The OC Register Blog has coverage with a great look at the CAP issues

Bryzgalov’s salary-cap hit the remainder of the season is $900,000, compared to a $650,000 hit for goalie Jonas Hiller, whom the club recalled from American League affiliate Portland, Maine, to fill Bryzgalov’s spot on the roster. Thus, the cap savings amounts to only $250,000.

Of course, the Ducks would have been paying Hiller either way, because he is on a one-way contract, and now will get out of the actual $1,050,000 remaining on Bryzgalov’s contract, so there is actual financial savings that will help the club stay closer to the desired payroll budget, which is in the $42 million to $44 million range – whether Niedermayer returns or not.

Read the rest here - Link

Anaheim Ducks News Flash - Official Ducks Announcment about Bryz

After a 24-hour period on waivers, former Ducks goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov was claimed by Phoenix on Saturday morning.

"We are very happy for Ilya," said Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke. "He's a great kid who deserves a chance to be a starting NHL goaltender. We thank him for all he has accomplished in a Ducks uniform, and we wish him well with Phoenix."

The Ducks announced that they had placed Bryzgalov on waivers at 9 a.m. Friday morning. He had 24 hours from that point (9 a.m. on Saturday) to clear waivers.

If Bryzgalov had not been claimed by Saturday at 9 a.m., the Ducks would have assigned him to their minor league affiliate in Portland.

Instead, Bryzgalov joins another Pacific Division team in the Coyotes where he will get a chance to play for Coach Wayne Gretzky. Prior to the acquisition of Bryzgalov, the Coyotes were using Alex Auld and Mikael Tellqvist to mind their net.
The 27-year-old Bryzgalov has a 2-3-1 record and a 2.55 goals-against average in nine regular season games this year. He has a career 26-23-7 record with a 2.48 GAA, and a .908 save percentage.

Read the rest here - Link

Bryz a Coyote

According to TSN the Coyotes have picked Bryzgalov off of waivers. Congratulations to Coyotes as I think they made a good choice. Congratulations to Bryz as he should now be a starter. Something he has been waiting a long time for.

The article

The Phoenix Coyotes have claimed goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov off waivers on Saturday and will likely get the start in goal this afternoon when the club visits the LA Kings.

To date, Alex Auld and Mikael Tellqvist have been splitting starts in goal for Phoenix.

The Anaheim Ducks shuffled their backup goaltenders on Friday, making Bryzgalov available to the league.

Read the rest here - Link

Anaheim Ducks News - Bryz Update

Well nothing new has happened as of yet.  The deadline is 9:00 PST tomorrow.  In the mean time here are a few articles and pics....

The Official Ducks Blog let's us know when Bryz was told

Bryzgalov found out about being put on waivers after the game last night, and said goodbye to Ducks teammates in the Staples Center dressing room before they headed out to San Jose.

Read the original article here - Link

The LA Times posted the same stuff you found out earlier

Signaling their inability to make a deal to their liking, the Ducks put Ilya Bryzgalov on waivers this morning to give the goaltender a chance to earn a starting job elsewhere.
General Manager Brian Burke informed Bryzgalov of the club's decision after Thursday night's 6-3 victory over the Kings at Staples Center. Bryzgalov did not accompany the team to San Jose for Saturday's game against the Sharks.
Bryzgalov has been the primary backup to Jean-Sebastien Giguere for the last two-plus seasons. This season, the Russian netminder has gone 2-3-1 with a 2.55 goals-against average in nine games.
The 27-year-old was a likely candidate to be traded after the Ducks signed Giguere to a four-year, $24-million contract extension in June after Giguere's strong playoff performance in their run to their first Stanley Cup title. Giguere also has a full no-trade clause in his contract.

Read the rest here  - Link

MVN has a nice look at today's events and a closer look at Bryz

I have personally watched Bryzgalov’s development from his very first training camp with the Ducks in September 2000, just a few months after he was drafted in the second round, 44th overall. My first impressions were that he was a big goalie, he was an excellent skater, he was very competitive and he was weak on the glove side. Each year at training camp I would see his progress and watch as he developed. His strengths continued to be strong and he improved on his weaknesses overall.

Read the rest here - Link

A few pics of Bryz from mar6mauno's photostream on Flickr - Link

Anaheim Ducks News Alert- Bryz on Waivers

Here is the official Ducks announcement and conference call

The Ducks announced that they have placed goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov on waivers as of 9 a.m. Friday morning. He has 24 hours from that point (9 a.m. on Saturday) to clear waivers.

If during that period he gets claimed by another team, he would be property of that team. If more than one team claims him, he would go to the team with the lowest percentage of possible standings points in the standings as of 9 a.m. this morning.

If Bryzgalov is not claimed by Saturday at 9 a.m., the Ducks will assign him to their minor league affiliate in Portland.

The 27-year-old Bryzgalov has a 2-3-1 record and a 2.55 goals-against average in nine regular season games this year. He has a career 26-23-7 record with a 2.48 GAA, and a .908 save percentage.

Later Friday morning, the Ducks announced that they have recalled goaltender Jonas Hiller from the Portland Pirates, Anaheim’s primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Hiller, 25 (2/12/82), has appeared in two games for Anaheim this season, posting a 1-1-0 record with a 3.03 goals-against average (GAA) and .885 save percentage (SV%). He secured his first NHL win in his NHL debut, stopping 22-of-23 shots in Anaheim’s 4-1 victory over Los Angeles on Sept. 30 in London, England (NHL Premiere). Hiller has also appeared in six contests for Portland, earning a 3-2-1 record with a 2.11 GAA and .929 SV%. The Felben Wellhausen, Switzerland native is currently sixth in the AHL in GAA and tied for sixth in SV%.

Read the rest here - Link

The OC Register Report

The Ducks placed Ilya Bryzgalov on waivers Friday in an attempt to give their No. 2 goaltender an opportunity to earn a starting job with another NHL team and make room for highly regarded Swiss prospect Jonas Hiller, who has been recalled from American League affiliate Portland, Maine.

Bryzgalov, who has served primarily as the backup to Jean-Sebastien Giguere the past two-plus seasons, said his goodbyes to teammates at Staples Center after Thursday night's 6-3 victory over the Kings. Bryzgalov did not travel with the Ducks to San Jose, where Hiller is expected to join the team today and be available for Saturday night's game against the Sharks.

"We're making this move, first and foremost, to give Ilya Bryzgalov a chance to play," Ducks general manager Brian Burke said. "He's a good guy who's played well for us, but we've committed to the other goaltender."

Read the rest here - Link

The Globe and Mail - What destination Bryzgalov?

One more possible destination for Ilya Bryzgalov, the goaltender put on waivers by the Anaheim Ducks this morning: The Pittsburgh Penguins, who've gotten decent work from back-up Dany Sabourin so far this year, plus some up-and-down play from starter Marc-Andre Fleury. The Penguins imagine themselves as a playoff team, with quiet Stanley Cup aspirations. Apart from the lack of scoring after Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin this season, their goaltending has been inconsistent - and it's hard to imagine that Sabourin, after bouncing around the minors and the fringes of the NHL these past few years, is capable of putting in time as a No.1 on a consistent basis.

Read the rest here - Link

I will post full coverage tonight!

Anaheim Ducks News for Thursday

Well it was quite a busy day for the staff of the Ducks.  We have a trade, a recall to cover for when a trade takes place and an injury.

Dux in Tux photos have been posted - Link

Schneider is day to day

Mathieu Schneider is now listed as day-to-day with a sore hip. He did not practice yesterday and will not be in the lineup as the Ducks take on the Kings at the Staples Center tonight.

Read the original post here - Link

Hiller recalled - Bye Bye Bryz?

With all of the action going on Thursday with Aaron Rome and Clay Wilson being dealt to Columbus for Geoff Platt, it was overlooked that Jonas Hiller was recalled to the Anaheim Ducks.

In six games, he was 3-2-1 with a 2.11 GAA and a .929 save percentage.

Read the rest here - Link

AnaheimDucks.info has some thoughts on what may happen to Bryz

Toronto and Tampa Bay have been rumored, but unless they can get rid of one of their own overpriced goaltenders simultaneously, picking up Bryzgalov may not be likely.

Read the rest here - Link

Fox Sports have their thoughts on Bryz

Ilya Bryzgalov, Anaheim Ducks: GM Brian Burke signaled his intent to shop Bryzgalov during the summer but isn't likely to move him until starter Jean-Sebastien Giguere is fully back in game shape following off-season sports hernia surgery.

Like Hossa and Ryder, Bryzgalov will be an unrestricted free agent next summer, but unlike those two he's carrying a very affordable $1.363 million salary for this season, making him very attractive to teams seeking a goaltending upgrade.

Tampa Bay, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh are rumored to be interested in Bryzgalov and barring injury to Giguere he could be on the move in the coming weeks.

Read the article here - Link

MVN has a great look at the Rome and Wilson trade for Platt and St. Jacques

The Anaheim Ducks acquired center Geoff Platt from the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Aaron Rome and left wing Clay Wilson. The Ducks also reacquired the rights to defenseman Bruno St. Jacques in the deal. This seems to be purely a minor league deal.

Platt, 22 (7/10/85), has appeared in 15 contests this season for the Syracuse Crunch, Columbus’ primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL), collecting 4-3=7 points with six penalty minutes (PIM). The Toronto, Ontario native has also appeared in 41 NHL contests with Columbus, earning 4-10=14 points with 26 PIM during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. In three seasons with Syracuse, Platt has amassed 63-58=121 points with 124 PIM in 134 career AHL contests. In 2006-07, he led the club in goals and finished third in points (28-21=49). In addition, Platt appeared in six Calder Cup Playoff contests for Syracuse in 2005-06, earning 3-0=3 points.

Read the rest here - Link

Anaheim Ducks News for Wednesday

Schneider is Back! He will be making his debut this Thursday. In other news Burke is still continuing to shop Bryzgalov and a report from the latest Ducks practice. I also have some other minor news

Schneider is back! Or is that he is here, I mean after only playing one preseason game was he really here?????

Mathieu Schneider will make his long-awaited official debut with the Ducks on Thursday night at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets after six weeks of rehabilitation to repair a broken bone in his left ankle.

Schneider, 38, missed most of training camp and the first 13 games of the regular season after breaking his ankle in a Sept. 15 exhibition game against the Kings -- his first game with Anaheim since signing a two-year, $11.25-million deal.

"I'm chomping at the bit," Schneider said. "I'm sick of riding the [stationary] bike and I'm sick of practicing already. So I'm ready to go."

Read the rest here - Link

Bryzgalov is still being shopped

With just 10 points in 13 games, the title defense of the Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks is off to a sputtering start.

The absence of several key players, though, is partly to blame.

Team captain Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne, last season's scoring leader, remain out of the lineup pondering retirement, and injuries to Ryan Getzlaf, Todd Bertuzzi, Mathieu Schneider and Rob Niedermayer has hurt Anaheim's offensive production.

General manager Brian Burke recently admitted shopping around in hopes of bolstering his forward lines. He is believed to be dangling goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov as trade bait, but thus far he's had no luck finding a trade partner.

Burke recently told the Los Angeles Times that other clubs aren't willing to deal this early in the season, citing the salary cap as the main stumbling block.

Bryzagalov likely will be dealt before midseason, perhaps no later than the Christmas trade freeze in late December, when teams seeking a goaltender will be more willing to absorb his $1.363 million contract.

Read the original article here - Link

MVN has a report from today's practice

The Ducks were given Monday and Tuesday off from practice, but were back on the ice Wednesday morning. Both Ryan Getzlaf and Rob Niedermayer were practicing with their regular linemates. They will be evaluated further after tomorrow’s skate and a game time decision will be made. However, they should be ready to go. Defenseman Mathieu Schneider was also on the ice practicing full out with the team. Todd Bertuzzi (concussion) still has not been cleared to work out.

The Ducks went through an off ice workout, then went on the ice for a 50 minute practice that included plenty of drills. Once again the lines are switched up, but with all the players going in and out of the line up it is understandable. Andy McDonald has been reunited with Chris Kunitz and Todd Marchant has joined them on the top line. Marchant, who recently shaved his head for Halloween (last year Dr. Evil, this year Mr. Clean), seems to be a good speedy match for that line. Ryan Getzlaf was back with Corey Perry and coach Randy Carlyle was trying out Travis Moen on that line. Carlyle stated that they needed to “explore all the options available to us.” However, that combination is not etched in stone. Instead of Moen on the checking line, Drew Miller continues with Sami Pahlsson and Rob Niedermayer. Miller filled in on that line while Niedermayer missed three games with a sore groin. Miller fits well on that line, but Carlyle does not believe it is fair to put that kind of pressure on a young player with the expectations that are on that checking line. As a result, Miller and Moen might switch lines. The fourth line was made up of Brad May, George Parros and Mark Mowers.

Read the rest here - Link

Vote in the FSN name the rivalry - Link

Marchant shaves his head and other Ducks notes

Last year Marchant shaved his head bald to go as Dr. Evil.

Halloween traditionally evokes images of pumpkins, ghosts and goblins. For the Ducks, it means a second straight year of Todd Marchant going bald.

After shaving his head to don a Dr. Evil costume at last year’s team Halloween party, Marchant once again took a razor to his scalp, this time to be Mr. Clean at this year’s team gathering held Monday in Newport Beach.

“I enjoy it,” Marchant said after Wednesday’s practice. “I look forward to dressing up. You try to make a statement I guess.”

The 14-year veteran center feels the fun of Halloween came at a good time for the Ducks, winless in their past four games.

“It lightens things up around the dressing room and hopefully we can turn this around,” Marchant said.

Among the other Ducks attended the dress-up soiree, rookie Drew Miller went as a wizard, a costume that sounded fairly intricate.

“I had the mask, the whole robe, the hat and the big cane,” Miller said.

As the Halloween fun is put to rest Thursday, the Ducks will look to scare Columbus off Honda Center’s ice for their first win since Oct. 17. They will likely have the help of previously injured players Ryan Getzlaf and Rob Niedermayer, and possibly Mathieu Schneider. Each took part in Wednesday’s 50-minute practice.

Read the rest here - Link

Saturday Evening News

It was a beautiful day in southern California, so I did what all good Californians do and went to the beach. Well it was fortuitous as when I went to Fashion Island for some post beach shopping I ran into Ilya Bryzgalov and his family. I did not bother him for an autograph or anything. It was just fun seeing him in normal life enjoying the day with his wife and kids. One note, he was not wearing that infamous shirt he had on when he had his day with the cup. Combine that with the Ducks winning tonight and you have got a perfect day for an Anaheim Duck fan.

So here are some links to coverage of tonights victory over the Kings. One unfortunate injury was a mild ankle sprain to Mathieu Schneider. Other than that it was a fun game to listen to.

Here is my picture of the game, courtesy of Getty


The official Ducks recap

FINAL		1	2	3	T
	Ducks	1	1	1	3
	Kings	1	1	0	2

Score Sheet | Stats

Game Photos

By Adam Brady
AnaheimDucks.com

The Ducks got the opening goal from Drew Miller just 1:10 into the first.

LOS ANGELES – The Ducks avenged their preseason-opening loss by edging the Kings 3-2 Saturday night at Staples Center. Ryan Getzlaf scored a power play goal with 5:32 left in the third period to give Anaheim a 3-2 lead that held up until the final horn.

With the Ducks on the power play after a Kevin Westgarth hooking minor, Getzlaf fired a wrist shot from the left circle that blazed past Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier for the game-winner.

Unlike in the preseason opener Thursday night, the Ducks got on the board first in a much-improved first period. Just 1:10 after the opening faceoff, Anaheim’s Drew Miller tried a wraparound the was thwarted by goalie Jason LaBarbera, but Miller put the rebound past him.

Exactly 13 minutes later, Michael Cammalleri got one back on the power play, with Todd Bertuzzi in the box for tripping. Cammalleri’s shot from the low corner deflected off Ducks starter Jonas Hiller and Cammalleri followed it up while falling to the ice.

Read the rest here - Link

MVN has their take on the game

The Ducks continued their busy week with a short road trip to the Staples Center for round 2 with the Kings. The pre-season action gave a foretaste of the upcoming season opening games between these two teams in London on September 29 and 30. As with all games between these two rivals, things get a little chippy and it was another hard fought game.

Round two between these teams saw 11 veterans in the line-up for the Ducks vs. 8 veterans on Thursday. Ducks players seeing action in both games were Maxim Kondratiev, Chris Pronger, Brandon Segal, Jason King and Ryan Carter. Rob Blake was the only Kings player on the ice for both games. This was the first look at new Ducks acquisitions, Todd Bertuzzi and Mathieu Schneider. Bertuzzi played on a line with Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. Bertuzzi is a likely candidate to replace Dustin Penner on that line. Schneider only played half the game after leaving early in the second period with a mild ankle sprain.

The first period had Jonas Hiller in goal for the Ducks and Jason LaBarbera in goal for the Kings. Drew Miller got the Ducks on the board early at 1:10. After a third power play attempt, the Kings finally were able to tie things up on a goal by Mike Camalleri.

Read the rest here - Link

The Canadian press has the AP Coverage

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ryan Getzlaf scored the go-ahead goal on a screened 25-foot wrist shot with 5:32 left in the third period and the Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 Saturday night in an exhibition game.

Skating on their archrival's rink for the first time since winning the Cup - in front of a mostly hostile crowd of 11,107 - the Ducks also got goals from Andrew Miller and Jason King. Getzlaf's goal came against Jonathan Bernier, who relieved Jason LaBarbera midway through the game.

Michael Cammalleri and Tom Preissing scored for the Kings, who beat the Ducks 5-4 Thursday night in the NHL's pre-season opener. Los Angeles had a winning pre-season record in each of the previous 17 years, but finished the regular season with a losing record in nine of those seasons and also missed the playoffs nine times during that stretch.

This was the only game on Saturday's schedule, as was the case on Thursday night when the Kings beat the Ducks 5-4 at Anaheim. Nine other teams begin their exhibition season on Sunday, including Phoenix with a road game against the Ducks.

The game marked the Ducks debut of defenceman Matthieu Schneider and right wing Todd Bertuzzi, both of whom joined the team as free agents. Schneider, who spent almost three full seasons with Los Angeles, became the 19th player to play for both Southern California teams. The Ducks are his seventh NHL club.

Read the rest here - Link

Late Night Ducks News

Well here is more Ducks news and video for you hungry Ducks fans.

An article on Bryz from the OC Register

ANAHEIM -- In addition to securing Jean-Sebastien Giguere's services through the 2010-11 NHL season, the four-year, $24 million contract the Ducks gave their Stanley Cup-winning goaltender in June seemingly punched Ilya Bryzgalov's ticket out of town.

Given the huge financial commitment to Giguere, the Ducks weren't keen on paying another goalie $1.3625 million, Bryzgalov's salary this season, and the earlier signing of highly regarded Swiss import Jonas Hiller certainly provided for a viable and less costly option.

And yet, there was Bryzgalov, starting in net Thursday night when the Ducks opened their seven-game exhibition campaign with a 5-4 loss to the Kings at Honda Center. Bryzgalov stopped 14 of 18 shots while playing the first period and a half.

With the trade market for goalies dry, at least for now, and Giguere recovering from Aug. 6 sports-hernia surgery that could impact his ability to be ready for the Sept. 29 regular-season opener against the Kings in London, Bryzgalov could once again wind up being a key man.

"Who knows what can happen?" Bryzgalov asked. "I have to be ready to play for the Ducks right now."

Bryzgalov has been there before, carrying the ball when injuries sapped Giguere in the 2006 playoffs and again in the final three regular-season games and at the outset of last season's playoffs while Giguere dealt with a medical condition involving his newborn son.

Still, even Ducks general manager Brian Burke expected Bryzgalov to request, if not demand, a trade after the club re-signed Giguere. It never happened.

Read the rest here - Link

Here is more information on the charity work that the Ducks are doing with the Project Playhouse charity.

Every child dreams of what it would be like to be just like their favorite athlete. Experience their name being chanted by a sold out crowd of fans, score the game-winning goal and experience the thrill of victory. This season, one child will have this opportunity as the Anaheim Ducks have partnered with Windstar Communities to build the Ducks Power Playhouse as part of Project Playhouse, a the unique fundraising event that benefits HomeAid Orange County, a nonprofit organization that builds and renovates shelters for the transitionally homeless in the community.

The Ducks Power Playhouse is currently on display at Fashion Island in Newport Beach and will be available for purchase at the Project Playhouse Auction Party, which will be held October 13^th with all proceeds raised benefiting HomeAid Orange County. Also, Project Playhouse will be holding Ducks Day at Fashion Island on September 22^nd which will feature special appearances by the Ducks Street Team and Wild Wing.

Read the rest here - Link

Tuesday News - Niedermeyer & Selanne Retirement Update

Well it was a news filled day.  I've got a small update from a reliable source on the retirement watch. I have a Bryzgalov video, Andy and Corey's day with the cup has been posted at the Stanley Cup Journal.  The Wild Wingers Kids Club renewals have gone out, and more!

Niedermeyer and Selanne Retirement Watch Update. 

Niedermayer, Selanne status known next week

Ducks General Manager Brian Burke said he will ask the players for a decision, probably this weekend.

By DAN WOOD

The Orange County Register

The Ducks expect to know by early next week whether to expect team captain Scott Niedermayer and fellow superstar Teemu Selanne on the ice when training camp begins Sept. 10.

It doesn’t look promising in either case.

"Obviously, at some point I have to ask Scotty if he plans to come to camp or not," General Manager Brian Burke said Tuesday. "I have to ask them both that. I probably will pretty quickly, probably by this weekend.

"My guess would be that they’re probably not. If that were their intent, I think I would have heard by now."

Read the rest here - Link

The Stanley Cup Journal has been updated with Andy and Corey's days with cup.

Andy

After returning from Russia, the Stanley Cup was the guest of honour of All-Star sniper Andy McDonald on Saturday, August 11. It was an early birthday gift for the high-scoring McDonald, who celebrates his 30th birthday on August 25.

Andy met the Cup in London, Ontario, just outside his hometown of Strathroy. He and his guests climbed into a private plane and flew to Hamilton, New York, the home of Andy's alma mater, Colgate University.

It was on this campus that McDonald earned his introduction to the NHL. Deemed "too small" to play pro, he spent four seasons starring with Colgate, progressing further each year: 19 points in 1996-97; 32 in 1997-98; 46 in 1998-99 and 58 in 1999-2000. That spring, Andy McDonald was signed as a free agent by Anaheim.

Corey

For a young man just turned 20, Corey Perry has already seen the halcyon highs of hockey. In 2004-05, Perry led the Ontario Hockey League in scoring as his London Knights steamrolled over the competition on their way to the Memorial Cup. In addition to winning junior hockey's top prize that year, Corey also was part of Team Canada's gold medal win at the World Junior championship. Drafted by Anaheim in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, he made his professional debut with the Ducks in 2005-06. Then, of course, in his sophomore season, Corey Perry is part of Stanley Cup history.

Sunday, August 12 saw Perry meet the Stanley Cup at the Peterborough Memorial Arena in his Ontario hometown. Joined by his brother and parents, Corey spent two hours signing autographs and posing for photos.

Al Coates

Before jetting off to Europe, Al Coates, the Senior Advisor to GM Brian Burke, took hockey's legendary trophy home to Listowel, Ontario.

It was a day of celebration with a tinge of melancholy for the community. There, in front of the library, is a monument that pays tribute to a horrific accident that befell the community at 9:30 on the morning of February 28, 1959. An accumulation of snow weighed down the roof of the local arena. Crackling timbers gave the peewee game in progress no warning, and the roof collapsed, killing eight and injuring 29. Seven of the dead were young hockey players.

 Read the rest here - Link

The Keeper of the Cup photo blog has been updated.  Here are a few samples

 

See the rest here - Link

Ilya Bryzgalov video, courtesy of No Pun Intended.  The video is in Russian, but is interesting - Link Visit No Pun Intended here - Link

A nice review of the happenings this month by MVN

Even though the Ducks extended their hockey season into June and the players are still taking turns with the Stanley Cup, it is inevitable by this time in August that we all find ourselves yearning for the season to start. Enough with the 90 degree weather - where is that refreshingly cool ice rink? The free season feeding frenzy has slowed to a virtual standstill. There aren’t even interesting arbitration hearings set (anyone else wish they had been a fly on the wall at Sean Avery’s?)

Read the rest here - Link

Rick Paterson had his day with the cup Monday

The Stanley Cup made its return to Tampa Bay on Monday - even if only for a day.

Treasure Island resident Rick Paterson, scouting director for the Anaheim Ducks, used his turn with hockey's Holy Grail to court it around several spots in St. Petersburg.

Paterson, 49, a former Lightning assistant and scout, hosted the Cup for the fourth time (he won two as a Penguins assistant in 1991-92). But this time has been more special: his wife, Kathy, gave birth to twins less than two days after the Ducks won the Stanley Cup in June.

"It was a pretty darn good 48 hours," Paterson said. "Won a Stanley Cup and had two healthy babies in 48 hours. That's tough to beat."

Read the rest - Link

The Wild Wingers Kids Club memberships are available for renewal.  You should be getting a letter in the next few days.  Here is what your little duckling gets this year.  The captain this year is Chris Kunitz and the cost is $20.  They sold out last year so renew as soon as you can and for those of you may be new fans, please keep an eye out for when they make it open to everybody.

One Ticket voucher to a select home game

Kids Club Hat

Kids Club T Shirts (youth large and adult medium)

Ducks Jersey Backpack

Duck Call

Calendar

Duck Tag - Glow in the dark

Discounts to various places (Ducks Team Store, Discovery Science Center, etc.)

Three in season parties

End of Year party

Weekly drawings to win Zamboni Rides and other cool stuff.

Wednesday Evening Duck News

There was a lot of news today.  Some of it bad (Selanne) and some of it was good.  So on with the show!

Selanne News from the official Anaheim Ducks Blog

We have a follow-up on that Teemu Selanne story in the Finnish newspaper. A fan named Jan-Erik was kind enough to provide me with a much better translation than the one I found from the online translator. Here it is:

Motivation completely lost

Teemu Selanne's return highly unlikely.

Family means more to Teemu Selanne than continuing his career.

It is starting to look quite sure that Teemu Selanne won't be taking part to Anaheim Ducks' training camp that starts in a month's time.

"Hockey has been my life's work, but there is a lot more to life than that. The thing I fear the most is that I would base my decision (about my career) on something else than motivation and hockey". Selanne told on YLE interview.

See the rest here - Link

From the same link it tells you how to order the commemorative book that I mentioned earlier here are the details

I've gotten a couple of emails from out-of-town Ducks fans asking how they can purchase the Commemorative Tribute if they can't get to the Team Store. Give the Team Store a call at (888) 438-2505 and they can arrange having one or more shipped to you. So, please do that if you can't get to the Team Store. It really is a nice publication. 

Also according to the blog training camp starts September 11 at Anaheim Ice and is open to the public. 

Earl at BOC gives Teemu a reason to stay

Not to steal any thunder from Rudy's hilarious post below, but today the Hockey News decided to break out their Finnish translators to report that indications are that Teemu Selanne is likely going to retire.

Just because the Hockey News is run by dunces doesn't mean that their translation is wrong--I've seen enough message board affirmation to think this is the way Teemu is leaning. All I can offer is one last reason for Selanne to consider coming back.

Read the rest here  - Link

NHL releases their television schedule.  This is not the whole Ducks schedule, just what is being broadcast nationally.

NEW YORK – The National Hockey League (NHL) today announced the television schedules of NBC, VERSUS, CBC, TSN, RDS, HDNet and NHL Network for the 2007-08 season.

In the U.S., VERSUS and NBC return for a third year as the NHL’s national television partners.  In Canada, CBC begins its 55th consecutive year of NHL broadcast coverage while TSN – which began covering the NHL in 1985 – is once again the national cable partner.  RDS, the French-language telecast partner of the NHL, enters its fifth year televising regular-season Montreal Canadiens and other select games.  HDNet, a national High Definition telecast partner of the NHL, begins its sixth year of NHL coverage, while NHL Network heads into its fourth year of televising live NHL regular season games.

The NHL’s 90th anniversary season begins 45 days from today when the Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings open the 2007-08 regular season with the two-game NHL Premiere series at London's O2 Arena on Saturday, Sept. 29 and Sunday, Sept. 30 (both starts noon ET).  The season-opening game Saturday will be covered live by HDNet in the U.S. and by CBC’s “Hockey Night In Canada.”  VERSUS begins its season with the live telecast of Sunday’s game.  The remainder of the regular season begins Wednesday, Oct. 3 and the 56th NHL All-Star Game will be played Jan. 27 at Philips Arena in Atlanta.

Read the rest here - Link

See the Ducks Schedule here - Link

Some more on the NHL Schedule

After finding success last season with flexible schedules of its “Sunday Night Football” games, NBC is set to copy that formula for its hockey telecasts.

The NBC NHL “Game of the Week” is set to drop the puck on Sunday, Jan. 20, with either the Boston Bruins at the New York Rangers or the Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks at the Dallas Stars as the network readies for its third season.

NBC will be able to pick from up to four games for each Sunday’s telecast, selecting one of those options to be the “Game of the Week.”

Much like the flex-scheduling of its NFL games, the decision was made with an eye to ensure maximum relevancy for each telecast.

NBC will give 13 days’ notice of which game it chooses to air.

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Bryzgolav has his day with the Stanley Cup. The link is all in Russian and has multiple articles and lots of photos.  This link is courtesy of Scotttishockeygod on the Anaheim Ducks message board (forum.anaheimducks.com)

The Russian Translation

The unique event will take place in Togliatti soon. The Stanley Cup, the championship trophy of the National Hockey League, appeared to be in our town on the 6th of August. Informational server TLTnews.ru is to monitor its way on the territory of Samara region.

Its correspondent meets “Lord Stanley’s Mug”, as it is known abroad, in “Kurumoch” international airport. The visitors of the server would be the 1st to get news about the Stanley Cup at every moment of its stay in the area. In order to know everything it’s enough to go to www.tltnews.ru/stanley_cup.php.

By now it contains a lot of information about “Lord Stanley’s Mug” – its history, the Russians’ names, who won the trophy in different years, the program of its stay in Togliatti. It’s also possible to get acquainted with Ilya Bryzgalov, the pupil of AVTOVAZ hockey school, due to whom people of Togliatti have opportunity to look at the Stanley Cup. Besides this, on the page one finds the hockey-player’s interview, where Ilya tells us about himself and his impressions of the victory in NHL.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See the rest here - Link

By the way Bryzgalov is a very funny and strange guy.  He is one of my favorite Ducks.  Here is one of the reasons why:

 

 

The Anaheim Ducks are participating in Project Playhouse.  This charity is to raise funds for HomeAid Orange County.

Project Playhouse is the unique fundraising event that benefits HomeAid Orange County, a non-profit organization that builds and renovates shelters for the transitionally homeless in the community. With immense imagination and craftsmanship, Southern California's premier homebuilders have designed, constructed, and decorated whimsical cottages that look like they have popped from the pages of a fairytale went to modern creations brimming with technology.

The Auction has been extremely beneficial to HomeAid Orange County’s Shelter Development Program. HomeAid was founded by the leadership of the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California in June, 1989 to help alleviate the homeless problem in Orange County. HomeAid is successfully mobilizing and utilizing the skills, talents and financial resources of BIA-member companies and the community to construct and renovate homeless shelters throughout Orange County.

Visit their website here - Link

Monday Morning News

Well a few interesting items for you today. I have the Stanley Cup Schedule for this week courtesy of the OCRegister. Kent Huskins has his day with the cup, some more pictures from Andy's day with the cup, and a look at the cover of the 6 disc CD cover. I also found what looks to be Duck's staff having some fun with the cup and a look at the Bryzagalov situation by Varius of AnaheimDucks.info.

Stanley Cup Schedule for this week

1. Kent Huskins, Sunday

2. Shawn Thornton, Monday

3. Ric Jackman, Tuesday

4. Brad May, Wed.-Thu.

5. Coach Randy Carlyle, Fri.-Sat.

Kent Huskins has had his day with the cup:

It was quite easy to pick Kent Huskins out of the crowd yesterday.

He was the guy with the perennial grin and the shapely little date.

A defenceman with the NHL champion Anaheim Ducks, Huskins had possession of the three-foot, 35-lb. Stanley Cup from 10:30 a.m. until the wee hours of this morning.

Read the rest here - Link

More Andy McDonald Pictures - Link

MisterEng posts some pictures of the Ducks entertainment crew with the cup.

See all 39 photos in his set here - Link

Here is a look at the Stanley Cup 6 disc collection

Finally some Ilya Bryzgalov analysis from Varius

While there have been other hot Ducks’ topics taking precedence this summer (such as the Penner offer sheet and the potential retirement of both Selanne and Niedermayer), the Ducks have another key issue to resolve sooner rather than later.

Ducks’ GM Brian Burke has publicly stated that he feels backup goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov deserves a chance at starting. However with the new four-year deal given to Ducks’ goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere earlier this summer, it will not be as a Duck. Burke also called Ilya very classy and a “stand up guy” about the entire situation. He said he is trying to find the right offer for Bryzgalov to accommodate his wishes.

The trouble is, there aren’t very many teams seeking to acquire a potential starter right now. So the question is, what does Burke do? He signed Swedish goaltender Jonas Hiller (who is unproven at the NHL level) to a rather expensive, bonus-laden contract.

Read the rest here - Link

Monday Evening News

Hell All,

Well today was a lot more interesting than the weekend. We have a surgery, fund raising, guest appearances and more. So here is the latest in Anaheim Ducks News

Giguere undergoes successful sports hernia surgery

CBC Sports - Link
OC Register - Link

Giguere plus info on Bryz, Niedermeyer, Selanne and his off season by Burke - Link

Fundraiser with Anaheim Ducks Todd Marchant and Teemu Selanne and former Anaheim Ducks Noah Clarke, Craig Johnson and Sean Pronger. The event is on August 24 and 25. - Link

Three more Teemu photos - Link, Link, Link

Geztlaf interview on the 2 Man Advantage, you will want to fast forward to about the 4:40 mark.

Stanley Cup is getting its passport ready!

Hello All,

Just a heads up on where the Stanley Cup is going to be. The first three dates are courtesy of the print edition of the OC Register:

August 1-2 - Samuel Pahlson, Sweden
August 3-5 - Teemu Selanne, Finland
August 6 - Ilya Bryzgalov, Russia
August 22 - Tim Clark, Finger Lakes - Link

July 4th News

Happy Fourth of July to all of my American readers. To everybody else, well.... have a nice day at work.

Here are today's links:

Ducks continue to shop Bryzgalov via TFP - Link

Schneider want Niedermayer back too via the LA Times - Link