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 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 Wednesday Non Game News

Here is the news that is not related to details of tonight's game. By the way, Pahlsson is back.

The Los Angeles Times has great coverage of Giguere's Beauchemin's, Kunitz's, Getzlaf's, Moen's, Pahlsson's, Selanne's and the Niedermayers days with the cup. They are called "Audio Galleries" - Link

An article on the banner raising, but more interestingly quote from Scott Niedermayer on his potential retirement

"Yeah, I'm in quite a different situation than I've ever been before," Scott Niedermayer said. "To be able to go there and be a part of putting that banner up to the ceiling, to be there to support everybody who was part of that, is a great moment. I knew it was going to be a big moment, going back to the rink, There will be some different feelings on my part, as to what the future holds.

"I'm going to have to make a decision sooner or later. I don't have a time frame. It's hard for me to judge 'soon' — within two weeks, or two months. I don't know exactly what 'soon' means. I hope the sooner the better, but there still could be some time here."

Red the rest here -Link

Ryan Carrter has gone back to Portland

Ryan Carter was sent down from the Anaheim Ducks to the Portland Pirates yesterday evening. This is to make room on the roster for Samuel Pahlsson who is coming off injured reserve. Carter has had a surreal life since last spring. He was called up to the Ducks during the playoffs and played four games for the Ducks, including one game in the Stanley Cup Finals. That earned him his name on the Cup and his own 24 hours with Stanley in the summer. Carter, along with the rest of the team, received his Stanley Cup ring on Monday evening.

Read the rest here - Link

Glass Seat Auction, get them for the Red Wings game here - Link

Earl from BOC has a look at the Ducks

After a road trip that can best be described as "predictably brutal", the Ducks finally raise their banners tonight in front of the home crowd--Scott and Teemu are supposed to be in attendance, so that should be an interesting ceremony, at least. I'm not going to overcriticize the team for the lackluster start, even though the last three cup-winners have all had excellent starts to their year: Tampa Bay took points in 14 of its first 16 games (11-2-3), Carolina earned points in 13 of 16 (12-3-1), and last year's Ducks got points in all 16 (12-0-4).

This year's Ducks have only taken points in 2 out of its first 5 games, but I'm staying optimistic. Here's some semi-random thoughts I've been mulling over:

1. Last year's Senators recovered from a brutal start to make the cup finals, so a rough start isn't insurmountable. Ottawa took points in only 7 of its first 16, but unlike the Ducks so far, the Senators' goal-differential was pretty promising. Just a side note on the Sens' top line: it took them less than 2 games this season to score as many goals and points as they got in all 5 games against the Ducks last spring. Just sayin'.

2. Fortunately, the rest of the Pacific Division has started slowly as well. The Ducks will have a games-in-hand issue as the season goes on, but I'm surprised nobody in the division has passed the Ducks in the standings yet. Last year, the Pacific produced three 107-point teams; so far this year nobody in the division sits above the .500 mark and every team is getting outscored.

Read the rest here - Link

Some coverage of the Ducks Stanley Cup event

Eight big floodlights started at 4 p.m., which didn't seem to make sense since the sun was still shining high above Honda Center.

But this was no ordinary evening at the hockey rink. The place was so decked out it looked like it was ready to play host to some Hollywood premiere and not the Ducks' home opener.

Fans stood three and sometimes four rows deep along the red carpet that stretched from the parking lot to the Southeast entrance of the arena. They waved towels, signs, jerseys and even stuffed teddy bears in a frantic attempt to catch the players' attention. Those stuck in the back waved their camera phones in the air trying to capture this historic moment

Jenn Pletcher and Stephanie Broyles, both from Long Beach, were some of the first to arrive, staking out a spot in front of the makeshift stage that was set up just outside of the glass doors leading into the Honda Center. That's where the defending Stanley Cup champions would stop for their TV interviews. Broyles and Pletcher said it felt like they had been there for five hours, but really it was more like 45 minutes.

An hour before the Ducks were scheduled to arrive, there were about 10 people waiting outside the arena, and Tammy Sides of Cypress was one of them.

Read the rest here - Link

Ducks lose 2-1 and other news

So the Ducks lose in a shootout. A hard fought, penalty filled game that I only got to listen to part of (the hard fought second period). But thanks to the Internet, here are links to game coverage, part 2 of the Niedermayer brothers day with the cup and an update on Schneider's status.

Ducks TV has part 2 of the Niedermayer brothers day with the cup. See the video here - Link

Mathieu Schneider will be out for FOUR weeks! -

Ducks defenseman Mathieu Schneider will miss four weeks with a non-displaced fracture in his left ankle, the Ducks announced.
Schneider left Saturday night's 3-2 preseason victory over the Kings at Staples Center in the second period and did not return.
The 38-year-old Schneider was signed by the Ducks last July 1.

See the original article here - Link

Bertuzzi not going to Vancouver via The Province

Todd Bertuzzi will not make his return to GM Place on Monday.

The Anaheim Ducks announced Saturday that the winger won't play in a preseason game with the Vancouver Canucks. He was scheduled to play Saturday in Los Angeles.

The Ducks are in Vancouver for regular-season meetings on Nov. 27 and Dec. 30 and host the Canucks on Sept. 23 [preseason] and again on Dec. 12 and March 12.

Bertuzzi, who battled a bad back and other playoff ailments last season with Florida and Detroit, signed a two-year, $8 million US free-agent contract with the Ducks in July.

Scrimmage tickets $130 a pair

It looked like a typo.

The Internet advertisement on craigslist stated that two tickets for today's sold-out Vancouver Canucks intra-squad game here could be had for $130. They went on sale for just $10 apiece. Apparently, we are all Canucks.

Canucks director of media relations T.C. Carling is occasionally approached to help with ticket requests. You'd think a pair for today's tilt wouldn't be that difficult. After all, we're talking intra-squad game.

Read the rest here - Link

Photo of the game

Official Game Coverage from the Anaheim Ducks

ANAHEIM – Never their strength in the more than two years of its existence, the Ducks fell in a shootout to Phoenix, losing 2-1 in their preseason game at Honda Center.

Game Photos

Super Stats

Official Score Sheets

The Ducks’ Todd Bertuzzi scored the first goal of the shootout, but the Ducks would be denied on their other two attempts. Meanwhile, Phoenix’s Peter Mueller and Radim Vrbata both converted on Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller. Vrbata also got the tying goal on a power play in the second period.

While it was the third exhibition game in four nights for the Ducks, it was the preseason opener for the Coyotes, which opened camp Thursday.

Like in last night’s 3-2 victory over the Kings at Staples Center, the Ducks struck early. Chris Kunitz lit the lamp just 2:55 into the first period, scoring on a breakaway. Streaking toward the net, Kunitz made a nice shot fake on Phoenix goalie David Aebischer and then wristed it past him.

That made it 1-0 Ducks, and it would remain that way until 6:24 into the second period, when Vrbata scored a power play goal with Ducks rookie Mike Hoffman in the box for a roughing penalty. Phoenix’s Brendan Bell made a gorgeous pass from the right circle to a waiting Vrbata, who easily one-timed it in the net.

Read the rest here - Link

MVN has analysis of the game

Another day, another Ducks game. If this is Sunday, it must be the Phoenix Coyotes. With a large training camp roster available, there are plenty of players available to rotate playing duties. Tonight’s game gave us another look at Todd Bertuzzi, although last night’s linemates, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, got to sit this one out. Maxim Kondratiev continues to log minutes in his third consecutive game, which means the Ducks are giving him close scrutiny. Other veterans on the roster tonight include Chris Kunitz, Andy McDonald, Sean O’Donnell, Rob Niedermayer, Joe DiPenta, Dan LaCouture and Shane Hnidy. Camp stand outs, Jason King and Brandon Segal, were able to sit this one out, as did veteran Chris Pronger.

In the first period, Jonas Hiller started out manning the nets, but Gerald Coleman took over soon thereafter. Hiller’s absence was for equipment problems as he played in the second half of the game. Veteran David Aebischer was in net for the Coyotes. The energy got going quickly as Mike Hoffman took on Josh Gratton. Hoffman won the fight easily. Shortly thereafter, Chris Kunitz got the Ducks on the board at 2:55. The Coyotes had several good scoring opportunities, but Coleman made all the necessary saves. The penalty box remained empty until late in the first when hooking occurred more frequently than shooting the puck. The last seven minutes were spent 5 on 4, 4 on 4, 4 on 3 and 5 on 3. No more goals were scored, however.

The second period began with more 4 on 4 action. When Mike Hoffman went to the box for roughing, the Radim Vrbata was able to tie things up by finishing off the shot by Brendan Bell on the power play. A minute later it looked like fight night instead of a hockey game. The first bout was between Sean O’Donnell and Gratton. O’Donnell, who was already sporting a black eye and stitches from last night’s bout with Dustin Brown, had the upper hand and a nice upper cut, handily winning that battle. :02 seconds later Dan LaCouture faced off with Craig Weller. Bill Thomas received a double minor for high sticking and when Niko Kapanen joined him in the box the Ducks had a 5 on 3 opportunity for :43 seconds. The Ducks looked close to pulling ahead when the red light came on during one furious tangle at the net, but per the announcer the light was “inadvertantly illuminated.” Hoffman went to the box again and then Brett Skinner followed him as soon as Hoffman’s penalty expired. The Coyotes had their own opportunities to go ahead, but again, no goal as Jonas Hiller, who came in late in the second period, scrambled.

Read the rest here - Link

Tuesday News - Part 2, Lord Stanley and Scott Niedermayer

So Scott was officially suspended today by the Anaheim Ducks.  Also, the Stanley Cup paid a visit to Anaheim City hall.  The Hockey Hall of Fame has also updated the Stanley Cup Journal with Scott and Rob's day with the cup.

Ducks Suspend Scott Niedermayer

Defenceman Scott Niedermayer was suspended Tuesday by the Anaheim Ducks, a mere formality confirming that he didn't report to training camp. 

"Obviously, he knew it was coming," Ducks general manager Brian Burke said. "It wasn't a fun phone call, but he expected it — he is a professional."

Niedermayer, 34, is still mulling over whether to play or retire, a decision he has grappled with since Anaheim won its first Stanley Cup on June 6.

"That is his decision and I cannot predict anything," said Ducks forward Rob Niedermayer, his younger brother. "He's going to make that decision when he feels comfortable and everyone in this dressing room is comfortable with that.

"I'm sure I will be one of the first ones to know. But his family is something that's come first for him."

Suspending Niedermayer until he decides simply means Anaheim won't have to count his $6.75-million US salary against the cap, which is $50.3 million US this season.

The Ducks reportedly sit around $49 million US.

"I want our fans to understand that we didn't have a choice but to suspend Scotty," Burke said. "That might seem like a harsh step and it's not — that's what we have to do."

Read the rest here - Link

Earl Sleek from BOC has his take on the Scott Niedermayer retirement watch

Dear Scott: I for one would like to say that I completely support your inability to make up your mind. Sure, retirement would have meant you could relax away from hockey, but not deciding, now there's a stroke of brilliance!
Not only do you avoid pesky hockey duties like training camp and flying to London and back, but you also get to steer clear of any PTAs or HOAs or any other serious household responsibilities. After all, how could you commit to anything long-term? You've still gotta remain available for hockey, just in case you stumble on some motivation or conscience, right?
One lazy guy to another, I salute you, soldier. You've played enough games hurt that I can allow some missed games healthy. Enjoy your break.

Read the rest here - Link

The Stanley Cup Visited Anaheim City Hall

My Photos via Flickr - See all of them here - Link

Melissa Robin got to visit it as well and posted some pictures. See all of them here - Link

 

AndyMacAttack has coverage from the Stanley's visit to city hall

So I barely made my way down to City Hall to see the Cup. I went to work early so I could get off early (3:30), but didn't end up getting out of there till 4. I then drove as quickly as I could down to City Hall, and made it with 10 minutes to spare. As I walked into City Hall there was the Stanley Cup in all of its beauty. There was barely a line so quickly I got to go up and finally take my picture with it. After that I headed over to the Council meeting because I knew they were going to have a special thing for the Cup. As I was sitting there waiting a few executives walked in (like Tim Ryan) and then the Sammy walked in. I was stoked because everyone knows how much he means to this team. They then did a ceremony for the cup and showed a sign that said Stanley Cup Way, which it sounded like will be a new name of a street somewhere around Honda Center. I then walked out because I really didn't care about anything else, and who was standing there in the hallway but Sammy. I went over and got my picture with him, and told him he was one of the hardest working players out there. I then shook his hand and headed back home with so much excitement I couldn't contain myself.

Read the other comments here - Link

Stanley Cup Journal Update

There was absolutely no doubt that the Stanley Cup would spend part of its summer in Cranbrook, British Columbia, a place with which it has become quite familiar. The Cup visited the city of 20,000 in 1995 when Scott celebrated the first of his Stanley Cup victories as part of the New Jersey Devils' squad. In 1996, Jon Klemm of the Colorado Avalanche took the Stanley Cup home to Cranbrook. In 1997 and 1998, Cranbrook-born Steve Yzerman captained the Detroit Red Wings to Stanley Cup victories. Brad Lukowich of the Dallas Stars took the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Cranbrook in 1999. In 2000, Scott Niedermayer returned home with the Stanley Cup for a second time. Jon Klemm of the Avalanche returned to Cranbrook with the Stanley Cup for a second time in 2001. Cranbrook's Steve Yzerman won the Stanley Cup for a third time with the Red Wings in 2002. In 2003, Scott Niedermayer arrived in Cranbrook after winning the Stanley Cup for a third time with the Devils. Brad Lukowich returned to Cranbrook with the Stanley Cup again in 2004, this time as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

It's curious, but no matter how many times a town hosts a Stanley Cup celebration, the feeling never gets tired.

The plane carrying the Stanley Cup touched down in Cranbrook at 7:30 on the evening of Sunday, August 26. Greeting hockey's historic trophy were newlyweds Rob and Jessica Niedermayer, who earlier this summer had married and spent their honeymoon in Fiji. Jessica is the daughter of Barney Bentall, leader of the Legendary Hearts, who enjoyed musical success with songs like 'Something to Live For' back in 1987.

Rob Niedermayer hangs out with Stanley at his brother's ranch in Cranbrook, British Columbia.
(Mike Bolt/HHOF)

Rob took the Stanley Cup to his ranch, situated in an extraordinary location near Norbury Lake at the base of a nearby mountain range known as The Steeples. After visiting his friend Albert Comfort at a neighbouring ranch, the Cup was taken to the lake for photographs. Deer, usually timid at the sight of humans, grazed casually nearby, unaware of the significance of the big silver thing being carried about.

One of the principal goals of the visit to Cranbrook for Rob was to get photographs with the Stanley Cup at the top of Bull Mountain, which can be seen from his home. Scott had done similar shots on an earlier visit and they are among the most spectacular shots ever taken with the Lord Stanley's legacy.

That evening, Rob and Jessica invited a third party into their bedroom for a special night. They slept with the Stanley Cup.

* * *

After being dropped off via helicopter near the peak of Bull Mountain, brothers Rob (left) and Scott (right) Niedermayer prepare for their dream photo with the Stanley Cup atop a glacier.
(Mike Bolt/HHOF)

The sun rose on Cranbrook Monday, August 27 with a full itinerary planned for the Stanley Cup. To begin the day, one of Rob's horses dined on oats eaten out of the Stanley Cup. Then, more pictures were taken with the Cup around the Niedermayer ranch.

The tour began with a Monday morning visit to the office of Dr. Robert Niedermayer, father to the two Stanley Cup champions. Scott met his Dad and brother there, joining the activities for the day.

After a stop at the local police station, the boys dropped into Stefan's Hair Studio, where their mother, Carol, gets her hair done. Rob and Scott's Mom had heard that Stefan Zhukrovsky was not going to be able to attend the reception for the boys that day, so they surprised him and his 12-year-old son Conner by bringing the Stanley Cup to them. It was a day for streaks and shrieks at Stefan's that morning!

At noon, the Niedermayers arrived at the Cranbrook RecPlex. They made their entrance on a truck that circled the perimeter of the rink. With well over a thousand people looking on, Mayor Ross Priest declared August 27 Rob and Scott Niedermayer Day in Cranbrook.

The boys were greeted by a non-stop phalanx of light as fans took pictures of the local boys with the Stanley Cup. The media attended in abundance, firstly to celebrate a momentous occasion and secondly, hoping to discover whether Scott intended to play hockey in 2007-08. Scott did offer a clue: "I'm not tired of the question; I just wish someone would give me the answer!" Rob laughed, adding, "I've still got a couple of weeks left to try to talk him out of retirement." A later press conference confirmed that although Scott had not yet decided whether to retire, he would not be attending Anaheim's training camp.

The boys answered a number of questions about the significance of returning home with the Stanley Cup. "We heard from a lot of people that they really enjoyed watching this Stanley Cup final with Rob and I playing," Scott mentioned. Rob smiled and punctuated his elation in winning the Cup with his brother. "I don't think anything in my career will ever top Scott passing me the Stanley Cup!"

Read the rest here - Link

 The Cup Keepers photoblog has been updated as well, here are a few choice selections. 

 

See the rest here - Link

Friday News

So, It has been an interesting week, so here is some news not involving somebody retiring or getting injured. Season ticket holders got a little surprise email today telling them that their day with the cup will be coming soon.

Ducks TV has an update of the Niedermayers with the cup - Link

 

Here is a video from the US open of Surfing that was just posted.  It has about 45 seconds with Sean and the Cup. - Link

Wednesday News

Well, season tickets are officially capped at 15,000.  WOW!  So in other news the Anaheim Ducks renewed their affiliation withe Augusta Lynx, more Niedermayer retirement talk and another link to Scott & Rob's Stanley Cup day.

Ducks Season Tickets Capped at 15,000

The Ducks have announced that they have capped season ticket sales at 15,000 and started a waiting list for all future orders. The club is capping such sales in order to provide fans the opportunity to purchase single-game seats on Saturday, Sept. 15 for the 2007-08 home schedule.

Click here to get on the season seat waiting list

“Our community has enthusiastically responded to our success over the last two years, and we thank them for their tremendous support,” said Anaheim Ducks Executive VP/COO and Anaheim Arena Management President/CEO Tim Ryan. “As we’ve stated for the last two seasons, one of our primary objectives is to continue expanding the growth of hockey in Southern California. With that in mind, we have decided to cap season seat sales in order to be able to continue to give fans the opportunity to watch our sport in person.”

See the rest of the Ducks announcement here - Link

Augusta Lynx renew their affiliation with the Ducks.

“I couldn’t be happier to once again share this affiliation,” said Lynx general manager Dan Troutman. “The quality and skill level of the players we have received in the past from both Anaheim and Portland has been phenomenal, and they have made a direct and immediate impact for our team. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be affiliated with the Stanley Cup Champions? It is a great opportunity for this organization moving forward into our 10th Anniversary.”

See the short article here - Link

Scott Niedermayer retirement watch

"He's getting cold feet," joked his wife, Lisa, as the two stood in a parking lot in Cranbrook, Canada, where they grew up.
Asked about the Ducks' opening series of the upcoming regular season -- consecutive games against the Kings in London on Sept. 29-30 -- Niedermayer was more certain. He made it clear that the trip was too far and that he does not plan to go. "Let's put it this way," said the four-time Stanley Cup winner, "there's a bigger chance that I will play this season than go to London."

Read the rest here - Link

Earl Sleek has his own unique look at the Niedermayer situation with an interesting statistic

At any rate, word on the web is that Scotty is considering coming back for another season, though for whatever reason, he doesn’t want to go to England. Severe anglophobia aside, this would be a tremendous development for the Ducks’ hopes of repeating.

Read the rest here  - Link

One more Scott and Rob with the cup article

The long wait started on June 6 when Scott and Rob Niedermayer first hoisted the Stanley Cup after their Anaheim Ducks had won the final game against the Ottawa Senators. It finally came to an end on Monday, when people got a chance to get a good look at Lord Stanley’s cup at the Cranbrook RecPlex. East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett and Cranbrook Mayor Ross Priest had issued the invitation and hundreds of people came out to celebrate.

Everybody got on their feet, giving the Niedermayer brothers and enthusiastic welcome when they were brought into the arena to the sound of “Ladies and Gentlemen”, the song the Ducks played before every single Stanley Cup game. The cup perched on the cab, Scott and Rob Niedermayer got a ride in the box of a truck before joining their hosts in the middle at centre ice to answer some questions about their careers and Stanley Cup success.

Read the rest here - Link

Tuesday News - Stanley Cup Update Day

Well it's Tuesday and we all know what that means!  The HHOF has updated their Stanley Cup Journal and the keepers of the cup have updated their photoblog.  I also found a short video of the Niedermayer's riding around an arena on their day with the cup, Chris Kunitz was NHLPA player of the day and some analysis on Kunitz's contract.

Shawn Thornton via Stanley Cup Journal

Shawn Thornton was drafted into the NHL by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1997. For an Oshawa boy living just east of the metropolis, this was a dream come true. But Shawn's career took him from the Leafs organization (he never got to pull on the Leafs' sweater at the NHL level) to the Chicago Black Hawks from 2002-03 until 2006-07, when he joined the Anaheim Ducks' organization.

Shawn began the season in the AHL, where he captained the Portland Pirates. But an injury to scrapper Todd Fedoruk meant a quick call to Portland to tell Thornton to pack his bags — he was head to Anaheim.

A year that began with the uncertainty of whether he'd play in the NHL finished with a season that saw Shawn play 48 games during the regular season, 15 more in the playoffs and culminated gulping victor's champagne from the bowl of the Stanley Cup.

 

Ric Jackman

Ric Jackman was raised in Barrie, about an hour north of Toronto, and on Tuesday, August 14, he took the Stanley Cup home to meet his parents.

In a career that has had more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, Ric got to enjoy the rewards of persistence. Drafted in the first round of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft by the Dallas Stars, Ric has had stints with the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and began the 2006-07 season with the Florida Panthers. In December, Jackman was placed on waivers by the Panthers, and was gobbled up in January by the Ducks, who saw a defenseman with size and a booming shot fitting nicely into their blueprint. Ric found a spot on the blueline with the Ducks, but back spasms almost robbed Ric of his chance at the Stanley Cup. Missing the last handful of regular season games, Jackman was out for all of Rounds One and Two and parts of the Conference Final against Detroit. But feeling healthy and strong coincided with a need to insert Ric into the line-up. In his first game in two months, Jackman scored a goal to help Anaheim to a 3-1 win over the Red Wings. In all, he got into seven playoff games on the march to the Stanley Cup. "Having a chance to play at the end where it's fun, and obviously to win the Stanley Cup, was real special," he stated.

 

Brad May

A veteran of the battles of fifteen NHL seasons, Brad May must have been haunted wondering whether he would ever have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup. But wonderful things happen to good people. After starting his sixteenth season, May was traded from Colorado to Anaheim on February 27, 2007. The Ducks clearly were looking at infusing some veteran savvy and moxy to their line-up, and came up with both in a package called Brad May.

When the Stanley Cup arrived at the Markham, Ontario home of Brad's Mom, Linell, on Wednesday, August 15, Brad had not yet arrived, but he showed up shortly afterwards, ready to start his celebration.

Brad first took the Stanley Cup to show his grandmother in Markham. There was a reception for Brad at Grace Anglican Church in Markham, the church attended by his mother and grandmother. Then, it was over to his father's house in Goodwood, a lovely home edging onto the Coppinwood Golf Club. While there, Brad visited his paternal grandmother in Uxbridge, then returned to the house where he saw a number of old friends, including George Burnett, who was his coach with the Niagara Falls Thunder. Over at the golf course, Brad set the Cup on display on the third tee, and members could get a picture with Lord Stanley's prize.

Read the rest of their stories here - Link

Here are a few selections from the Keeper of the cup photoblog.

See the rest of the photos here - Link

A short video of Scott and Rob with the Cup.

Chris Kunitz was player of the day at the NHLPA -

Position: Left Wing

Team: Anaheim Ducks

Shoots: Left

Height: 6'0"

Weight 195

Birth Date: 1979-09-26

Birth Country: Canada, REGINA

Year Drafted: 2003

Round Drafted: Not Drafted (my edit)

Overall Choice: Not Drafted (my edit

Jersey Number:14

Need to Know:
What a difference a year makes. At the start of the 2005-06 season, Chris Kunitz, one of the most promising prospects in the Ducks’ system was told there was no room for him on the NHL roster, was waived and claimed quickly by the Atlanta Thrashers. Chris didn’t even have a nameplate on a locker before the Thrashers had to waive him after just two games. With a 2-4 start to the season, the Ducks scooped up Chris for another go with the club. It was a wise decision because the Regina native went on to score 19 goals and 41 points in just 67 games for the Ducks in his proper rookie season. His second full season is one he’ll never forget: 25 goals, 35 assists, and despite an injury he came back in the playoffs to help his teammates lift California’s first Stanley Cup. A former star with Ferris State of the Central Collegiate division, Chris was a Hobey Baker finalist in his senior year (2002-03) with 79 points in just 42 games.

See his featured profile here - Link

Chris Kunitz signing analysis from AOL Fanhouse

Chris Kunitz, the former Hobey Baker finalist, joined the list of Anaheim Ducks scoring a big payday, as he signed a 4-year/$14.9mil extension this morning. Coming off of a Stanley Cup winning performance and break-out season, a raise was well-deserved for the 27-year old.

Kunitz will earn $1.15 million in the last year of his old deal this season before the new contract kicks in, paying him $3.5 million in 2008-09, $3.6 million in 2009-10, $3.8 million in 2010-11 and $4 million in 2011-12.
"Chris has been a very important multi-dimensional player for us the last two seasons, providing skill, physical play and leadership," Ducks GM Brian Burke said in a statement. "We are very pleased to have him signed prior to his eligibility as an unrestricted free agent next summer."

What's easy to forget, especially given the kind words Burke has for his player, is that it wasn't too long ago that Kunitz wasn't even wanted by his own team!
Yes, at the start of the 2005-06 season, Kunitz was put on waivers by the Anaheim Ducks, and plucked by the Atlanta Thrashers. Two games later, the Thrashers put him back on waivers, and Anaheim took him back. Hardly the road to stardom that most take.

Read the rest here - Link

Battle of California has some analysis as well.

Well, I’m a day late on this, but top line winger Chris Kunitz, who is already under contract for $1.15 M this coming season, signed a UFA-avoiding extension yesterday: 4 years, $14.9 M (with a cap value of $3.725 M per year).
I’m fairly happy with this signing, though I will note that it is a bit difficult to peg a value on Kunitz’s contributions. After all, Kunitz is rarely the opponent’s focal point on any of his line combinations. But whereas some players are purely "passengers" on scoring lines, Kunitz is more of an "enabler"—he noticeably improves scoring results around him.
To demonstrate this, I stole some numbers from an even-strength teammate evaluation site created by HockeyAnalysis.com’s David Johnson. Basically, this site looks at last season’s even-strength ice time and determines scoring rates (GF and GA) when certain players play together and when they play apart. Below are the top 4 forwards and the top 4 defensemen that Chris Kunitz played with at even-strength last year. Note how all 8 players had improved results playing with Kunitz compared to their even-strength ice time without him.

Read the rest here - Link

Scott Niedermayer Retirement Watch - The Latest News and part of his day with the Cup

Thanks to TSN we have the latest news on Scott's status.  Which if you do not read the article or watch the video, remains undetermined. However if you want more details, read the article and watch the linked video. I also have an article from CBC about his day with the Cup.

TSN Report

It came as a surprise to almost everyone in the hockey world when reports surfaced this summer that Anaheim Ducks captain Scott Niedermayer was seriously considering retirement - just after leading the team to its first Stanley Cup.

But when the 33-year-old NHL veteran returned to his hometown of Cranbrook, B.C., with teammate and brother Rob to show off the Cup on Monday, he admitted that a return next season is still very much a possibility.

"Obviously, it's a lot different after the Stanley Cup playoffs," Niedermayer told TSN. "You're tired, you've been through a long year. And after having some time off, you're feeling better physically."

The Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP informed general manager Brian Burke of the possibility of retirement during the players' exit interviews a few days after Anaheim won its championship. But a couple of months away from the ice has the future Hall of Famer in a somewhat different mindset.

"I'm in a different spot, no question about it," he told TSN. "But again, I'm just trying to make the right decision. I know it's unfortunate that people are waiting to see what the decision is - it's not fun, but that's the way it is right now."

Read the rest here - Link

Watch the video here - Link

CBC - Short Article

It's a day they probably dreamed about a million times growing up.But boyhood dreams turned to reality for Rob and Scott Niedermayer on Monday when the brothers paraded the Stanley Cup through their hometown of Cranbrook, B.C.

They arrived as conquering heroes after helping the Ducks of Anaheim win the first NHL championship in club history. But instead of a chariot, the brothers rode through town on a Zamboni.

Winning Lord Stanley's trophy was exactly what the brothers were thinking about when they signed with Anaheim. But now that they have won a championship as teammates, what to do for an encore?

Scott isn't sure whether he is going to play this season. After four Stanley Cups, retirement is a real possibility.

You can see the original article here - Link

Thanks to Kootenay Sports Online for this photo

The Stanley Cup will be visiting Fernie, BC

Anaheim Ducks star Scott Niedermayer will be bringing the cup to Fernie Alpine Resort Tuesday, August 28th for a ride up Timber Chair to the Lost Boys Café. Time in resort is expected to be limited but if you’ve ever wanted to see the cup up close this is your chance.

The ride up the lift will take place at approximately 11:30 am and should last about a half hour. Fernie Alpine Resort will be offering complimentary rides up the Timber Chair between 11:15-12:30 for this event.

In addition both Scott and Rob Niedermayer will be in Cranbrook on Monday where a small pep rally and skate around the ice are scheduled to take place.

Thanks to Ourfernie.com for the info - Link

Stanley Cup Schedule for 8/26 - 9/1

Well it is the final week for Stanley travels with the Ducks. It has been a fun summer covering this and I hope you have enjoyed my coverage. I will posting photos as I get them. Here is this weeks schedule courtesy of the OC Register.

1. Scott Niedermayer, today—Monday

2. Rob Niedermayer, Tuesday

3. Sean O’Donnell, Thursday—Friday