State of the Ducks Address

If there is One word to describe our Ducks 11-12 season it's this.....Unpredictable. I would not lie when I say and I know some would agree that we never expect the Ducks to have a 4-1 record after five games. Then earn 2 wins in November let alone struggle much in Dec till New Year's Day. No one within Ducks Nation and those who are Ducks fans would expect injuries to hinder our team that lead to questions of Trades,Coaching Change and YES division and where our team go from here. Yet we forget that one of the traits this team has is Resilience to overcome adversity....Against the odds our Ducks face and coaching change what it comes down to is courage,unity and Collective Will in all players to rely on each other in difficulties that lay ahead. What we see is a team that has endure,withstand and dealt with injuries,inconsistency and lack of depth that has plague our team in first 3 and a half months. Collective Will at times was never there..Since our team is going through the motions.

Changes,Transition and other words have thrown around in how to improve our Ducks and overcome the hurdle that is 11pts out of 8th spot. It's no wonder that with all uncertainty and questions what is next best course of action for the Ducks....Coaching change was imho part 1 of a two part problem but it seems to be removed now with the team being 8-1-1 earning 17pts and closing the distance slowly before Allstar break began. As you all know my views will never change in regards to this team pursing a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I am a Optimist and i feel like life Ducks must battle to over come the Odds stack against them.

It's vital they do with all Ducks Fans giving them 110%. Yes I am not from Orange County but i see a brighter future in regards to one of the most Successful Hockey Teams in California and of 1990's Expansion era. Ducks History as we know is unique and expectational.....It makes me SICK there are those from Ducks Message Board,Twitter and at times facebook who have a defeatist attitude towards our team. I do not question their loyalty. But I Question their Negative outlook....Sure it's great to talk bout "Fail for Nail" It's utterly stupid to bring out the need to "TANK" a season for a player. I rather they fight for a spot then fail or lose...It goes without showing that some Ducks Fans those "Experts" on Ducks Message Board and beyond have lost their way.

Since Stanley Cup Championship Victory 5 years ago...I have seen a change of attitude. Gone are the days of disagreement now there is Condescension,self-proclaimed know it alls belittle of each other's knowledge. Those who do this laugh and mock others including myself view on how this team should proceed in the coming games this season. Sadly it has been going on as long as i remember. Passion,Fun and unity at times has been sucked out thanks to individuals who have clammed down and try to control what people say with words. Does this reflect any Ducks Fans in O.C and elsewhere....NO. There are Ducks fans on Twitter,Facebook and other Message Boards. Who express their passion for the team and the game itself. I do however remain for reasons i will let you all know next blog. For now I am confident our Ducks can make it to the Playoffs or they can fight with Honor,Pride and Courage.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

I Believe in the Anaheim Ducks

If We know our History of the Ducks and their battles of proving haters and naysayers wrong we know that in 8 Stanley Cup Playoff Appearances 7 out of the 8 times They earn a spot is when our Ducks were resilient and plow through towards clinching a Playoff berth each season. For me it seems likely and i hope the Ducks begin a tear to start their push for the post-season. I believe they can pull it off and rise for the challenge that is presented for them. Seeing the Ducks and hearing they have awaken from the slump they were in makes me confident and hope they can continue their push tonite and next two months before I arrive to see them in Orange County.

Can the Ducks make it to the post season?...I believe they can But it's in their hands right now with all that has happen from Coaching change to the inexperience of some of the players be it our Ducks sophomores or rookies. Injuries,inconsistency and coaching change. These adversities our Ducks face will unite them in determination and "Dedication" for Ducks Cause. Whether they make the playoffs or not as i always say remains to be seen. One thing that is needed to address is trade Talks. I have heard rumors...seen the proposed Trade Scenarios. Tolerate the BS talk from "Experts" on Ducks Message board and elsewhere. Not to mention the out of touch delusional talk from Leafs fans on some chat rooms and message boards.

Let me say this opening and get it off my chest. I DO NOT BELIEVE the Ducks will trade Ryan,Getz,Perry or Teemu...Saku who knows since both He and Teemu are untouchable. It bugs me yet i look at some of scenarios some seem right others are just stupid. Yet one factor that needs to be look at and that is age. IF the Ducks are to trade say Getz then someone equal should be sent in return. I would not mind Ducks get a Big D-man from the states be it Myers or Miller a goaltender. It would makes sense this edition of the Ducks for 2012 is all offense and NO Defense this season. If there are some players i like the Ducks to trade it would be Lubo for Stuart and Beauchemin or Brookbank for Draft picks

Next weeks and months will determine what our Ducks path will be Playoffs or no Playoffs whether or not they succeed remains to be seen. One thing I ask for the Ducks is finish strong and Ducks fans in Orange County support this team 110%. They may experience this funk in early part of the season but do not be surprise by their resilience. Ducks Nation is split down the middle some want a top ten Draft Pick others want Ducks to succeed as I do. One thing i hope many and All Ducks fans will never do is NEVER EVER let anyone outside of Orange County or elsewhere Define you as you are. Ducksfans,Angel fans and hell Bolts fans or Jiu jitsu fans. OC is a sports diverse area...I am proud to say it and respect the people in Orange County for their love of Hockey and sports.

Whatever happens...happens for reason for the Ducks we should not give up on them neither should the team. Sometimes going through a rough patch is a learning experience for those who will inherit the role of leadership. It builds character for our Ducks no matter what will Prevail and I hope when i arrive in Orange County in March will be in the thick of the Post season.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Ducks at halfway mark:14-22-7 35pts

Looking at the record after the Ducks win last nite. It makes me wonder what must be done for this team to get back to the top,after enduring a chaotic November.....Questions surrounding who will get traded right there to whether or not our Ducks may or may not get the first pick in 2012 Draft. one thing that is always a reminder for our team and Ducks fans as a whole. 2nd half of 11-12 season comes down to 3 things...Resilience,Never Giving up and Collective Will. Ducks History has shown since Day 1 of our Team's founding. If one can go back to the past and see that in the 8 Stanley Cup Playoff berths our Ducks have clinched. 7 count them SEVEN of them have been Teams under the Ducks Banner earn a spot in the Playoffs by overcoming all odds against them. Be it 1997,2003 or last year in 2010. History has shown the Ducks when against all odds can overcome then if the Will is collectively there when 23 players are Ont he same page and determine to prove the Doubters,haters and naysayers wrong.

Rest assure the win against Edmonton,Dallas,Columbus and NYI was not only sweet but a boost in the Morale of the Ducks and Ducks Nation as we continue the path towards finishing this season strong and hopefully with a Spot in Postseason. One thing that needs to be look at is the flaws that is so apparently within our Ducks ranks. Lack of depth or what i call "Depth strength" has been very troubling since bottom six has not been consistent over the past 41 games....What's more concerning is Top Line's inconstancy to take the lead and hit the ground running each game. Call it being "Top Heavy" but I see things that lead our team down this tough road and record they have shows not only inconsistency but injuries and sometimes inexperience has lead the Ducks to lose games THEY were suppose to win...Sadly it showed in the results.

But Let say this with a clear mind even though the Ducks are at 14th place with 35pts and with 39 games left I believe the Ducks can make it to the Playoffs....We should believe and support this team no matter what. For me it's best they Fight to the bitter end to earn that spot and try then "TANK" 11-12 season as some of the fools on the Ducks Message Board has suggested. Is this team the Worst you ask?...My answer is a resounding NO.

I see this edition of the Ducks as nothing more then a team of potential and talent. A team with alot of youth and some experience that is going through the motions,learning the duties that one day they will assume.....I do not believe the Ducks will trade any of the RPG in the 2nd half of 11-2. It will not only be devastated but a blow to the morale and betrayal of the Ducks Cause in General. IF our Ducks do make a trade it will be for either Lubo or Frankie to ensure transition/youth Movement started in 08-09 is a smooth finish. For now with 3 months left till 11-12 season ends I rather have the Ducks do whatever it takes to win and Show the Hockey World they have some FIGHT IN them!.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

hockey is for Everyone!

Hello to all who is reading my Blogs and my thoughts...Hope you all enjoy the New Year's Holiday and the recent Ducks Win against lowly Long Island Team near New York. 11-22-6 maybe not what we want from the Ducks..I am sure they do not themselves. But first thing's first. I think with all that happen in Hockey in the past year or so i felt it was necessary to draw a resolution for what i want to do in 2012...One of them is writing this post down. I believe in my heart that Hockey is for Everyone, I reject the notion that is Hockey is "Canada's Game" Sure Hockey is born in Canada and has provide excellent and respect players from Mario to Patrick Roy and Great One...But I feel that in our changing times it's best to celebrate success and Pride in seeing Hockey enjoy by those beyond the Border of my Nation. You know my allegiance and Loyalty to the Ducks...some of you know that my Passion for this team borders on Zeal. After Ducks won their First Stanley Cup...I took it upon myself to follow Nation Jr,Nation teams and even a Finnish team in Finland to see what similarities they have...I came to a conclusion that All People,Canadian,American,Finnish,Swede even in Hong Kong love this sport and follow teams that inspire and have a everlasting imprint on them for rest of their lives. 2012 will mark 6th time and in five years I will be going to see the Ducks.

Five years is long but it change me in a different way. Knowing people who love the sport and appreciated it as much as I do make me see the world differently especially for Americans who love this great team sport. Looking at the way people down south and talking to those in Finland and Sweden makes me proud to be Canadian...I believe in my heart that Canadians should look at seeing how the world enjoy the game we created and pass to the other Nations. Having the sport be exclusive and not inclusive as many of my fellow Canadians see with this "Bring the Cup back to Canada" Mentality is BS and absurd. Due in part that Canada has it's citizens playing and living in the United States to Promote the sport.

So what if Americans and other nations do not follow the game as my country do so passionately. Sometimes i wonder if the arrogance and obnoxious of my citizens of cloud the judgement of many...Let alone talk down to those especially American Hockey fans in general. It's sad and at times it's a reality that i grew up and knowledge a long time ago.....I always will remain true to the Ducks and Ducks Cause don't ask me to follow any of the NHL Canadian Teams I hate them all especially some fans...Only Canadian teams I will follow is in the AHL be it Toronto Marlies or CHL teams like Ottawa 67's or SeaDogs and Mooseheads.

We as I mean those within Canada should see the sport of Hockey is exclusive....they should see it played and won by cities in USA,Europe elsewhere as result of my spread of Joy and a gift to the world. You ask why do I not know follow this stereotypes of my fellow citizens. It's because i am reminded that not all sports should exclusive and that we as Canadians must be proud to see how our Sport has develop and grow beyond our borders. For me that is what being a Canadian is about Hockey being played in United States,Finland and elsewhere...Following are the teams that I have decided to root,support and stand with:

1.Anaheim Ducks:As always through thick and thin good or bad I will support the Ducks 110%.
2.Finnish World Hockey team:2011 World Hockey Champions love the talent on the team hope they repeat.
3.Everett Silvertips:Successful American Junior franchise like what i see even though they are in a slump.
4.American Junior Hockey team:Won WJC gold in 2004 and 2010 have a great future and a program that produce alot of good players.
5.Toronto Marlies:Hate the Leafs but i admit i tolerate their farm teams especially when it was based in St John's.

No Matter if you agree or disagree with my view I am always Anaheim Ducks fans and a Hockey Nut in regards to this great sport. What i denounce is this Anti-American BS that some spew in my country...If they don't respect what Finns,Swedes or Americans have done they are narrow minded Fools.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Anaheim Ducks 2011 Year in Review:Message to All Ducks fans!

2011 in my honest opinion will be remember not for it's success our Ducks endure....But the struggles they face. They waning days of this year has been a reminder that nothing was easy nor should be taken for granted this team has a tall task at hand. Many things have happen most good,others sometimes bad from Ducks earning spot in 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs to Corey Perry becoming first Duck to win Hart Trophy and 2nd Duck to win Rocket Trophy not to mention 3rd in team history to reach 50 Goal Mark. Low points has been lack of depth and losses mounting due to inabilities of the Ducks rally together be it holding leads or overcoming our rivals within Pacific Division. Worst lowest moment would be death of a former Duck, Ruslan Salei aka Rusty to some who word Ducks Logo with honor,Pride and Duty for 10 years was a Defencemen i always respect and truly admire.

Like many Prospects before who develop I always give him and others a chance and benefit of a doubt. His efforts are memorable including the OT Goal in Game 3 of Stanley Cup Finals in 2003. His passing hit all of us hard including myself who witness that moment 8 years ago. Yet i know Ducks Nation will hold him dear in our hearts as always.Another Low point is definitely the Recent losing skid and collapse in 2nd and 3rd months of Ducks 11-12 Season...Call it rebuilding call it worst season in my own opinion this is a MESS plain and simple. If you ask me I believe Front Office has relied too much on certain players with inexperience to lead them back to the top. It's one thing to have all Offensive team but it's another to have a team that is very imbalance.

Once More I must speaks of Ducks Positive in 2011 one is overcoming Hiller's inaction due to Vertigo by bringing in Ellis and Emery too good goalies who gave this team a shot in clinching their 8th Stanley Cup Playoff berth...Without them Ducks may have a long struggle ahead with questions asked.Hiller's vertigo was focal point for many some wonder what's up with him others believe it's best to go with Emery during the offseason. But with Hiller announcing he is back Ducks choose to go with him. To this moment that choice is now question......Hiller has not been himself nor he seems to not bee the goal we though he was. For example allowing a two goals in 10secs really makes this Die hard Ducksfan wonder if he is really 100%

I will not lie to anyone especially all of you when I say I am deeply disappointed in Hiller and the way things have gone about this season. Since Low points have been address I think it's needed to tell of High points within the Ducks One being that of Corey Perry who made transition of Super pest to goal scorer. His skills are amazing and his hat tricks were numerous i had to list them down before i can update My Ducks History Book. Scoring 50 Goals,Earning Hart Trophy MVP and Rocket Richard was special...It was historic. But I cannot leave out two important events of 2011. That i being Ducks Legend Teemu Selanne....Opening at Home where he is a Hero let alone popular Player in Finland. Seeing my friends pics where they visit Finland made me adopt Jokerit as my team in Finland to Follow, Why you ask? well for me it's best to be open minded and not be closed minder as some of my Canadian Citizens have been in the past. another event special to Teemu was his return to Winnipeg. A place where he started his NHL Career before his arrival to Anaheim tribute by the Jets made me appreciate him more He is loved not only by the Ducks but Hockey Fans in Winnipeg.

As many Ducksfans look back and hope for the best in 2012 I have important message to many who read this....Stay strong Don't let the losing season get to you, DON'T let ANYONE be it Hockey Trolls on Facebook,Twitter or Ducks Message Board tell you it can be done. If the Ducks can have a strong finish and Either Make it or NOT in the Playoffs This team shows it can be resilient. For me Personally 11-12 season is troubling,Worrisome and diffcult but it's a stark reminder that for our Ducks to RISE again they must be able to have this Generation of Ducks endure the trials of setting things right. Remember the Past with Unique and expectational Pride. Know the present is full fo challenges that need to be address...But always always hope for the future. Till then I wish you all from Ducks Message Board+Facebook+Twitter a Happy New Year 2012...I will come to Orange County and I believe after this season Ducks WILL RISE again and be stronger!.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Ducks and J-S Giguere:Old Friend returns

If there is one game i circle on the calender of 2011-2012 season it's a return of one of the most important Goalies in Ducks history making appearance after 2 years traded back in 2010. Jiggy as many Ducksfans including myself has always called him remember the effort,desire,willingness to give it his all during the Ducks rise towards Winning the Stanley Cup and achieving eternal glory that day. Alltime leader in wins,Shutouts and Games Played he not only cemented his mark on the Ducks but all of Ducks Nation especially in Orange County in general. For me personally Giguere traded to the Ducks in Year 2000 was symbolic...It connected the City of Halifax to Anaheim. He along with Joe Dipenta,Marc Chounaird and later years Bryce Swan,George Davis and Logan MacMillan lead me to create my nickname "MooseDuck". Why the name it's a connection between a team I followed since 1993 and a Hometown Junior team that has churn out successful NHL Players in the past.

It was not long at less 3 years later He started to establish himself as Ducks starter and made his mark within Ducks Fan base at the Ponda. 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs where he guided a upstart then-Mighty Ducks to a upset of Detroit,Dallas and a sweep of Vancouver. I remember till this day seeing him without his Ducks Goalie Mask and raising his glove with puck in hand. Definite as he and our team was back then. Even though Ducks Did not win in the heartbreaking loss in Game 7 vs NJ it was his wins and shutouts that earn him Playoff MVP and respect from Ducks fans across the world.

But the thing that really made me proud of Giguere was in 2007...Year of the Duck as I call it. His contributions along with Pronger,Niedermayer Bros,Getzlaf,Perry and Teemu along with Pahlsson and a Interesting Goalie named Bryzgalov began the Ducks raise towards success and on June 6th 2007*Day of Great Victory* Ducks WON their First Stanley Cup. There were so many moments for me personally i think getting his autograph and talking to him made me appreciate that fact he not only played on my favorite team but years ago was a simple Canadian Teen chasing his dream by playing for the Halifax Mooseheads.

Tomorrow on New Year's eve i encourage all Ducksfans who read this via Twitter or Facebook to give Giggy a Salute and Standing O. He help the Ducks become a power and our team along with Fanbase came of age that Day. Without him we would have not be able to be where we are. It was this connection that played in one of 3 key things that made me register on Ducks Message Board 10 years ago. I can tell you this I am proud to call Giguere the GREATEST Ducks Goalie in history of the team and Ducks Nation. Till then I can't wait for this game and Ducks to Finish 2011 on positive Note!.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Christmas wishes and message to OC!

As you all know by now we are apporaching the end of 2011 with only 3 games left till New Years. I am left hoping our Ducks can finish this year not only with a positive note....But with Victory that ends another year marked by up's and downs. I have follow this team as many of you since their Founding and 2011 could go down is perhaps the worst or maybe the toughest to endure for the Ducks in recent history. Let's wish that those within the ranks of the roster will rise to the challenge as their precedessors did seasons prior, Let's wish that amidst turnmoil and questions they honor the past by moving forward with Wins and Victories over our rivals,Enemies and teams that stand in our way. For once I am concern bout this team's direction....But i feel it's necessary for those young guns to learn that games in NHL is NOT easy. Talent,Resiliencey within our team must be awaken don't know how it will but I am hoping it awake very soon.

I want say something regards to how this season has turn out in first 3 months of Ducks campagain....If there is one word to describe 11-12 in first 3 months it's turmoil. Reason is expectations this team has are not yet met. RPG Line has not fufilled their duties and change in coach was necessary to jumpstart and give new Energy to the Ducks. However it remains to be seen how it turns out considering this "Win 1,Lose 1" mentality is bugging all of us in Ducks Nation. Sometimes going through the rough patchs is the only way our team can overcome adversity that is in front of them this year and perhaps the next. We must never give up on this team nor should we give in to doubt,Naysayers of those who threw in the towel too soon.

I also want to say a personal message to Ducksfans in Orange County who is reading this. Do not GIVE UP or succumb to what people say bout this team and you all...Ducks are unique for they are a most successful Non-tradtional hockey market in NHL. No one can take that away from YOU or anyone else....Hockey is and always been a universal sport. Anaheim in my own opinion has and always been a Multi-sport city. Ducks,Angels,Bolts,MMA and Jiu jitsu have thrive in a area that i have come to love and respect be it the people and those who contributed to the Ducks success....From Players and front office to Powerplayers. Will the Ducks will anothe Stanley Cup?....I do beleive they can and THEY WILL!. Till then i want to say Merry Christmas to all of my friends in Orange County and beyond. Hope to see you there and see this team BOUNCE BACK!.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck