kyle*

Shot you a PM. On topic: All-Star votes were finalized. My endless texting counted to something at least... Even though I don't think Giguere or Scotty should be in this year.

It's not meant to be a violent wish at all. I didn't mean it that way. The whole affair he pulled this Summer was absolutely silly (I've seen in it in this are twice) and what I meant was I don't want to see him have a successful spell in Vancouver. And I have a grudge against Canada because of their overzealous media and fans. If you ever read articles on TSN.ca, the Canadian bias and arrogance is just astounding. They talk down to the rest of the league, and are always on the attack on teams in small US markets. Whenever it's a Canadian team vs a US team, I'll always pull for the US team. The after effects of the "cup coming home" would absolutely do my head in.

Alright, alright. Ducks are just barely a playoff team at the moment. We're going to have to shift to the youth next year. I hate losing to Canadian teams. The unbelievably idiotic articles and reviews that come out in the following days always lower my faith in humanity. And I hope Sundin 1) plays like crap or 2) gets hurt. Just because he should have stayed with the Leafs or retired.

Yeah, I watched the fights, but didn't want to see much of the actual game... I have no idea what went on between Blake and Scotty, though. But Blake is receiving a lot of crap across Ducks message boards. The 'stache is George Parros! And he only has long hair because he donates it to Locks of Love, a charity group out here that makes wigs for those with cancer. But the 'stache will definitely stay! You can buy fake ones at the arena here and all the money goes to charity.

Stupid Ducks. Only had the radio of the game, and I liked what Carlyle did with the lines, but now I think he'll be convinced they aren't working after just one game. Bring on my least favourite team other than the Kings this sunday: Minnesota Wild. Of course, an opponent I always go to see.

But that's not fair on him. When he does something illegal, he is punished. His usual wind-ups on the ice are legal, and you can't be punished for being a pest. Avery is basically the most hated guy in hockey because he runs his mouth too much, has been in fights with teammates, seemingly gets special treatment from the refs, and is always the number one-target on the ice. He just is really an idiot and everyone hates him. Bettman is an idiot, and has essentially watered down the toughness of the NHL since he has taken over. The game is less intense as a result, and Avery's comments were labelled as detrimental to the sportsmanlike attitude of the sport. Or something. But we all know Bettman didn't want the Calgary / Dallas game to turn into a huge brawl. Yesterday's game was a good one. Carter finally played and scored a goal. Ryan also had a goal and an assist. Meanwhile on the second line Morrison and Marchant shocked Ducks fans again by doing absolutely nothing. Way to go, Carlyle!

Up 2:1 a minute into the third... ... Lost 2:4. Avery is indeed a twat, but the whole suspension thing is ridiculous. Bettman is a bigger twat, and the whole thing has been wayyyyy overblown. And "sloppy seconds" is really that offensive? Really? No place for it, but six game suspension?! Zeiler's illegal hit that knocked Sakic out: 3 games. ... SEAN AVERY SAID WHAT?!: 6 games.

Oh my GOD I hope the Sharks get swept in their first playoff matchup. Just because it would be hilarious. I suppose I have to think about things like these when the Ducks play like they have this week...

Burke is officially president and GM of the Leafs. Here's hoping for futility in their franchise from now on.

Well, I'm sure there is a mix, but I honestly can't imagine the fanbase for the Isles, Bolts or Panthers being too big. Lucky win today. Rather dull game, but 2 points = 2 points.

Most away supporters are just people who live in the area now. Sometimes during holiday weeks, you'll see little groups of fans, but nothing significant. From what I've seen, the best games for split crowds are the close ones... Such as... Anaheim / LA (35 miles apart) New York / New Jersey Washington / Pittsburgh Detroit Bandwagon / Any team I know a lot of Ducks fans who make the trip up to San Jose sometimes, but that building is becoming more and more unpleasant apparently. I've never been, but I'd like to. I might go up around Christmas.

Nooooo. It's because Bettman is an idiot and can't even market his own sport. The All Star game is going to be a joke. I really hope the first lines of Monreal and Detroit do nothing throughout the game, and the other lines tear it up. I'd enjoy that. Then the Canadian media can piss off and Wings fans can shut that giant gaping hole on their faces. Avs tonight. They are one of the teams I like seeing in town because their fans are usually quite nice. I've sat with a few in LA and in Anaheim, and have never had a bad experience. So I shouldn't be too mad after tonight. ... But Chicago on Friday... I'm not holding out much hope for that game in terms of away fans.

^^ They have started off really slowly, but this early in the season, they can jump up there again. Hopefully with no help from Anaheim... My GOD I f***ing hate the Stars. Game isn't even over, but I'm fuming. Avery is such a twat. Not because of what he does, but the calls he get. The refs are unbelievable. "Oh my someone came into contact with #16! Two minutes!" Turco is dirty little shit. Oh my the net dislodged again. Why does this always happen to me? And the All Star thing is ridiculous. I hate Canada, and I hate Detroit. Either overzealous, arrogant fans, or complete glory hunters.. Short version of this post: GRRRR. Edit: YES. Crap performance, but thank god we beat the Stars. Oh yes.

Caps thrashed us last night. But it looks like Bobby Ryan is seriously ready for the NHL. Easily the best player for the Ducks last night. At least we beat the Kings on Wednesday? Anyone keeping an eye on the All Star Voting? Effectively: The NHL All Star game has been cancelled. Instead, it will be a home game for the Canadiens. Likely against the Red Wings. This is why I always root against Canadian teams and Detroit.

Let's thrash some Queens tonight! Bobby Ryan is up with Beauchemin out for... Probably the entire season.

Soooooo called it a few pages ago! I think... If he goes to Toronto, I'll start rooting against them, simply because I want the Canadian media to face the realization that he isn't the second coming of christ. He's a bit stubborn in my opinion, and has shown a habit in overpaying certain players... I'm not that bothered. More surprised if anything. Never a big Burke fan myself, mainly due to some of the head-scratchers he pulled recently, and his personality in general. The only thing I'm worried about is the transitional period, because we can't miss a step right now. We need to ship out a few players quickly, and I hope this whole situation doesn't take the focus away from that. Oh well. News conference is on TSN.ca in 20 minutes if anyone is interested. Should be fascinating stuff! Edit: I'm starting to think a coaching change me be close as well. Carlyle hasn't been too popular this season with a lot of people, but Burke was a strong defender of him. Also, Burke is still advisor of the Ducks right now (or some other title), but can negotiate out of that if he is to head to another team this year. (bolded because that's probably the most interesting bit for other fans)

Old and bit fuzzy, but it's so awesome. (going through some old pictures tonight) Good game tonight with Detroit and Pittsburgh. Hate both teams, but that was a nice comeback at the end. And it was the slap in the face that Hossa was destined to receive.

You picked the Leafs over the Quack Attack? Would have been a good call last night. Anderson in net for Florida was out of position so many times, but the Ducks did nothing with it. Scored about a minute in, then came thisclose for the rest of the game. The time difference is probably tough, but www.justin.tv has 99% of games streamed. Or you could check this forum for a stream. The quality is surprisingly good. And NHL.com always has free radio from every team.

I was watching that game and decided to have a peek at the numbers and it was listed as 9-3 for a while... A really good game, though. If you like a wide open, offensive game. During one of the commercial break, they showed photos of all the Canadian troops who have been lost in battle this year. Those videos always get me. Panthers tonight. With all due respect, they're the weakest team in the league. Start that streak again, Ducks.

^^ Awesome photos, Jim. I've never seen the interior of the Garden. Teal and purple seats... Would have worked for us, but for New York?! They were probably scared. He looks like he is having some serious roid rage. I watched a tape of that game... I had no idea Columbus had an actual fan base. Stupid Dallas. They always have our number. That was probably the most excited I was for a game this early in the season, though. I really, really wanted to beat the Stars after what has happened over the past couple years. But that call on Kunitz last night for his hit against Avery was a load of bullshit. It was a huge hit, but a clean hit. That c**t deserved it. Also, Sutherby absolutely pounded whoever he fought last night. Shame it didn't give the team the spark it was meant to... Edit: Carlyle agrees with me... “I need an explanation if that’s a penalty in the NHL,” Carlyle said. “That was a clean hit along the wall. The player didn’t run at him. He didn’t do anything, didn’t raise his arms. He made a good body check, and was penalized for it. “If that’s a penalty, I want to review some other video and find out what’s not a penalty.” Well, I suppose it's better than all the teams that use zombie nation or that one "HEY!" song. Screw the Flyers for copying it.

Slashing, high sticking, and fighting. That's what you want your goalie doing! And he fought with his mask on. Lame. Speaking of goalies losing the plot... Patrick Roy's son is absolutely f***ing mental. Random: I cannot stand the Rangers goal song.

Nine without a regulation loss! Big game against Dallas tomorrow, hopefully the winning continues. Definitely need Parros with that twat Avery in their lineup. Selanne is now 20th all-time in goals with 561! And much to the pleasure of the home crowd last night, Kariya left the game during the 2nd period.

Ducks are going to have a meeting with Mats Sundin. Sundin and his wife have a home in the area, and he has said he wants to go to a competitive team in a warmer climate that is not scheduled to visit Toronto... Hm. We'd definitely have to make some moves, though. I'd guess Morrison/Marchant. Sundin and Selanne would be an interesting pair... Let's thrash some Queens tonight.

Seven games without a regulation loss. I'm very superstitious, so I can't stop posting this.

Fantastic game last night. Shame it ended the way it did. Well, at least that's six games in a row with points earned.