with simplicity and keeping things simple. It has lead me time to reflect on past 20 years of Ducks Hockey especially Local Ducks fans I have met over past 5 to 6 years. It lead to understand and realize that even though I do not agree with Local Ducks fans Zther and few on course of what our team should do I believe we all are Ducks fans following this team through thick and thin. Lets look at the big picture our team has come along way with 19 Editions of the Ducks Hockey team. No matter if you are on Ducks Message Board,Facebook and twitter.....As Much as one can say bout History of our Anaheim Ducks all who are reading this be it From Orange County California to Maritime Region of Canada,Finland,USA,Sweden and beyond know 13-14 season will mark a symbolic milestone. History as I say on the Ducks Message Board is important and I leave it to the next Post I will put up next week. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Ducks Stanley Cup Victory:6 years later

June 6th 2007 most of us within Ducks Nation from OC to Finland to Canada and back know how symbolic it mean to all Ducks fans Worldwide. "Day of Great Victory" as I Said back on the Ducks Message Board not a single day,month and week has past since we reflect on that moment. Ducks winning 4-1 Series over Ottawa. score 6-2 with Giguere in the Net and every player contribute in the Playoff Run.....It meant so much to us all and for me personally. I travel to see the team in march got most of their autographs and took their pics during 3 games I was there. They won 3 of them I remember. What really matters is how things change for US,The Ducks and those who follow the sport in California in general. It's Clear now that June 6th tomorrow will mark 6 years to this day a moment that Change not only our Anaheim Ducks but all Ducks fans who follow this team since Day1. Look at us now we along with our team has evolved,come of age,changed for the better since that night not long ago. Where has it lead us to let's say a moment of new-found knowledge in knowing anything can be possible and anyone can be be traded to improve the Ducks and the Duck Cause in general. Sphere of influence expanded greater with Anaheim Ducks founding a High School Hockey league to rinks not to mention drafting a Local California Kid named Emerson Etem. We have seen highs and lows,good and the bad,question clearly on who should be traded and who should stay. It was not that long ago that we were content with who we have at this moment before our Ducks became the First...Let me repeat the FIRST California Team to win the Stanley Cup. Remembering the players from Selanne to Niedermayer and J-S Giguere to the kids line of Getzlaf-Perry-Penner all the way to the shutdown line Pahlsson-Rob Niedmayer-Moen. All of the players left a mark. They were part of the First Stanley Cup Championship Winning Team To do this was not only something special for Diehard Ducks fans such as myself. It seem like yesterday on that night from when the Puck drop till the buzzer. It was a dream that became reality for Ducks Nation......Truly many of us that were there be it watching it Live and on TV We were Dedicated to the Cause we showed Ducks Dedication before the slogan became the norm. I can go on bout many of the players on the Roster but we know their names by heart and their faces and what they did....I always believe it's best to remember them and the past in order to move forward and reflect with Pride and Happinesses. It goes to show that Hardwork and perseverance can overcome anything if you put your mind to it and work with others towards a common Goal. As we look ahead towards future one cannot let go of the past in knowing that ours is truly a exceptional one. Need I say more that our team winning their First Stanley Cup not only but our Ducks on the Map but it allow us to earn recognition and a place in the Hockey World. Alot has change my friends and as we apporach this Milestone Let us reflect on how our Ducks have accomplish in 20 years. Ducks have done more the LA,San Jose and the other expanison teams of the 1990s. Share toast and wear your Colors with Ducks Pride. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Moose and Duck Connection:Anaheim Ducks and Halifax Mooseheads

I know this Post is non-Ducks Related But I felt necessary to tell you of seeing my hometown Junior Team win Memorial Cup. It's been a long time since I have been to a Mooseheads game. Reason being My first love and Passion is and always shall be our Anaheim Ducks. There is no such feeling in a seeing a team that was first outside Quebec to be granted a expansion franchise win Junior Hockey's greatest Prize. 19 years may have taken so long but it was worth it. Like the Anaheim Ducks they fought against all all odds cept they made the playoffs on several occassions in back to back years. Don't get me started Q-League in the early years of the Mooseheads have constant changing the playoff format. Now most of you ask why I bring up my Hometown and the Connection it has towards our Anaheim Ducks.....in the past 20 years 3 Former Mooseheads including two that were drafted by our Team played for the Moose. You know the names Jean-Sebastian Giguere,Marc Chounaird and Joe Dipenta as for players drafted it was Bryce Swan and Logan Macmillian. J-S Giguere of the 3 Mooseheads contributed the most in the Ducks 2003 Stanley Cup Playoff run and Stanley Cup Championship Victory in 2007. He left his mark in becoming alltime leaders in Wins,Shutouts and Games played. So Many memories of him I remember when the Ducks traded for Giggy in 2000 one had the feeling he will develop into something good for the Ducks and the Cause we follow. Then there is Marc Chounaird and Joe Dipenta. For Marc he may not have done as we though he did 10 years ago but as Moosehead he played well for My hometown team. It was nice seeing him in a Mighty Ducks Uni in 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs which lead to them winning the NHL's Western Conference Championship...Of course I cannot forget Joe Dipenta. A Guy from my Hometown known by Local Ducks Fans and Diehards a "Joe Dependable". Indeed he was always relied on IF a player is injured or suspended. Sometimes it;s having a local guy from your hometown playing for your alltime favorite team and Hometown team junior team that stands out. Of course what's exciting was him bringing the Cup first before Crosby was something special and brought alot of joy. I am not going to get into the two Mooseheads drafted by the Ducks in quick to the point let's just say both has disapointed me in how they turn out for Ducks Team. As much as I take in the Mooseheads Memorial Cup Parade I feel a sense of hope that our Ducks can Draft a Moosehead. both Nate and Drouin I know the Ducks will have a long shot against...Fucale maybe unattainble due to our Ducks Goaltending Depth but one never knows. 2013 I witness Ducks becoming Pacific Divison Champions and now Mooseheads winning Memorial Cup have me hoping they can take a Moosehead. The are two I feel they can take in the 2nd Round but as the old saying goes we have to wait and see. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Ducks First Round Loss:Heartbroken,Hope and Unfinished Business

Call it what it is but Let's be real for moment. The Loss our Ducks have experience two nights ago is by far the toughest many of us including our team has endure. Disappointing let alone frustrating there are no words to explain let alone describe how we all feel. Losing in the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs sucks....what's worst is losing to a Bitter rival and enemy that since Day one our Ducks have fought battles that they either win or Lose. This Stings and of course sometimes we must never forget what made us who we are and how our team has overcome adversity in the past. Amidst disappointment and sadness there is Hope. Hope in the future and those who have shown glimpse of offense and contributions to our Ducks short season. Sometimes what sets Ducks Fans apart is the fact we look ahead knowing full well what our team is capable of and KNOW they can better IF they come together. Pointing Fingers,making Big assumptions like "Blame this player" or.."Trade this player" will not do anything to solve the flaws many of us have seen on TV,watched live or listen on the Internet Radio. Positive Outlook of many within Ducks Nation is our Greatest Strength and it shows when I read some of the Comments on the Ducks Message Board...Yes I still post but I am more of a wise egg from time to time letting My passion get the best of me. However what we can agree be it on Ducks Message Board,Facebook or Twitter is that the Young Guns within the ranks of the Ducks Roster is Ready to take the Next Step towards spots on the team. Emerson Etem,Kyle Palmieri,Peter Holland,Sami Vatanen and several others have shown Potential,Promise and willingness to contribute to our Cause. It makes me smile and knowing Homegrown talent are developing well and will one day strengthen our Ducks Offense in hopefully getting the offense jump-started for a 82 full season. Yet with all the debate going on in Ducks Nation there is this yearning....Hunger in feeling of "Our Team is better then This". I made a statement on the Ducks Facebook Page declaring Ducks are better then Detroit. I make no apologies nor Am I going to backtrack on it from Detroit Hockey trolls and Haters of our Ducks. It's very Clear that we all have disagreements on what our Ducks must do to avoid another fate we have endure for the 3 time in five years. Whether it be Trades or Free agent signings it remains to be seen I know as we all do this summer will be full of Decisions. TOUGH Decisions that we may or may not like.....I am hopeful the Ducks will address the flaws and begin the Upgrades as we speak. I also want to point out One very important thing. First Round loss to Detroit is Unacceptable and insulting....What really is Truly ticks me off is the fact for the 3rd time our Ducks being out of the Playoffs is a glass half full. It's load of Crap when our team had TWO Chances to eliminate and Drive Detroit out of the NHL West. Yet Fate seems to deal us a bad hand. IF it was meant to be for the Ducks to meet Detroit in the Stanley Cup Finals in near Future....Then Honor demands WE DESTROY DETROIT and not take them lightly. For now all we can do is wait and hope the 13-14 schedule comes out soon. Then we look for Vengeance! DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Anaheim Ducks:2013 Pacific Divison Champs and Stanley Cup Quest!

We know it was bound to happen,We know they would close in on Clinching the Pacific Division. Yet They did it last night in dominating fashion and winning their 11th straight against the Greasers was special. It was also another historic moment as the Win Mark 2nd time in Ducks History our team has earn the Pacific Division Title....6 years ago in 2007 the Ducks claim the Pacific via Loss from a certain rival. But Right now it's sweet knowing Ducks are Pacific Division Champions and lock up 2nd seed in the NHL West. It's amazing how this short season has turn out well for our team as 12-13 season winds down to a close. One thing that remains and that is regaining the Honor that is Winning the Stanley Cup and perhaps one day dethroning LA in hopefully a Stanley Cup Playoff Battle. One thing is certain whoever our Ducks face They Must NOT have a repeat mistake of underestimating a first round opponent as they did with Nashville 3 years ago. First thing's First in regards to the Ducks Winning the Pacific Division. Clinching earns us 2nd Division Championship and fifth banner that Will be hoist to the Ponda Rafters.....It adds another accomplishment to a Team who's history we have witness so much and embrace in our hearts,Minds and Souls. When that Buzzer sounds I like many whether they watch it on TV,Listen to the Internet Radio via AM 830 or keep track through Mobile apps anywhere in the world knows this is a stepping stone towards great things. There comes a time when one is inspire by the success our team has earn and Fought for in this 3 months....Many have said our team will finish no less then out of the playoffs or that Pears and Getz will not remain a Duck after this season. My oh MY how things have proven wrong. To us all Die-Hard Ducks Fans who follow this team,supported them and ask tough questions We know Ducks Overcoming adversity,Challenges and naysayers is by far their best trait. Resilience is something we know for years the Ducks have and it has been their greatest asset. When I look at this roster I see 3 things 1.Youth 2. Experience and 3.Energy. It's clear they are different from the 2007 Ducks who bulldozed and smash their way in winning the Stanley Cup. This edition, our team with 23 players lead by a positive thinker with honest view has injected New Life,New Energy and Lite that spark from four lines to the Goal-tending. It's said If Hard work pays off then fruits of the labor will be enjoy by everyone. When the Puck drops for the Stanley Cup Playoffs the Ducks will be ready and itching to not only work for it but Battle each team standing in their way. You see my view is this Hard-work is a Battle to improve oneself and foster unity among those who share the same goals. Sometimes a Lasting Image of the Ducks winning can bring the best out of people whether they are at the Honda Centre or watching the game on TV. I see something in this team and know we are seeing new chapter written for a Exceptional Team with a Exceptional players making their mark on a 20 year old team that has done so much in so little time. Stanley Cup is Hockey's Greatest prize....6 years Ducks claim it and it change us and the team from Ducks Message Board and Facebook to Twitter. Everyone is ready for what lay ahead. Even though two game remain it shall give us incdination on how our team fare and who maybe starting in Nod. Whether it be Fasth or Hillier one thing always Remain Winning the Stanley Cup and ACHIEVE Eternal Glory. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Our Ducks:25-7-5 55pts....THIS TEAM!

The Wins most recently over top ranked Chicago and Dallas not to mention shaking off the Losing has instilled a sense of utmost Optimism and Pride in Ducks Fans everywhere including those I know in Orange County....the theme as I see in the Anaheim Ducks Message Board has been "THIS TEAM". It started by someone I know and it seems to catch on in that area of Fandom. Hopefully with my eagerness I hope to pass it to Ducks Fans in Facebook and looking towards passing it to Twitter. Right now As I look a the Roster it's clear our Ducks have risen to the top with Resiliency,Determination and NEVER GIVING up no mater what the odds were. They stood tall as we do in supporting our team and the Ducks Cause. As this season draws close we should be grateful let alone bless the Ducks did not do any major trades to shake up our team. Losing a prospect or Player is tough but that is the way of the game and how The Ducks must improve in reclaiming Honor for Ducks Nation. As the Record shows after 37 games it's a result of Dedication and Collective Will that is display game in and game out from Late Jane to early April. "This Team" is Full of Energy,Speed hardwork that Unites them towards achieving the goal and striving for the best. THIS TEAM works as one as a Collective Unit in setting things right and Hopefully Dethroning LA IF they meet them in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. THIS team's Future is Bright which is Connected to the Present and Past...Not everyday we see and know that players like Teemu,Saku and others like Scott Niedermayer ensure the standards the Ducks achieve in the past be set as mesaure stick for this edition of Anaheim Ducks. Make No mistake and Comparing them to 2007 Stanley Cup Champion Ducks maybe a little premature But This team has alot of Promise to do GREAT THINGS. 11 games left in the schedule and what needs to be done is making things official. We know what this team is capable of and we know that they will be punching their ticking towards the Playoffs. What matters and is needed now is our Ducks securing a foothold by maintain top spot in the Pacific Division and maybe...I say MAYBE closing the distance with Chicago. Thinking bout where the Ducks are going makes me smile and I can't stop knowing this team will be ready to DO Battle whether it be Detroit,San Jose,Vancouver,Edmonton or our Dreaded Rival and Enemy LA. THIS TEAM WILL BE READY!. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Ducks Fighting Spirit:Renewed and Energize

Last nights win against Chicago was symbolic in many ways. It's said if you beat the best you are the best. Another way to look at it is the Fighting spirit our Ducks have shown has been renewed and Energize to the Max. Surely enough if history tells us of this team it's their tendency to come from behind and find ways to win....Sometimes it happens other times it falls short. However I feel this season even though it's short has been a blessing to our Team since day 1 12-13 season began in Vancouver. Coming from behind not only once but many times in the past few months shows the Confidence,strength in Numbers aka Depth and a team full of youth awaken to carry on the tradition of the Ducks Cause in the future. Winning breeds success but Hardwork,Dedication and drive to beat against the odds is something inspiration to all Ducks Fans and Hockey fans alike from Orange County California and beyond. Our Youth within the Ducks Ranks be it Etem or Holland show effort and willingness to spark the offense. Etem having 1g 6a 7pts and Holland's 3g 1a 4pts may not be much but both show promise and eagerness to prove their worth in wearing the Ducks D. Viktor Fasth what can we say bout this Swedish netminder then he is a godsend tot he Ducks in so many ways. starting strong in his debut in winning 8 games straight and doing very well in shoot-out. Not since Jiggy-Bryz Tandem since our Ducks have a 1A and 1B Goal-tending. And we know what happen when the Ducks as a whole benefited from two great Goalies. Amidst all that has happen I am very happy and please as many of you are in O.C and elsewhere of the Ducks making their rise towards the top. 22-3-4 48pts with a 13-1 record at the Ponda this is another accomplishment we witness Live first hand....It goes show you what it really means to be a Ducks fan witness and seeing first-hand milestones achieved and broken. All-time Leaders in categories be it Goalie wins and shutouts to Players leading in alltime goals,Games,assists and points. Let us embrace this team enjoy the moment as we did years past be it good,bad or ugly.....The roster we have is a mix of Youth, Experience and Energy as much as we can compare to the 2007 Stanley Cup Champion Ducks the difference imho is Ruthless aggression they had when the Ducks claim the Stanley Cup 6 years ago. Tommorow the Ducks Face a bitter enemy in our way...twice Detroit will be wanting to stall us and close the gap. But It's the duty of Ducks and Ducks fans to drive them out....CAST them out of O.C in defeat. Their fans may assume victory but for Ducks Fans we know REAL HOPE and CHANGE Comes when 23 players United into a Collective Will prove Haters,Doubters and Trolls otherwise. For now Let us enjoy this win and be ready for ANOTHER BATTLE! DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Ducks Destiny,Bruce Almighty and more

Hello again to you all how have you all been. It's been awhile since my last post but I had to deal with matters that are personal to me. Anyways on to our team after 24 games near the halfway mark our Ducks are in control of their fate and the destiny they have in their control. One should look no further then see how Bruce Bourdeau aka Bruce Almighty as I call him has guided our team by his positive phisophy and encouragement. A Phisopohy that I believe many Ducks Fans be it on Ducks Message Board,Facebook,Twitter and around the world has embraced. Our team like the editions before has always inspire many to do great things in life...Dedication,Heart,Sacrifice and Hard work leads to success that goes beyond just a Hockey game. It motivates many of us to do what is right in our lives and each moment we live. 12-13 short season has proven time and time again a blessing for the Ducks Cause and Ducks Nation worldwide. 18-3-3 overall plus a 11-1 record what more is there to smile bout then knowing each day or Night the Ducks have proven resilience,determination and Collective Will in getting the Job done. Destiny we see now shines on the players including those who won Stanley Cup and those who are honing their skills and adjusting to Ducks and Pros in general. Young Guns have shown their eager to prove themselves while Vets are hitting their stride....as for the Goalies both gave our Ducks a edge. Positive Thinking has it's strong results for many and looking at this roster and seeing them live last year. Gives us Hope in the Ducks rising to the top once more. Whatever results may hold I and perhaps others will "Wait and See". Bruce in a short time has shown his eagerness and hunger to get the job done as it was quote on the Ducks Website "I want everything. I never once thought that Chicago was out of range. Everybody else thinks they are, but I don’t. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but we’ve got half our season left. You don’t win anything in half a season. You can lose it, but you don’t win anything. Consistency and staying healthy are going to be our keys. You look at our schedule now, Minnesota is playing well and so are St. Louis and Dallas. They’re not easy games. Even when we get home from this trip, it’s San Jose, Chicago, Detroit, Detroit, San Jose. It’s not an easy thing. We’re focusing on being as good as we can be. We’d love to win everything, but we want to be as good as we can be on a consistent basis". He wants more and like any general it will pass down to Players who will be ready to give it their all. From Fasth to Beleskey and Cogs to the RPG Line a Coach like Bruce is leaving his mark in a short amount of time. Like his predecessors before it will be interesting to see what he can do for the Ducks in achieving Greatness. Furthermore at the halfway mark of the 48 games 2nd half proves vital as the first. As we approach the end of this short season questions remain on status of Corey Perry. Whether he is traded or not I refuse to ask or focus on what will our Ducks do come Trade deadline. Better imho he stays and re-sign to pursue another Stanley Cup for the Ducks. One thing we know is having Getzlaf re-sign is boost to Ducks Fans worldwide......As much we can hope we know this team is turning things around from potential and promise to Reality they will be a force to be reckon with. Local Ducks Fans especially in Orange County I know are smiling in seeing this team excel. Speaking of Orange County I have made a tough decison in not coming to see the Ducks for 12-13. Reason being is of Personal matter and of my obligations at work. Make no mistake if Had the chance I would love to see them but sometimes one has to take a step back when certain events are out of your control. Even though this marks first time I will not be there to see the Ducks live I know I will be there in spirit at the Ponda......am I dispointed or sad? No for me it came to matters that are close to my heart. But I know and I made promise I will return to see the Ducks.........Till then as those who are reading this please don't think I am giving up. Ducks have shown this year and season prior that Never giving up is not a OPTION in when one face adversity in Life!. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Ducks Arising!

If anyone ask me before the 48 game sprint began how well the Ducks will do I reply with this "Ducks will do well" or "Wait and See". What we see in this team, this edition of our Anaheim Ducks is energy and motivation......these are key to a team not only transition but determine to prove doubters wrong. What surprise me is the efforts of two of the newest Ducks who in short a short span of time is leaving a mark that has catch the eye of all Ducks Fans from OC to Finland and elsewhere. Dan Winnik a Player sign from San Jose who started 12-13 season with 2 or more goals and Viktor Fasth 30 years old and a rookie with Swedish League experience is 8-0-0. Before the season began I never would have though both of them would contribute in getting our Ducks to where they are now. First Place in Pacific Division and 2nd overall in the NHL West. Wins against our Enemies be it Vancouver,LA,San Jose,Calgary,Detroit and Nashville has left us a result to be proud of. 12-2-1 25pts speaks alot in what they had accomplished in 15 games. Yet this season is far from over with so much games left and Smiles beaming everywhere it all comes down to our Ducks moving forward with purpose. the Depth they show gives us Strength in Numbers in offense and Defense....Unity is very clear now. Whether if those who earn 2assists during this short season like Emerson Etem to a player who earn his first NHL Goal as Duck in Patrick Maroon. Battles our Ducks face will have all players besides Fasth and Winnik contributing more to the Ducks Cause. Need is greater for all players including those called up in effort to move our team forward. So Far Ducks Fans within Ducks Nation especially those in O.C are noticing it well with the wins mounting and a Goalie from Sweden going 8-0. It's No Surprise that news of Fasth signing a two year extension gives the team a 1-2 Goaltending tandem not since Giguere/Bryz days. To think there is a Goalie Controversy is abit of a presumption due in part in Ducks History Goalie 1A and 1B has contributed to sucess and honor it bestow on our team's name and Ducks Nation. I cannot forget a good news of return of Former Ducks GM Brian Burke. His return to Part-Time Scout I hope will help in this year's draft...however time he has I hope it will benefit the team in such a short way. This week off has provide many of us to reflect and look forward to next year's back to back games.....No Matter what happens we cannot forget the games ahead will be tough and the battles will be hard. However Let's not give up nor in to the notion of what sports pundits have said....Know this true and know it well. Many times in our team's history our Ducks have prove them wrong. I can make a list but I know all of you be it on Ducks Message Board,Facebook or twitter know this team is capable of overcoming Adversity no more No less. For now Let us enjoy this season.....ANAHEIM DUCKS 4EVER!. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Ducks are BACK!:Strength in Numbers

IF there are three words to describe this Edition of the Anaheim Ducks, Our team it's Revitalize,Refocus and Energized. Truth is simply in the standings after 9 games 7-1-1 and Wins over our Enemies LA and San Jose. It's vital they keep this momentum going as long as possible. Energy was lacking last season suffice to say our Ducks were missing that spark that some of the players seem not to sure cept for a few who remain nameless. I am proud of how each of our Ducks new Additions be it Free agent signers to Prospects have provide a shot in the arm for team that has been as some have suggested "Team in Transition". Stellar play of Viktor Fasth a Ducks Rookie at 30 years old making his mark being the first in our team history for Goalies to win first 3 games and with a shutout in such a short time makes me wonder Will the Ducks experience another 1A and 1B scenario. Looks of it this really appears very likely since Fasth has become like Winnik a fan favourite and someone who has contributed in a big one for the Ducks short season. As for young guns be it Etem and Vatenen both show promise and sooner or later they will make their mark like young guns before them. One cannot forget Sheldon Souray despite his past he has proven a positive addition to the Ducks Defence Corps....Booming Slapshot along with his size has shore up the Blue line and given the team toughness it once faded last season. Winnik leading Ducks in goals speaks well on why they sign him and Allen well he has done the small things from shot blocking to contributing abit to the offence in turning this team around. Redemption has and been the motivating factor of our Ducks. Right now this team's depth has been strengthen and "Strength in Numbers" has been very clear to us all since game 1 of 48 game since. Everything it seems has been falling into place even though Ducks have only played and fought in nine games thus far. Can't stop smile seeing our team tied for first in NHL Pacific Division and 2nd in NHL Western Conference. To me it's a good measure stick and in time they must secure a foothold on Top of the NHL Pacific Division. With all that gone on I hope to see the Ducks in March soon. For me I always be humble,appericate and very happy to see the team live....All depends on how things work out for me. Right now Each Day and game is a Battle important to the Ducks Cause....GLORY to Anaheim and to DUCKS NATION. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

My Thoughs and views on Ducks this Season!:3 Days away

Call it a short season,48 game sprint or be happy that Hockey is being played in a few days. If I had one expectation for the Ducks it's this...WIN no matter what. We heard the predictions some of them I hate others I disagree. We hear and read what our Ducks Line-up will be. But Come Opening of the 20 year or 19th season as this Die-hard Ducks Fans has always recorded. We may see the Youth getting more of a shot then ever before. We know right now that with Selanne being the oldest Duck on the roster and Koviu nearing the end of his career...One has to look forward to what this Edition of our Ducks can do once the puck drops on Saturday. Roster List our Ducks have shows 3 important things that stand out. 1.Youth:By having at least several players be it Prospects or FA's it shows our Ducks will be developing within not making any Big Splash trades. I must also speak that Line combinations many have spoken be it on Ducks Message Board and others Palmieri,Etem,Maroon and Holland are all getting long looks at the Camp aka Gathering of Ducks as I call it.2.Strong Start:Slow starts is nothing knew and someone who knows this and record it as many Ducks fans know they know have two strong starts in their history.Ducks need to hit the ground running to set things in motion....slow starts can really put a damper on moral of Ducks Nation. 48 games is something the Ducks MUST take it a oppourtity for the Ducks Cause. 3.Positive Hope: I do not believe this team will falter or fall to the bottom...I honestly feel our Ducks that have been assemble at the Gathering maybe a blend of Youth, Experience and with some toughness can lead our team to a BIG BOUNCE BACK. Now as I said before I do not believe in predications of where our Ducks will finish in a short season. But What hold true to the fact is they can overcome any odds no matter what the cause. Many of us Ducks Fans and those Hockey fans know this team can turn things around and from time to time be it holding most wins in 1993 and pulling off upsets be it Detroit in 2003 and San Jose 6 years later.....they can come together as one if adversity shows it's ugly side. No matter what we expect The Ducks need to seize the moment and Leave NOTHING to chance and do not GIVE UP loss ground. If the New Blood be it Etem,Holland,DSP,Fowler,Sbisa,Palmrei and others need to make a impression and mark on the Ducks D....TIME IS NOW!. I will not predict where this team will finish But I can't wait for the Ducks to UNLEASH HELL on LA,DETROIT or any team in NHL West. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Hockey is back...DUCKS HOCKEY that is

If there is one word to describe How I feel right is Happy....Happiness in knowing Crisis that is NHL Lockout has been put to rest. Hearing that both sides League and PA has reached a Tentative Deal has me smiling at the fact we will see our Ducks once again battle 29 other teams including our Enemies that are LA,Detroit,San Jose,Edmonton and others in a 48 game schedule that seems no more then sprint to the finish. All the talk and the pessimism had many frustrated others suggesting a Purist way to "Cleanse" The league by contraction which I oppose. 113 Days I felt was no more then a Delay for the Ducks in celebrating 20th year in NHL and having New Blood hone their skills and earn their place within the "Ducks Cause". I never sense there was any sort of greed but I felt this Lockout was more bout "office Politics" then what my fellow citizens assume their old narrative is when the crisis start. First thing first's for our Ducks and like any start of the season there is a reason to Hope,be Positive and get amped up.Here are 3 things I look forward this short season. 1.Re-signing Getzlaf and Perry:Both of them are our Ducks Leaders and they need to be re-signed Longterm For it will be a Blow to our Ducks If both decide to go elsewhere 2.Developing within: If it means having other New Blood Young Guns like Etem,Holland and Vatanen hone their skills be it with Admirals or earn a spot with the Ducks then I am all for it. First I though Etem was a shoe-in due to his 50 goal season but it's clear he may need some seasoning....If the Ducks decide to place him on the roster after training Camp I would not be surprise for I have hopes for Etem. 3.Hit the Ground Running:48 games or 50 now is the time for the Ducks to set things in tone and open a New Chapter of our team's History we know what the first line may look like but how many New Blood Ducks will be injected to infuse some Energy and Hunger I am hoping they can move this team forward no more no less. Finally there is one thing I need to say that is....Trades. I do not feel Trading Bobby Ryan is the answer it's annoying and bugs many since he is important part of the Ducks and for Ducks Nation worldwide. Rest assure when the Puck Drops we will see alot of maybe several new faces most within Ducks System who are earning their stripes within AHL....I don't know bout you but I say two words to those who read this from O.C and elsewhere GO DUCKS!. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck