Anaheim Ducks News for Wednesday

Well I've got another Teemu Selanne retirement update and a few other news items featuring Chris Pronger, Jonas Hiller and more!

Teemu Selanne Retirement Update and a little on Drew Miller

Teemu Selanne doesn't have a decision yet, but at least he has a timetable.

"I'll take this week, and next week and we'll see how it goes," Selanne said after a 90-minute workout Tuesday morning at Anaheim Ice.

It's the most specific time frame Selanne has offered for a decision on ending his unofficial retirement. The Ducks' all-time leading scorer began a skating program earlier this month and said he would have a decision sometime in January. The team has not pressed him to make a decision.

Read the rest here - Link

Varius has some reasons for Teemu to play

It can be said that Teemu Selanne, also known to many fans as “The Finnish Flash”, was on his way downhill after landing with the San Jose Sharks and then Colorado Avalanche. He failed to win a Cup in Denver with best-buddy Paul Kariya. He seemed to be done for. However, Ducks’GM Brian Burke decided to take a chance on him. Selanne did have knee surgery and a lot of time to rest during the lockout. Selanne also had some of his best years in Anaheim, so Burke took a gamble that paid off greatly. For just 1 million, he bought himself a 40-goal scorer as Teemu found himself a new man.

Read the rest here - Link

Pronger is going to savor the all-stars

”As a defenseman, you really just have to enjoy yourself at the All-Star Game since it’s obviously a show for the offensive stars in the League,’’ Pronger told NHL.com. “The games played over the past few seasons have been pretty high-scoring affairs and we defensemen get hit in waves. I still feel there comes a point in the game when the competitive juices start to flow for us (defensemen), and we begin to play at a higher level. You certainly want to put on a good show, but at the same time you don’t want to get hurt.’’

Read the rest here- Link

A nice profile/interview of Hiller

"For people who aren't close to the team," he says, "they probably think I sit on the bench all the time and do nothing."

Hiller is the Ducks' backup goalie, No. 2 at a position that accommodates only one. His team played 60 minutes Tuesday against Dallas and Hiller, predictably, played none of them.

He did skate in warmups, faced some shots from his teammates and even extensively stretched his groin muscles.

Then he retreated to the locker room, put on a baseball cap and later assumed his usual spot, near a collection of water bottles and the wooden bin that holds the rest of the Ducks' sticks.

Read the rest here - Link

Ducks vs. Predators Preview

The Anaheim Ducks have been a much improved team with Scott Niedermayer in their lineup. Most of that success, however, has come at home.

The surging Ducks play 12 of their next 13 games on the road, a difficult stretch that begins Thursday night against the Nashville Predators.

A career high-tying three points from Niedermayer and another strong performance by goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere helped the Ducks (25-17-6) to their fourth straight win, 4-2 over visiting Dallas on Tuesday.

Read the rest here - Link

MVN Update on a lot of things

The Ducks headed out of town this morning with a four game winning streak, second place in the Pacific Division (one point behind San Jose) and fourth place in the Western Conference.  The Ducks have put together two previous four game winning streaks this season - November 9 - 17 and December 18 - 27.

The Ducks will try to put together their first five game winning streak in Nashville on Thursday.  They also visit Minnesota on Friday and Dallas on Sunday before heading home.

Read the rest here - Link

Casino Night is coming.....

“Casino Night is always such a fun and fantastic event with a great new theme every year,” said Ducks owner, Susan Samueli.  “What remains constant, however, is our commitment to raising funds for Orangewood Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit that positively impacts the lives of foster youth in Orange County.  We are proud to partner with Orangewood and support this important cause.”

Partygoers will have the chance to place bids on a variety of silent auction items and enter in opportunity drawings throughout the evening.  Silent auction and opportunity drawing items include tropical/mountain vacations, Ducks tickets and autographed merchandise and jewelry.  Admission to the Cotton Club VIP Lounge was $500 each and general admission tickets were $100 each.  For more information, please visit http://casinonight.p11.com/.

Read the rest here - Link

Scottie for the Hart Trophy?

There's not supposed to be any room for part-timers, at least not when it comes to considering candidates for major individual trophies.

Good thing, too, 'cause if they were awarding the Hart Trophy for league MVP honors solely on the basis of impact, without consideration to the number of games individuals have played, it would be a runaway race between two contestants.

Read the rest here - Link

Anaheim Ducks News for Tuesday

Hello all, one more player to add to the IR list.  Rob Niedermayer is out with a leg issue. Other than that, it was a slow news day.

Here is a pick of Sammy and Giggy with the cup - See the original here - Link

Picks from the State of the Team - Link

Ducks Injury update via MVN

The Ducks held a light optional practice yesterday and this morning they were back to the usual pre-game routine. Missing from action was George Parros, who was put on the IR yesterday after news that he would be out longer than a week with a bruised knee. Rob Niedermayer was also missing due to a leg injury suffered “either last game or in the practice before,” per coach Randy Carlyle.

Read the rest here - Link

Another update on injuries

The Ducks will be without two-thirds of their vaunted checking line Tuesday night against the Dallas Stars at Honda Center, with right wing Rob Niedermayer joining center Samuel Pahlsson on the sidelines.

Niedermayer suffered a groin injury early in Sunday’s 4-3, overtime victory over the visiting San Jose Sharks, and though he made it through the game, the results weren’t good when Niedermayer tried to skate Tuesday morning.

Read the rest here - Link

The Kits for Kids drive update

The Ducks announced today the overwhelming success of the second annual Kits for Kids Donation Drive. Ducks fans and supporters donated over 1,600 Wild Wingers Kids Club kits to patients at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) during the holiday season.  A majority of the kits were personally delivered by the entire Ducks roster during the team’s holiday visit to CHOC on Dec. 20, 2007.

“We’re so pleased with the response from the community to our donation drive,” said Ducks Director of Fan Development Matt Savant.  “Seeing the faces of CHOC patients light up when they received their kits was priceless and we hope to build on this success for next year’s drive.”

Read the rest here - Link

A profile on Beauchemin

It isn't often that Francois Beauchemin has scored a game-winning goal in overtime.
In fact, the Ducks' third-year defenseman couldn't recall Monday if he had scored an overtime goal in junior hockey or the minor leagues.
"That's not something you really think about," said Beauchemin, a day after his second goal of the season beat San Jose, 4-3. "But I'm glad that it happened."

Read the rest here - Link

Anaheim Ducks News for Thursday

I've got more news on the Hnidy trade and some other cool news.  The Ducks played OK last night, but still need some work.  We shall see how the new guy helps get us where we need to be.

Want to raise money for Ducks Care and get a game used stick?  Here is where to bid on  Rob Niedermayer's stick, Chris Kunitz's stick or Chris Pronger's stick - Link

The January desktop has been posted - Link

The LA Times takes a look at the Hnidy trde and Pahlsson

"It's not healthy for anybody to have eight defensemen," Ducks assistant general manager Bob Murray said. "We had the opportunity to get a guy who has at times in his career scored some goals in bunches.
"It's better for Shane. The first thing he said to me was, 'I didn't play well here. I let you guys down early on here.' "

Read the rest here - Link

BOC has a look at the Hnidy trade

The thing about Hnidymayer is that he's fairly frustrating to watch on defense; one second you think that he's in good position to defend a play, the next second he's got his arm wrapped around some forward begging the referees for a holding call.
Still, there's a lesson to be learned about Hnidy: he's not going to be a good top-four option on defense, but he can be a capable bottom-pairing guy. In Hnidy's first seventeen games for Anaheim (played largely without Mathieu Schneider or of course Scott Niedermayer), Shane played some 214 minutes of even-strength hockey, on the ice for 2 goals-for, 9 goals-against. Additionally, he played some 28 minutes shorthanded, on the ice for 3 goals-against there. Basically, he was a bleeder.

Read the rest here - Link

Bochenski arrives in Anaheim, Miller sent to Portland

The arrival of newly acquired right wing Brandon Bochenski signaled the departure of Drew Miller.

Miller was assigned to AHL-affiliate Portland after the Ducks traded for Boston’s Bochenski on Wednesday.

Coach Randy Carlyle said it was unfortunate because Miller had been playing his best hockey recently, but he was a victim of a numbers game.

Miller had only two goals and three assists and averaged 11:17 of ice tie in 25 games but showed promise. He briefly filled in for Samuel Pahlsson on the team’s checking line.

Read the rest here - Link

MVN has a look at Miller, Pahlsson and Bochenski

Change is inevitable and the Ducks continue to have plenty of it. Drew Miller was sent to Portland this morning. Miller had been a healthy scratch of late and the numbers just went against him. Coach Randy Carlyle said “It’s unfair to Drew. He was playing his best hockey before we took him out of the line up, but numbers dictated that and we made those decisions. For Drew, desperation has to be there day in, day out. That’s part of the learning process. We think this is the best scenario.” Ryan Carter, Miller’s Portland and Anaheim teammate, commented, “Drew’s a good friend of mine. It’s a numbers game. It’s unfortunate, but he’s a good player. He’ll be back.”

Read the rest here - Link

The OC Register has a look at Bochenski

The Ducks have led the NHL in goals against average with 1.60 per game since the return of defenseman Scott Niedermayer on Dec.16. The flip side is they have scored more than two goals only twice in that span.

Their foundation is stellar defense in front of goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere, and one-goal games like Wednesday's 2-1 victory against Columbus are likely to be common. Any additional offense will go a long way, and Brandon Bochenski could help.

Read the rest here - Link

Bochenski Coverage via AnaheimDucks.com

“I’m excited to be here,” Bochenski said. “Initially it’s sad because you’re leaving friends and family. The more I thought about it, it’s a good opportunity. I think it’s going to give me a chance to play the way that I play and bring to the table what I’m good at.”
In both college (154 points in 120 games at North Dakota) and in the American Hockey League (183 points in 145 AHL contests), Bochenski has shown a potent knack for scoring. But in three seasons of NHL play with three different teams (Ottawa, Chicago and Boston), Bochenski has not had the same sustained success (47 points in 101 NHL games), although the 25-year-old has shown flashes of his scoring touch (22 points in 31 games with the Bruins last season).

Read the rest here - Link

A look at Ryan Carter

With Samuel Pahlsson continuing to nurse an injured abdomen, minutes have been available at the center position on the checking line between Rob Niedermayer and Travis Moen. After Todd Marchant spent the majority of time in the position during the team’s recent road trip through Western Canada, Carter got his chance on the line last night in the Ducks’ return to Honda Center. The rookie flourished, earning the third star of the game with stellar defensive play in a career-high 13:17 of time on the ice in the Ducks’ 2-1 victory over Columbus.
“With injury comes opportunity for other players. Especially as a young player, you need to take advantage of your opportunity,” Carter said on Thursday. “My ice time more than doubled last night (from 6:23 at Vancouver on Dec. 30). I think I needed to prove something to myself, the coaching staff and management. Hopefully, I did that.”

Read the rest here - Link

Anaheim Ducks News For Friday

Vote for the Ducks win as the biggest story in 2007 at the OC Register - Link

The Ducks share stories of Christmas Past and Present

Brian Sutherby
I usually like the Griswolds in “Christmas Vacation.” That’s probably one that I make sure I watch every year. It’s a pretty funny movie. Another one that I’ve started watching is “Elf” with Will Ferrell. That’s also a pretty good one.
George Parros
I think “A Christmas Story” is pretty classic. I just grew up with it. It’s always fun to watch little Ralphie.

Travis Moen
I remember as a kid getting a GT racer that was pretty exciting. I always like clothes and those have been some good gifts over the years, but the GT racer sticks out in my mind as a little kid getting that and going out on the snow hill.
George Parros
I got Greyskull Castle one year for He-Man and I was pretty pumped about that back in the day.

Read the rest here - Link

O'Donnell is happy that he did not get traded

"But it is still kind of stressful at the time. . . . It was the first time I was in that type of situation. I mean you hear rumors all the time and you hear your name in rumors all the time, but they are usually speculation.
"This was different. They had to do something to clear space. You look around the room and you just weren't sure who it was going to be."

Read the rest here - Link

Bobby Ryan gets profiled

The first pick that year was Sidney Crosby, and it’s unfair to compare the two. Crosby was a once-in-a-generation prospect; Ryan, Brian Burke’s first pick as Ducks GM, was a project, and Burke knew it.

But Burke deemed Ryan the best player available, and he fit Burke’s power-forward profile at 6-foot-2, 218 pounds.

While Crosby became the NHL’s brightest star, Ryan spent the past two seasons working on his game and his body.

Read the rest here - Link

Four reasons for the trade by TSN

There are fairly obvious reasons why the St. Louis Blues traded Doug Weight to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Andy McDonald.

McDonald is six years younger than Weight, he's got more offensive upside (even though McDonald is way off his usual pace this season) and is under contract for another season after this one while Weight is an unrestricted free agent who wasn't likely to be re-signed

Read the rest here - Link

Evidently the Ducks are not special enough

The Ducks are hoping Scott Niedermayer will be the boost they need to win another Stanley Cup.

The Anaheim Ducks are hoping that the return of All-Star defenseman Scott Niedermayer is the catalyst to another Stanley Cup run. But before they worry about who they’ll be playing in April, the Ducks have some serious problems -- mostly on special teams -- that need fixing now.
A year ago, the Ducks entered the weekend before Christmas with a lordly 27-4-1-5 record; their 60 points were 10 more than Eastern Conference-leading Buffalo. Anaheim’s 134 goals were the most in the NHL (only Buffalo was within 15), and its 87 goals against (including the five shootout goals) was seventh. Most notably, the Ducks were plus-22 on special teams, having scored 44 power-play goals, allowed just 25 and scored three shorthanded goals while allowing none.

Read the rest here - Link

More on how cool Drew Miller is

Drew Miller is a rookie for the Ducks, even though he has his name on the Stanley Cup. He debuted with the Ducks during the playoffs last spring, playing three games with the team. He got his first NHL goal and point on October 17 against Nashville. He has been scoring points off the ice as well, just by being himself.

Haili Todrick loves her teddy bears, Hannah Montana and hockey. At the Fan Fest, she had most of the Ducks players sign the bear with the Stanley Cup Champions jersey on it. One Duck took a little more time with Haili. He took the bear and gave it a BIG hug, smiled and said, "It's so cute! Can I keep it?" Of course she said no.

Read the rest here - Link

More on the CHOC visit

On Thursday, the entire Ducks team visited CHOC for their annual Christmas visit. All of the Ducks players arrived at CHOC and were split up amongst the different floors. Some wore Santa hats, others wore reindeer antlers. They all wore grins and were happy to visit the children and take their minds off their illnesses, if only for a short period of time. The Ducks also handed out Wild Winger Kid’s Club kits that had been donated by fans. Close to 1,500 kits had been donated, which meant that CHOC could distribute them not only to their in-patients, but also to their out-patients as well. That is the first time they have been able to do that, thanks to the generosity of Ducks fans. In addition to the kits, the Ducks distributed blankets courtesy of Hockey Fights Cancer. Especially fitting on the oncology ward.

Read the rest here - Link

Anaheim Ducks news for Monday

Well shockingly enough most of today's news covers Scott's return and the associated trade. Ryan Carter is back from the AHL. My thought's on Ryan Carter's return is that Samuel Pahlsson's injury is more severe and he will be out a few games or more. Todd Marchant will move up to center the checking line and Carter will center the 4th line. Now that is a pure guess. It could be we found a trade for Marchant and we are filling that role. However, I do not think it has to do with any trades as we are so close to the Christmas deadline. There is also a bunch of misc. news that I will put up front because I am bored with all of the Scott Niedermayer news.

More coverage on Parros donating his hair

Since the start of his professional career, Parros has been growing his hair long so he can donate it to Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children experiencing medical hair loss. Parros, alongside Ducks Kids Club members and season seat holders, cut the minimum of 10 inches of hair it takes to create a Locks of Love hairpiece. Professional hairstylists from TríKo Salon in Newport Beach were on hand volunteering to cut hair.

Read the rest here - Link

See the pics here - Link

Watch the Ducks and Win

Presented by the Orange County Register

Watch the December 30 game on KDOC and during the telecast, three (3) clues will be given about the “mystery player” of the game. Once you have gathered all the clues, simply log onto the OC Register website to enter the name of the mystery player and you could be a winner!

A Grand Prize Winner will receive an Authentic Team Autographed Ducks Jersey! Plus, 25 Runner Up winners will receive an Anaheim Ducks Prize Pack.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ducks will be visiting CHOC

The Club’s Entire Roster Will be on Hand to Greet Patients and Distribute Donated Kids Club Kits

The Ducks will make their annual holiday visit to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) in Orange on Thursday, Dec. 20 from 2-4 p.m. The entire Ducks roster will be in attendance in an effort to brighten the season for patients and their families who will receive ongoing care at CHOC during the holidays.

“Although we try to be active in the community throughout the year, the holiday season is a special time for us,” said Ducks owner Susan Samueli. “Our players look forward to this annual visit to CHOC, as they enjoy spending time with the children and sharing the excitement of the holidays. Our partnership with CHOC has provided great opportunities to create special memories.

Read the rest here - Link

Ducks Recall Ryan Carter

The Ducks announced on Monday that they have recalled center Ryan Carter from the Portland Pirates, Anaheim’s primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Carter, 24 (8/3/83), has appeared in six regular season games with the Ducks this season (scoreless). Now in his third stint with Anaheim in 2007-08, Carter made his NHL regular season debut on Sept. 30 against the Los Angeles Kings in London, England

Read the rest here - Link

The OC Register takes a look at the Duck's penalty problems...again

It's safe to say that no one else around the NHL is shedding any tears for the Ducks, who gladly cultivated a rough-and-tumble image all the way to last season's Stanley Cup championship.

The reputation gained in the process might be coming back to haunt them now.

Primarily because of their own lack of focus and undisciplined play, the Ducks lead the NHL with an average of 20.2 penalty minutes per game and have been short-handed a whopping 201 times, far more than any other team in the league and 41 more times than the Ducks have gone on the power play.

Read the rest here - Link

Ducksblog takes a look at the Scott's return

Skating with former Ducks and New Jersey Devils teammate Jeff Friesen and an assortment of far less accomplished mates, nearly all of whom were simply out for a mid-day workout and undoubtedly thrilled to be on the same sheet of ice with a former Norris and Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Niedermayer played it very close to the vest. Rarely did he carry the puck for any length of time and hardly ever did he take a shot. Surely, the last thing he wanted was anyone to think he was “showing off.” Anyone who knows Niedermayer would be certain of that.

Read the rest here - Link

OC Register takes a look at future of this season

Then the Ducks unwrapped themselves as the defending Stanley Cup champions.

For the first time in this 35-game-old season.

And you thought Christmas took a long time to arrive?

Your calendar is a liar today, folks. Opening night actually was Sunday at Honda Center, the night Scott Niedermayer returned and the Ducks finally were as close as they'll ever be to being themselves again.

Read the rest here - Link

The Canadian Press has a look at the Ducks

The trade finally happened. Their superstar defenceman has returned. Now it's time for the Anaheim Ducks to start winning some games.

"We feel with the addition of Scott Niedermayer back into our lineup and the change we've had to make, that it's given us a little shot in the arm," Ducks head coach Randy Carlyle told The Canadian Press on Monday.

"We're feeling better about ourselves today than we did five days ago."

Read the rest here - Link\

National Post take a look at the McDonald trade

Scott Niedermayer's return from semi-retirement set off a salary-induced chain reaction last week with the Anaheim Ducks, whose stalled Stanley Cup defence will now look to two players who began their careers before Sidney Crosby began grade school.

General manager Brian Burke had to carve into his payroll to find space for Niedermayer, the 34-year-old defenceman, and ended up trading Anaheim's longest-serving player to a Western Conference rival. Centre Andy McDonald was shipped to the St. Louis Blues for a prospect, a draft pick and Doug Weight, an ageing 36-year-old forward who has struggled at times to generate offence this season.

Read the rest here - Link

The LA Times has a look at Weight

"It's great to have a role and be singled out in it," said Weight, who'll center the second scoring line with Ryan and Todd Bertuzzi. "I know what I've got to do. I've got two pretty darn good players playing with me right now and some great defensemen. This is team that's got a lot of confidence."
Weight said he has been excited for the last two days since learning that he might get traded to Anaheim after it became clear that he wouldn't be part of the youth movement transpiring under Coach Andy Murray in St. Louis.

Read the rest here - Link

Anaheim Ducks News for Monday

The latest Ducks TV has been posted - Link

TSN has posted their game coverage - Link

@AnaheimDuckFan - Whatever it takes! - Link

@Princess Duck - Congratulations! - Link

LA Times Game Coverage

A besieged group of Ducks' penalty killers gained a dose of redemption Sunday night, providing the coda to a comeback that renewed their faith in themselves.
The one-goal lead they gained late after trailing all game was left to Jean-Sebastien Giguere and three teammates in front of him to protect for nearly a minute with six Kings ready to fire at will.

Read the rest here - Link

Burke wants to change things again, update

You can say a lot of things about Anaheim Ducks' general manager Brian Burke, but you cannot dispute his persistency.

For the better part of two years now, Burke has been lobbying for an amendment to the collective bargaining agreement that would allow teams to trade players, but have a portion of the traded players' salary count against their own salary cap.

He was at it again Monday morning, when the 30 NHL general managers got together for a wide-ranging two-hour conference call that, among other things, rejected the idea that teenage sensation John Tavares could opt in a year early to the NHL entry draft.

Read the rest here - Link

Read more about Burke's proposal here

We know the new schedule format will be the sexy story of this week's board of governors meetings at The Inn at Spanish Bay near Pebble Beach, Calif.

But there is at least one issue that could come up this week that could have a more significant impact on the game, and we don't mean why the board insists on meeting as far away from an actual NHL game as humanly possible.

ESPN.com has learned NHL general managers will take part in a conference call Monday, when they will try and come to a consensus on the pros and cons of proposing changes to the collective-bargaining agreement that would allow teams to trade players while retaining a portion of a player's salary. The hope is the issue will then get a hearing before the board of governors when they meet Thursday and Friday.

Under the current system, many GMs have complained that the possibility of making trades is near impossible because they don't have the option of eating any salary of a player they might like to trade.

Read the rest here - Link

Another update on the Kids for Kids drive

The Ducks announced today that the Wild Wingers Kids Club and Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) have partnered for the second annual Kits for Kids Donation Drive, giving Ducks fans the opportunity to purchase Kids Club kits for CHOC patients for the holidays.

“This is a great way for our fans to give back to the community,” said Ducks Director of Fan Development Matt Savant. “We’re hoping to build on the overwhelming response from last year’s drive to help make the holiday season brighter for children receiving care at CHOC.”

Read the rest here - Link

The Official Ducks site takes a look at Brian Sutherby

"He’s a big kid who can skate and he plays an aggressive style," says Ducks head coach Randy Carlyle. "This is an opportunity for a player to play to a higher level and give us what he’s got. I don’t think you’ll see Brian Sutherby as a pure offensive player, but he’s a player who will get into the dirty areas, go to the front of the net, defend his teammates and be physical. "

Sutherby, chosen 26th overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, will return to his birthplace of Edmonton when the Ducks play the Oilers on Friday night.

Read the rest here - Link

The OC Register has a look at Bert's return to Vancouver

The hockey-mad populace of Vancouver has waited more than 17 months for former Canucks star Todd Bertuzzi to return to GM Place.

The occasion finally appears imminent Tuesday, with Bertuzzi set to arrive in a Ducks uniform, the third he has worn since Vancouver dealt the standout winger to the Florida Panthers in a blockbuster trade for superstar goaltender Roberto Luongo that was the biggest single reason the Canucks returned to the Stanley Cup playoffs last season.

Read the rest here - Link

Calgary Herald has a look at Bert's return to Vancouver

"There's no question it's going to be emotional in a lot of ways for me," said Bertuzzi, now with the Anaheim Ducks, from his home in California while preparing for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Kings.

"After all the great years and great friends I made in the city, it's going to be very strange to be back there playing. It's going to be a very different experience, a very difficult game to play."

Read the rest here - Link

The next Kids Club party has been announced. Get your chance to see the Cup with the Ducks names on it along with a few other trophy's.

THE STANLEY CUP, CONN SMYTHE AND CAMPBELL BOWL TROPHIES ARE COMING TO ORANGE COUNTY IN DECEMBER! On Saturday, December 15^th and Sunday, December 16^th all Wild Wingers Kids Club members will be invited to the Newport Sports museum for an exclusive Kids Club party, where they will be able to take photographs with the trophies, attend a question and answer session with the keeper of the cup, and take part in a Ducks scavenger hunt!

Wild Wingers Kids Club members will be allowed to bring one (1) adult with them to the museum. If additional family members or friends would like to attend the event, they must purchase a Wild Wingers Kids Club kit at www.wildwingerskidsclub.com before the date of the party. Also, please remember to bring Party Voucher #2 located in the back of your kids club calendar. It is your ticket to enter the party.

To attend this great event, please send a RSVP to kidsclub@anaheimducks.com with the member’s name, adult’s name, email address, date and time slot. Please choose a 1½ hour time slot from the following list. Please note that there is a limited amount of space for each time slot. Once a time slot is completely full, no one else will be allowed to attend that time slot.

Available Time Slots

Saturday, December 15^{th and} Sunday, December 16^th

8:00am-9:30am

8:00am-9:30am

9:30am-11:00am

9:30am-11:00am

11:00am-12:30pm

11:00am-12:30pm

12:30pm-2:00pm

12:30pm-2:00pm

2:00pm-3:30pm

2:00pm-3:30pm

3:30pm-5:00pm

3:30pm-5:00pm

Directions to the Newport Sports Museum

The Newport Sports Museum is located on the corner of Newport Center Drive and Newport Center Drive East . Its address is:

100 Newport Center Drive, Suite 100

Newport Beach , CA 92660

Please click here for step-by-step directions to the Newport Sports Museum from your home.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at kidsclub@anaheimducks.com.

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 - Weekend Reports

Well, I took the weekend mostly off as there was no game.  However there was still some interesting news.  Enjoy!

Kondratiev decides to head home

On Thursday, Maxim Kondratiev was placed on waivers by the Ducks and what was even more of a surprise was the fact he went unclaimed. With Edmonton, Vancouver, and Pittsburgh all looking for a puck moving defenseman, it was certainly a shock to see him not be claimed.

He only played four games with the Ducks and was scoreless over that span, but he did play well for the Ducks in the absence of Mathieu Schneider.

Read the rest here - Link

The Winnipeg Free press has a look at the Ducks

FORGIVE the hunting analogy, but it's just too obvious to resist. The Anaheim Ducks have gone from the hunter to the hunted.

Life on the run, the boys from the backyard of Disney are finding, is not as fun as being part of the posse.

The Ducks went from a franchise with a laughable name and little history to contender three seasons ago under the guidance of GM Brian Burke and rookie NHL head coach Randy Carlyle.

Last season, they rode to the top with a roster that had it all.

Pre-eminent defencemen in Scott Niedermeyer and Chris Pronger gave the Ducks a blue line for the ages. Teemu Selanne rediscovered the scoring touch that at one point in his NHL days made him the league's top sniper. Young slingers like Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Winkler's Dustin Penner crackled with exuberance and offensive talent. And finally, the club tossed in a dash of brutality that allowed them to bully those who dared to mix it up.

It all combined for a Stanley Cup run that stuttered only momentarily in Detroit before hitting a gear no one else could match.

Today, it's worth bird droppings as the Ducks struggle to stay afloat in the Pacific Division with a 6-8-3 record prior to Friday's divisional scrap with the San Jose Sharks.

"We've faced lots of adversity. The loss of two players, a taxing travel schedule to begin the season and the so-called Stanley Cup hangover that teams fight after a championship season," said Carlyle, heading into the Honda Centre for a practice this week. "All these things are front and centre and these are the challenges we're trying to rise above."

Don't be mistaken; Carlyle isn't the type to look for excuses. But he's wise enough to understand his group is facing new challenges, as is the coach himself.

Read the rest here - Link

The Sports Network has a look at the Ducks as well

The Anaheim Ducks' quest to defend their championship is off to a rocky start.

Since hoisting the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history last season, the Ducks haven't quite looked like the same team. Part of that has to do with the fact that they aren't the same team.

There was some hint of irony when the Ducks dropped the "Mighty" portion of their name prior to the 2006-07 season before going on to capture the league championship.

Behind the likes of Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Rob and Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger and Teemu Selanne, the Ducks finished the season with a franchise record 110 points before defeating Ottawa in five games in the NHL finals.

Read the rest here - Link

The LA Daily News has a look at the Ducks defense

The Ducks' defense went from bad to good in a span of 72 hours this week.

After being chided in practice Thursday for allowing six goals to Phoenix the previous night, the Ducks faced a difficult task from the opening period against San Jose on Friday. The Sharks were handed three power plays in the opening period -- either by the Ducks or by the referees, depending on your point of view -- and totaled nine shots to the Ducks' three before the period was over.

But goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere and the defense weathered the storm nicely, and the Sharks managed 17 shots the rest of the way to the Ducks' 21. The Ducks went on to win in a shootout, 3-2.

"After the first period I think we calculated they had eight chances and five were on the power play," head coach Randy Carlyle said after a 90-minute practice Saturday at Honda Center. "We found a way in the second and third to play more of the type of hockey that we needed to play."

In that sense, the final statistics were somewhat misleading. San Jose had a power-play goal late in the second period when Joe Thornton slipped a shot through the legs of Chris Pronger and past Giguere.

Read the rest here - Link

The LA Times has a great look at the Ducks first come from behind victory since Boston

It took 18 games, but a first was finally accomplished by the Ducks this season.
A 3-2 shootout victory Friday night over San Jose was the first time the Ducks have won after trailing through two periods. Given that there have been 10 times in which they entered the third period behind, it was a significant accomplishment.
It was also just the second come-from-behind win for Anaheim, with the other coming in the home opener against Boston when the Ducks erased a 1-0 first-period deficit.

Read the rest here - Link

The OC Register has a look at the Ducks

Through their first 16 games this season, a sequence capped by Monday night's ugly 5-0 loss to the Dallas Stars in the opener of a four-game home stand, the Ducks came from behind to win just once.

On two other occasions, they recovered from deficits to reach overtime, only to lose in shootouts. Never had the Ducks staged a successful rally after falling more than one goal behind.

"I think the Dallas game kind of shocked us," Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said Saturday. "That was disappointing because we couldn't muster any emotion for the third period."

When the Stars built on a 1-0 lead by scoring three second-period goals, including two in the final 1:32, the Ducks had no response.

Read the rest here - Link

MVN has a good look at some of the upcoming charitable work from the Ducks

The Ducks, as with most NHL teams, have a strong community focus. With the holidays coming up rapidly, especially with some displays up prior to Halloween, there are lots of opportunities to think of others.

1) In celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday on November 22nd, Honda Center and the Ducks have joined forces once again with the local nonprofit organization, We Give Thanks, Inc. and La Casa Garcia restaurant. They will host a free Thanksgiving dinner for local residents who would otherwise go without. Over the past 20 years, We Give Thanks has provided more than 200,000 free meals to those in need on Thanksgiving.

Read the rest here - Link

Anaheim Ducks News for Wednesday - Non Game News

Well on top of the way the Ducks have been playing, I might as well add more bad news.  Phil Hulett who is the PA announcer for the Ducks is becoming the Bryzgalov of announcers.  He is now the backup announcer as his role with his day job has increased and will no longer allow him to continue his announcer duties.  In other news, the Ducks are once again working with CHOC on another fundraider.

Phil Hulett becomes the backup announcer

Due to his increased responsibilities and work schedule at KFWB 980 AM, Phil Hulett will no longer be able to serve as the Ducks’ primary public address announcer. Mike Carlucci, who served as Anaheim’s PA announcer from 1994-97, will return to the microphone beginning tonight vs. Phoenix. Phil will continue to be available in a backup PA role, and Anaheim will recognize Phil’s 11 seasons with the Ducks at a future home game.

“Phil has been a tremendous public address announcer for the Ducks for the last 11 years, presiding over almost 500 games and a Stanley Cup Championship,” said Anaheim Ducks Executive Vice President/COO Tim Ryan. “We wish him the very best and continued success at KFWB.”

Via www.anaheimducks.com

Ducks raise funds again

WILD WINGERS KIDS CLUB/CHOC KITS FOR KIDS DONATION DRIVE

November 6th, 2007

The Anaheim Ducks Wild Wingers Kids Club and Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) are teaming up for the second annual Kits for Kids Donation Drive. All Anaheim Ducks fans will be given the opportunity to donate a Wild Wingers Kids Club kit to patients at CHOC during the holiday season. All kits purchased for donation will be delivered to CHOC patients on December 20th by members of the Anaheim Ducks.

The Wild Wingers Kids Club kit includes a t-shirt, hat, calendar, Duck Call, Duck Tag, jersey backpack and a ticket to an Anaheim Ducks home game.

For your help in this great cause, each donor will have the opportunity to earn a great prize:

AMOUNT OF KITS - DONATED PRIZE

2- Autographed Anaheim Ducks Player Card

5- Entry into a drawing to meet JS Giguere and Chris Kunitz after an Anaheim Ducks home game. You will also get their game used, signed sticks

10+ Entry into a drawing to win your very own suite for the Friday, February 15th game against the Dallas Stars

Please help put a smile on a child’s face during the holiday season, sign up for a Wild Wingers Kids Club kit for just $20 by going to https://www.formspring.com/forms/ducks-chockidsclub.

To view photos of last year's visit to CHOC Hospital go to this link http://www.wildwingerskidsclub.com/Content.../a/Default.aspx.

Via the Anaheim Ducks Message Board

BrianR has a great Flickr collection from the Ducks vs Coyotes game (11/7) - See them here - Link

 

Anaheim Ducks News for Tuesday

Well, after last nights game I expected a negative response.  Well here it is along with Ducks getting nominated to the All Star team and an update on Bertuzzi'e condition.

Fox Sports has a look at why the Ducks are struggling

Last season, the Anaheim Ducks won the Stanley Cup. They were the first elite team in the NHL since the lockout. However, their start this year has not been so great. Currently, they are 6-10 (with two losses counted as regulation ties). If the season ended today they would miss the playoffs.

Under the current CBA, it is hard to keep successful teams together. However, Anaheim came out pretty well in terms of CBA-related moves last summer.

Their only significant loss was Dustin Penner to the Edmonton Oilers. They also have been hit by the sabbaticals of Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne.

The NHL season is a long and hard one and this is especially true for a team that has a long run in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Their off-season is shorter than that of most of the league and that takes a toll on your players. It takes so much of a toll that two key Ducks from last season have chosen not to play yet this season. If you subtract Niedermayer and Selanne from Anaheim, they will be a weaker team. This is especially true when these stars have not been adequately replaced.

Read the rest here - Link

The OC Register has a look at why the Ducks are struggling

Consistency, it has been said, is the key to winning championships.

If that's the case, the Ducks might be in trouble. Two days after posting one of their best performances of the season with a 5-2 victory Saturday against Phoenix, the Ducks got shut out, 5-0, by the Dallas Stars.

Only two times in the first 16 games have the Ducks been able to post back-to-back victories — Oct. 15 and 17 when the Ducks beat Detroit, 6-3, and Nashville, 3-1. Their second mini winning streak was last week when they beat Columbus, 2-1, on Thursday and the Coyotes on Saturday.

After a one-hour practice at Honda Center on Tuesday, Ducks coach Randy Carlyle didn't have many answers, saying "we are still searching" for the consistency on offense that helped the Ducks win the Stanley Cup.

"We play a couple of good games, and then we seem to falter like we did last night (against Dallas). From a standpoint of execution and structure, we are not anywhere near where we needed to be for the 60 minutes," Carlyle said. "For whatever reason we got flat in a hurry, and then from my point of view we got frustrated and then we tried to do too much as individuals and then the frustration level never stopped. We have to become more focused on our game."

Read the rest here - Link

The LA Times has a look at why the Ducks are struggling

Much of the blame for the Ducks' sluggish start has been laid at their season-opening trip to London and injuries.
Few have suggested publicly that the defending Stanley Cup champions are suffering the aftereffects of winning it all. That changed Monday night. After his team's 5-0 victory over Anaheim, Dallas Stars forward Mike Modano said, "They have a bit of a Stanley Cup hangover going on over there.

"I think it's tough to come back, as much as they put into the playoffs last year," he added. "You've been pushed physically and mentally only a couple months ago."
When asked Tuesday about Modano's comments, Ducks defenseman Sean O'Donnell agreed -- to an extent.

Read the rest here - Link

The OC Register has a look at the fan reaction to the way the Ducks are playing

ANAHEIM Is the honeymoon over for the Ducks?

The defending Stanley Cup champions were booed off the ice by the sellout crowd at Honda Center on Monday night after giving up two goals in the final 92 seconds of the period to fall behind, 4-0.

There was more loud booing in the final seconds of the game and when the Ducks' embarrassing 5-0 loss to the Dallas Stars became official. And as the remnants of the crowd filed out of the arena, one disgusted fan in the cheap seats near the press box yelled, “Dallas had a home game tonight!”

The anger in the stands was understandable. On a night when a victory would have moved the Ducks into sole possession of first place in the mediocre Pacific Division, they instead suffered their most lopsided home loss since January 2001.

When a championship banner is raised to the rafters, expectations also go up. And there's nothing wrong with that.

Can getting booed at home be motivational?

Read the rest here - Link

AnaheimDuckFan has a look at the Stars game

The Ducks got killed by the Stars last night in a 5-0 shutout. Congrats to the always amazing Marty Turco on a great win!!! (Yes I said that!)

The Ducks failed to show up and play the game last night. It was an awful massacre that most fans couldn’t even sit through. A lot of fans left after the 4th goal was scored (end of second), and then most of the ones that were still there, left after the 5th goal was scored (about 12 minutes left in the third).

Read the rest here - Link

Girl with a Puck has a look at the fan reaction

Somewhere between the first and second period, someone drugged and tied up the team that played the last two Ducks games (and won, mind you) and replaced them with a listless, irresponsible group that had conveniently forgot to play the game. They skated in circles, looked at one another with boredom, and basically rolled over and played dead.
I’m not really sure what I’m supposed to say to that because when you – Mr. Hockey Player(s) Extraordinaire – cannot present the general public with a quality product – i.e. decent to awesome 60 minute hockey game – guess what? FANS LEAVE. They boo. They ditch out and throw up their hands in disgust.
One fan, seated a few rows behind me, put it bluntly: “There you go, Ducks! You suck!”

Read the rest here - Link

Ducks think they are ready to move forward

While they were humbled in a 5-0 defeat to Dallas on Monday, the Ducks returned to Honda Center for practice Tuesday in search of consistency, which appeared to be building after back-to-back wins over Columbus and Phoenix last week.

“We play a couple of games and then we falter like we did Monday night from a standpoint of execution and structure,” coach Randy Carlyle said. “We were not anywhere near where we needed to be for the 60 minutes.”

While he acknowledged the Ducks’ roller coaster ride of a season thus far, second-year defenseman Kent Huskins said the team needs to push forward to find a solution.

Read the rest here - Link

A great profile on Corey Perry from the LA Times

Corey Perry is doing his best to help the Ducks' struggling offense.
Perry is coming off his biggest game of the season Saturday night at Phoenix where he scored two goals, assisted on another and also dropped the gloves with the Coyotes' Daniel Carcillo in a 5-2 victory.
It was a so-called "Gordie Howe hat trick" -- a goal, an assist and a fight. More important, Perry now has eight goals, almost halfway to the 17 goals he scored last season.
The third-year forward is beginning to emerge as the first-line pure scorer that the Ducks envisioned when they took him in the first round of the 2003 draft.
"I think it's awful early to say that he's doing this or doing that," Coach Randy Carlyle said. "I think he's showing the maturity process that takes place in a young hockey player.

Read the rest here - Link

An update on Bertuzzi's condition

Todd Bertuzzi has felt like himself the last three days, but he knows his real test is ahead.
Bertuzzi hasn't appeared in a game for the Ducks since Oct. 14, when he suffered a concussion as a result of an open-ice hit by Minnesota Wild enforcer Derek Boogaard. When Bertuzzi plays next remains undetermined.
Over the last three weeks, recurring headaches and dizziness have prevented him from resuming his off-ice workouts.
"I wasn't even coming down to the games here" anymore, Bertuzzi said. "I'd come down between periods and I'd get dizzy and get all sick again. I've been at home, laying around and doing nothing. It's frustrating."
Bertuzzi watched practice Sunday. He said he has not had any of the headaches that plagued him the last two weeks.

Read the rest here - Link

The Ducks are starting the auction on autographed helmets on 11/07/07 - Link

A look at Burke's trade proposal

So, Anaheim Ducks general manager Brian Burke is proposing that the NHL allow teams retain a portion of a player's salary in a trade.

It is the same proposal Burke launched a year ago, you might recall, and it is still a good one.

The purpose is to inspire a little more trading activity in the NHL and to create a buzz. You might have noticed, there haven't been a lot of trades this season and there haven't even been a lot of serious trade talks and, by extension, rumours. There is a reason why everyone is so focused on the game, dissecting it, and fixating on the flaws, real or imagined.

There is nothing else of consequence to talk about.

Read the rest here - Link

Nominations for the All Star game have been posted, Ducks get 5

Ducks defensemen Francois Beauchemin and Chris Pronger, forwards Ryan Getzlaf and Andy McDonald and goaltender J.S. Giguere have been named to the ballot in XM/NHL All-Star Fan Balloting, Presented by 2K Sports, which opens Nov. 13.
Beauchemin, Getzlaf and Giguere are looking to make it to the All-Star Game for the first time. Pronger has played in five All-Star Games, while McDonald made the Western Conference team for the first time last season. Both Pronger and Giguere were likely selections last year, but were injured.
For the second consecutive season, the NHL-All Star Fan Balloting process will be entirely digital. From Nov. 13 through Jan. 2, fans around the world can “Vote Now, Vote Often” online at NHL.com to select the starting lineups for the 2008 NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta. In addition, U.S. fans also can cast votes through Verizon Wireless cell phones.
The 2007-08 season marks the 20th year in which fans will determine the starting lineups for the NHL All-Star Game. Fans can vote for six Eastern Conference All-Stars and six Western Conference All-Stars: three forwards, two defensemen and one goaltender for each team. If a player is not listed on the ballot, a space is provided for “write-in” votes. The three forwards, two defensemen and one goaltender from each Conference receiving the most votes will comprise the starting lineups. Each of the 30 NHL clubs has at least two representatives on the ballot.

Read the rest here - Link

Anaheim Ducks News for for Friday

Well I still am savoring last nights game.  It was a fun game to watch, and best of all we won.  So here is some coverage of Schneider, a look at the Pacific Division a new Ducks TV and a few other interesting articles. On a side not I will not be able to post tomorrow, so look for all the news and coverage of the Yotes game on Sunday.

A new Ducks TV has been posted - Link

Photos from the Ducks visit to CHOC - Link

The Ducks have posted a new wallpaper here - Link

An article covering the return of Getzlaf, Niedermayer and Schneider.

In Thursday night’s much-needed win over Columbus, the Ducks got the closest they have all season to seeing their full roster on the ice, and it couldn’t come at a better time. The team starts a 10-game stretch against Pacific Division opponents beginning Saturday at Phoenix.

Ryan Getzlaf, Rob Niedermayer and Mathieu Schneider all returned to action Thursday night, leaving Todd Bertuzzi (concussion) as the lone Duck out with an injury. Their returns paid immediate dividends, as Niedermayer scored the Ducks’ lone goal in regulation and Schneider netted the only goal in a shootout to defeat the Blue Jackets 2-1.

“I think from a coaching point of view, it’s nice to finally get 90 percent of our lineup back,” Carlyle said after Friday’s practice. “When you have parts of your lineup that come back in and make a contribution in their first game, that’s always encouraging.”

Niedermayer believes the fusion of players back into the lineup can get the team building in a position direction.

“Last night was the building and we’re getting better. We’re getting our game where we want it to get to,” Niedermayer said. “I think we know every game is important right now because we want to get that (winning) feeling back.”

Read the rest here - Link

An article on Schneider's return from the Daily Breeze

Over the stadium loudspeakers, the Honda Center crowd heard "We're going to a shootout!" And like a knee-jerk reaction, most of the 17,174 patrons booed.

Victory had slipped away from the Ducks four days earlier in a shootout loss to Edmonton. But against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, the difference was Mathieu Schneider.

In his season debut, Schneider thought Coach Randy Carlyle was joking when he tapped Schneider to shoot second. But Schneider's attempt on Columbus goalie Fredrik Norrena was the only one of the six shots that trickled through in the shootout, and the Ducks' four-game losing streak came to an end with a dramatic 3-2 victory.

"I would have never imagined that finish," said Schneider, who said he had never attempted a shot in a shootout during his 19-year career.

Read the rest here - Link

An article on Schneider's return from the LA Times

Mathieu Schneider thought Ducks coach Randy Carlyle was kidding.

Schneider, 38, has experienced a lot in 17 NHL seasons, but until Thursday night, other than one brief exhibition appearance, he had never appeared in a game with Carlyle pulling the strings behind his bench.

"I wasn't kidding," Carlyle said.

That would explain Carlyle's unexpected decision to call upon Schneider in a shootout against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Honda Center. All the veteran defenseman did with his first career shootout opportunity, in his season debut no less, was rip a shot between the pads of goaltender Fredrik Norrena to give the Ducks a 2-1 victory that snapped a four-game losing streak.

"I would never have imagined that finish," Schneider said.

After missing the season's opening 13 games because of a broken left ankle suffered in his exhibition debut, Sept. 15 against the Kings at Staples Center, Schneider played 25 minutes, 25 seconds, third most among Ducks skaters, behind only blue-line mates Chris Pronger and Francois Beauchemin.

Read the rest here - Link

The OC Register has a look at the next Pacific Division games

The brutal trip to start the season and the injuries that infected the Ducks over the first month of the season wipes clean with one look at the standings.

Despite a rough start, the Ducks have hardly fallen into a deep hole in the Pacific Division. They entered Friday tied with Dallas and the Kings for second place, one point behind leader San Jose. Now the Ducks have nearly their full lineup available and begin a stretch of 10 consecutive divisional games Saturday at Phoenix.

Players weren't calling it a new start, but it is a reminder that points earned in November are just as valuable as those in April.

"This is a challenge," Brad May said. "There are certain points during the season that are very important. You can see them. You can actually feel them, and this is one of them."

During this stretch the Ducks will play Phoenix and the Kings three times each and Dallas and San Jose twice. San Jose, considered the biggest contender to overtake the Ducks in the Pacific, started 6-5-1 and Dallas was a pedestrian 5-5-1.

Had either gotten off to a hot start, the Ducks might be staring at a big gap after their 4-7-2 start. Coach Randy Carlyle attributes the bunched pack partly to the new NHL that gives teams a point for overtime losses and therefore creates more three-point games.

Last season the Ducks earned points in their first 16 games but won the division by just three points.

Read the rest here - Link

The LA Times has a look at the upcoming Pacific Division games

For all their issues with injuries and inconsistency as they experience life as a defending Stanley Cup champion, the Ducks awoke Friday morning only one point out of the Pacific Division lead.
Despite a 5-7-2 record, the Ducks entered the day one point behind San Jose and tied with Dallas and the Kings. Although all three teams have played fewer games than Anaheim, each has had its own problems coming out of the gate.

The Ducks, feeling comfortable about their position after a 2-1 shootout win Thursday over Columbus, look ahead to 10 consecutive games against division opponents beginning tonight at Phoenix.

Read the rest here - Link

MVN has a look at how the Ducks feel after last nights victory

The Ducks practiced very briefly today after winning last night’s game against Columbus in a shootout. The Ducks have not had much success at all with the shootout since it was implemented two years ago. Defenseman Mathieu Schneider had the game winning goal with the only shot that went into the net for either team. Schneider had never been in a shootout before and thought coach Randy Carlyle was kidding when he told him he was going to be one of the first three shooters. It is likely that we will see him again in that situation when the Ducks go to the shootout in the future.

Read the rest here - Link

Some lucky kid got a ride on the Zamboni and her dad took pictures. See the rest here - Link 

Anaheim Ducks News for Tuesday

Well the best Ducks news in a while announced today. Getzy, Nieds and Schnedier may all be ready for Thursday's game against Columbus. I hope this all comes to pass as we need the help. Any ways, here is the rest of the news.

Getzy, Nieds and Schneider may be back and some notes from the Oiler game

Ducks Coach Randy Carlyle offered a ray of hope amid a four-game losing streak.

After Sunday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Edmonton Oilers, Carlyle said that forwards Ryan Getzlaf and Rob Niedermayer along with defenseman Mathieu Schneider could be available for Thursday's home game against Columbus.

"I would suspect that the majority of them will be back at that time," Carlyle said. "That's a very strong possibility."

Getzlaf and Niedermayer both sat for the second consecutive game with Getzlaf nursing a wrist injury and Niedermayer sidelined by a groin strain. Both did take part in Saturday's practice at Anaheim Ice.

Schneider also practiced and the puck-moving defenseman's return could be a major boost to a team struggling mightily on the power play. The Ducks went scoreless in three chances Sunday and now rank 28th in the league at 10.7% (eight for 75).

Read the rest here - Link

MVN has a report from the Ducks visit to CHOC

The Ducks players were scheduled to make a Halloween visit to patients at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) this afternoon. In addition to spending time doing Halloween arts and crafts projects with the children, the playerswere also signing autographs, posing for pictures and talking with parents and siblings of the patients.

Read the rest here - Link

A new Ducks Weekly Report has been posted

A LOOK AHEAD: Following a two-day break, the Anaheim Ducks will return to Honda Center tomorrow to prepare for their Thursday night home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets…the Ducks will then face Pacific Division opponents in their next 10 consecutive games, six of which will be at Honda Center…Anaheim will play Los Angeles and Phoenix three times, and Dallas and San Jose twice from Nov. 3-25…the Ducks currently own a record of 1-3-0 in divisional play.
FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Members of the Ducks will visit patients at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) in Orange on Tuesday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in celebration of Halloween tomorrow…as part of the afternoon schedule, visiting players and staff will join children at the hospital in Halloween arts and crafts…in addition, players will be signing autographs, posing for pictures and talking with the parents and siblings of the patients…media members are invited to attend the event at CHOC, which is located at 455 S. Main St. in Orange.

Read the rest here - Link

Bobby Ryan gets profiled by NHL.com

Portland Pirates rookie right wing Bobby Ryan went a long way at the start of the season just to eventually take a few strides in reverse.

Ryan started with Anaheim, joining the Ducks for their pair of games in London to start the NHL season. He then returned to North America for contests in Detroit and Columbus. He stuck around for a trip to Pittsburgh, but once there was informed he was moving to the Pirates.

Ryan arrived in Portland on Oct. 6 and played that night, contributing an assist. Last week was his first AHL three-in-three stretch, with contests at Springfield, Worcester and Lowell.

Good thing he spent much of his summer working on leg strength.

“Your first (career) NHL game, you’ll go just about anywhere,’’ he said of the London trip. “It’s tough. You want to play at home, you want to get in a comfort level. I’ll get the chance to do it here.’’

Perhaps the wonder of Ryan’s start -- one goal, five assists in seven games -- is that he’s getting all his rest on an air mattress. That’s about the extent of his furnishings in the two-bedroom apartment he calls home in Portland.

That, and a 62-inch flat screen TV. Priorities, you know.

“I have an air mattress for now, but I have a bed coming next week,’’ he said. “It’s not that bad, but I have to make do. It doesn’t bother me. It’s better than living out of a hotel room and a suitcase.’’

Read the rest here - Link

Anaheim Ducks News for Friday and Saturday

Ok, so now I am going to be back on track for reporting news.  Sorry for the delays.

Schneider is on his way back

Amid the slew of injuries on its roster, the Ducks saw some encouraging news at Friday practice, as defenseman Mathieu Schneider skated for the first time in six weeks.

Schneider, who has been recovering from a broken ankle sustained in the Ducks’ second preseason game on Sept. 15 at Los Angeles, practiced for close to 20 minutes, initially skating alone and later among the team.

“It was exciting just to put the gear on,” Schneider said. “It was nice to get out there. It was even better once the guys came out. Being out there by yourself is no fun.”

Medically cleared to practice with the team yesterday, Schneider was pleased with the results in his first day back.

Read the rest here - Link

More Schneider news via the LA Times

The injury-plagued Ducks received some good news today when defenseman Mathieu Schneider skated for the first time since breaking a bone in his right ankle during his first exhibition game with his new team.
Schneider, who signed a two-year, $11.25-million contract in the off-season, was cleared by a foot specialist Thursday and tested his ankle for the first time at the start of practice at Anaheim Ice.

"I was really happy with the way it felt," Schneider said. "Obviously I have some work to do still. I felt a little shaky on it. But for the first day out there, I was really happy."
Schneider said he was skating at about 60% of his normal speed without taping his ankle. He hopes to begin practicing as soon as today or at least early next week.

Read the rest here - Link

MVN has a look at Friday's practice

The Ducks had their third loss in a row to the Phoenix Coyotes last night and their third shutout in twelve games. At 4-7-1, they have a whopping 9 points, are 4th in the Pacific Division and 12th in the Western Conference. Ouch. The problem has not been a lack of work ethic, which coach Randy Carlyle has praised several times over the past few days. The problem is execution.

In last night’s game the Ducks limited the Coyotes scoring chances, dominated them in the faceoff circle, drew 6 penalties, and created chances. They just didn’t finish things off. Carlyle, sensing the Ducks frustration, took a different approach to practice today. Rather than continue to work them hard, it was time to pull back, take a deep breath and pick up the team’s spirits with a more light-hearted practice.

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If your interested in the Burke-Lowe feud read it here.  More interesting is the comments on Getzlaf's and Perry's contract negotiations-

The Ducks have had preliminary discussions with Getzlaf's representatives, Burke said, and would like to strike new deals with Getzlaf and Perry before season's end.

"I think maybe we'll be in a situation where we can get something done later in the year, or as soon as they're ready, I guess," Getzlaf said. "It's just a matter of time. I don't really think about it. Right now, I'm worried about winning hockey games. We haven't started the way we wanted. Contracts? I have a whole season to play."

Getzlaf and Perry, who have been virtually joined at the hip since arriving as rookies in 2005, would appear to be huge pieces of the club's future.

"It's definitely something we want to be part of," Perry said. "It's always nice to know they want you here for a long time. You have to prove yourself every day, though. You never know what can happen.

"I'd love to stay here. This is where my heart is. This is where I started my career, and you want to play where you start your career. It's definitely a great spot, with great fans, and all the guys on this team are very supportive and great guys, just fun to be around. I don't want to go anywhere."

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LA Times analysis of the Ducks

In his two-plus years as the Ducks' general manager, Brian Burke has shown his willingness to make a bold move to improve the team.
Not all have worked out. (Jeff Friesen for a second-round pick?) But then there are deals such as the one for Chris Pronger that more than make up for those that fail.

The toughest thing may be the inability to make a trade, which Burke is experiencing at the moment. The Ducks aren't scoring, and fixing what ails them is easier said than done.
"You look at the paucity of trades in the NHL. It's cap-related," Burke said. "It's hard to make deals now in this system. If you look at the number of deals in a cap system, it's down dramatically from three and four years ago.
"When you're talking to everybody about a deal, it's not only got to line up for your money, it's got to line up for his money too. It's not just us having a hard time making a deal. It's everybody."
The Ducks have already been shut out three times, and they're averaging only two goals a game. Finding someone to help replace the 77 goals that Teemu Selanne and Dustin Penner produced last season has been a chore.

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Ducks raise money for the Red Cross

Honda Center, the Anaheim Ducks, ABC7, KABC Talk Radio and KLOS teamed with the American Red Cross of Orange County to host a fundraising drive at Honda Center Friday to support the victims of the recent Southern California wildfires.  This was the third time that Honda Center and the Anaheim Ducks hosted a fundraising event with the American Red Cross; the two others were following the Laguna Beach fires in 1993 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. 

In addition to donations collected from community members attending the event, the Samueli Foundation, Honda Center and the Anaheim Ducks together made a contribution in the amount of $100,000.

Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke receives a donation.

“These wildfires have affected each and every one of us in Southern California,” said Honda Center President/CEO and Ducks Executive Vice President/COO Tim Ryan. “We are proud to have local owners that support this community and allow us the privilege of teaming with the American Red Cross to help bring aid where it’s needed.”

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Ducks are having cancer awareness night on Sunday

Executive Management Members, Coaches and Broadcasters Will Wear Pink Ties in an Evening Devoted to Raising Awareness and Funds for Fighting Cancer

The Ducks will join all National Hockey League teams by hosting Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night this Sunday, Oct. 28 when they play the Edmonton Oilers at Honda Center (5:05 p.m.).  As part of the 10th Anniversary celebration, the Ducks join a league-wide initiative in honoring Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Month by devoting a home game in the month of October to raising awareness and funds for fighting cancer, benefiting the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“Cancer has affected nearly everyone in our organization in some way,” said Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manger Brian Burke.  “This is a tremendous league-wide initiative that we support whole-heartedly.”

In honor of bringing a heightened awareness to cancer, Ducks executive management, coaches and broadcasters will wear commemorative pink ties for Sunday evening’s game.  In addition, in support of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all NHL players have been wearing pink Hockey Fights Cancer decals on their helmets throughout the month.  As Sunday’s contest marks the Ducks final game in the month of October, players will autograph helmets post-game, which will be auctioned online at anaheimducks.com, with proceeds benefiting the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

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Monday News

So now that the Ducks games in London are over.  What's next?  Detroit. The Ducks will be playing Detroit at 4:00 PST on Wednesday.  The days news include a brief about the Ducks in Detroit, charity work and a few other things. 

CBS Sportsline has a look at the Ducks vs. Detroit

Having survived London, the Ducks must see what they can do about Detroit.

Sunday's 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in the second and final game of "NHL Premiere" enabled the Ducks to escape Great Britain's signature city with a split of the two games against their Southern California rivals, but that might have been the easy part. While the Kings will go home and not play again until facing the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, the Ducks will serve as the potential main course for three consecutive home openers: Wednesday in Detroit, Friday in Columbus and Saturday in Pittsburgh.

Unlike when they went to London and had four days to get used to the time change going west to east, they will have only a couple of days to try to do the reverse. What effects the travel, not to mention the back-to-back games against the Kings, will have on the Ducks remains to be seen.

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Corey Perry was the NHLPA player of the day today

Did You Know:
Corey’s line at the 2005 World Junior Championship – himself, Crosby and Patrice Bergeron – combined for 234 points last season in the NHL.

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Ducks assign the extra goalie they took with to London back to Portland

The Ducks have assigned goaltender Gerald Coleman to the Portland Pirates, Anaheim’s primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Coleman, 22 (3/3/85), appeared in two preseason games for the Ducks last month, posting a 1-0-0 record with a 1.00 GAA and .963 SV%.  In 60 minutes of exhibition play, he turned away 26-of-27 shots and picked up a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Sept. 15 at Staples Center.

Acquired from Tampa Bay with a first-round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for defenseman Shane O’Brien and a third-round pick in the 2007 Draft on Feb. 27, 2007, Coleman played in 11 games for Portland last season.  He earned four victories with a 2.89 GAA and .907 SV% with the Pirates.

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FSN is having a "Name the Rivalry" contest.  Submit yours here - Link

A Hodgepodge of info from the OC Register covering, Pronger's thoughts on Europe(again), the Ducks visit to London and thoughts on the new lines

The unexpected offseason departure of left wing Dustin Penner, who signed a five-year, $21.25 million offer sheet to take his game to Edmonton, left a huge void on the dynamic young PPG Line that also included right wing Corey Perry and center Ryan Getzlaf.

After having experimented with various combinations through the exhibition season and in Saturday's lackluster opener, the Ducks might have found a solution Sunday, when Perry scored two goals and added an assist.

Carlyle's decision to put Perry and Getzlaf with Chris Kunitz, who also scored a goal, not only made sense because the three had played before at times, but also perhaps because Kunitz isn't that dissimilar to the much larger Penner.

"They're different players, but in a way, they're the same player," Perry said. "Kuni is not a huge body, but he gets in there on the body, and Pens is the same way. Those two guys are kind of the same. They both have good vision on the ice, and they both can score. You saw that (Sunday) with Kuni, and you saw it last year with Dustin."

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MVN lets us know a way of another charity initiative by the Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks flew back to the United States from London, England, after their game yesterday. They were scheduled to land in Detroit, Michigan, at 2:00am Detroit time. Poor boys have no idea what time it is or what time zone they are in. So while they have the day off to rest and recuperate before Wednesday’s game against the Red Wings, we will take a pause to think charitably.

The Ducks have numerous charitable projects throughout the year that involve not just the players but the community as well. The next event is one that thinks of children. The Ducks have scheduled their 6th annual Kids Night Out on November 1 and November 5. Anyone who has ever purchased hockey tickets know that they do not come cheap and disadvantaged kids are some of the least likely to be able to see a game. The Ducks are asking for donations to provide tickets to kids from local groups that include the Orangewood Children’s Foundation, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Orange County, Disney GOALS and Special Olympics Southern California.

There are four different packages to choose from and for every ticket purchased, the Ducks will match a ticket. The packages are as follows:

Bronze - sponsor 5 children (10 kids total) for $206.00

Silver - sponsor 10 children (20 kids total) for $420.00

Gold - sponsor 25 children (50 kids total) for $1,020.00

Platinum - sponsor 50 children (100 kids total) for $2,070.00

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The Fourth Period has some thoughts on the Ducks trip to London and some audio

"I'd never thought I'd say this, but I'm going to be glad to go to Detroit." -- An anonymous member of the Anaheim Ducks.
And there you have it, with the NHL Premiere Series in the books you have the real inside feelings about bringing the game to the land where Lord Stanley's Cup originated.

It wasn't about expanding the global reach of the National Hockey League, but the start of the 2007-08 campaign was more about jet lag, power failures and regular season games contested in an exhibition atmosphere.

On Saturday evening, the Los Angeles Kings bested the Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks 4-1 at the new (well, kinda new because there was an arena, the Millennium Dome, that was built for the Olympics previously on the grounds) O2 arena in South London.

Listen to audio clips from such players as Chris Pronger, Jack Johnson and Ryan Getzlaf about their experiences in London.

Not that there wasn't intrigue for opening night if you were a Kings' fan because the next generation of goaltenders was introduced to you that evening.

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