Niedermayer Not the Hero Everyone May Think He Is posted by Jeff Ponder

As a four-time Stanley Cup champion and Olympic hero, Scott Niedermayer hung up the skates for good in June.  This is probably not a surprise to Ducks fans, who have seen their long-time captain toy with the idea of retirement since mid-2007 every season.

"We were joking on the way in that maybe I changed my mind on the way here," Niedermayer said after the press conference that decided his fate. 

But the Ducks’ defense is no laughing matter; the team has been left in shambles.  Looking at the depth of the team, the top defensive pairing going into 2010-11 is Lubomir Visnovsky and Andy Sutton.  The second pairing would likely be Luca Sbisa and Paul Mara; while occupying the third pairing would be Brett Festerling and Sheldon Brookbank (Toni Lydman recently came down with an injury in camp).  Simply put, the Ducks are going to have the weakest defense in the league.

So what happened since 2007?  The Ducks were the most feared defensive team, sending out the likes of Niedermayer, Chris Pronger, Francois Beauchemin and Sean O’Donnell. 

After the Ducks’ Stanley Cup victory over the Senators, Niedermayer, along with aging teammate Teemu Selanne, both expressed interest in retirement.  After all, Niedermayer’s victory was his fourth Stanley Cup and he had already proven himself on an International level.  So what was left to prove?

His decision took entirely too long for him to make.  The team could not wait and wanted to address their hole that would be left by Niedermayer, so they went to the free-agent market and signed veteran defenseman Mathieu Schneider.  After Schneider debuted for the Ducks, rumors were still circulating that Niedermayer had plans to come back.  Finally on December 5, 33 games into the regular season, Niedermayer announced that he would return to the Ducks lineup.  But this posed a problem; the team was flooded with defensemen and also had a salary cap issue.  The Ducks were approximately $1 million over the salary cap, and had to move somebody.  The odd-men out were forward Andy McDonald (traded to St. Louis) and Shane Hnidy (traded to Boston).

Anaheim Trades Ryan Whitney and a Sixth-Round Pick to Edmonton for Lubomir Visnovsky posted by Jeff Ponder

After a long wait, Edmonton finally moved one of their top players.

Only making a minor deal earlier in the day (Cody Wild to Boston for Matt Marquardt), Edmonton was expected to make a fire-sale on the deadline.  The Oilers rank last in the entire league with a dismal 19-38-6 record, recording only 44 points.  Names like Dustin Penner, Sheldon Souray and Andrew Cogliano were all being discussed today, but only one player is on his way out.

Visnovsky, acquired in June 2008 from Los Angeles, has scored four goals and thirteen assists to lead the Oilers in power-play points.  The Slovakian Olympian is a -4 on the season, but still ranks second on the Oilers' roster among defensemen who have played more than five games.

Whitney, who was acquired just last deadline day from Pittsburgh as a part of the Chris Kunitz deal, is also known for his offensive abilities.  Before the deal, the US Olympian ranked seventh on the Ducks with 28 points.  His smooth skating strides and quick feet are just two of his attributes that fans in Anaheim are going to miss. 

This was the only deal of the day that I consider to be a complete wash.  While Edmonton does receive the extra sixth-round pick in the deal, Visnovsky is more experienced and that could be a big factor if the Ducks make the playoffs.  Being just three points out of the eighth seed with 19 games to go, Anaheim may see if this deal was a right move in April.Continue reading "Anaheim Trades Ryan Whitney and a ..."

Calgary Trades Curtis McElhinney to Anaheim for Vesa Toskala posted by Jeff Ponder

Anaheim just can't seem to stop shuffling their goaltenders.

After shipping away J.S. Giguere and Justin Pogge in the past month, they have also sent recently-acquired Vesa Toskala packing.  After being acquired in the Giguere deal on January 31, Toskala did not play in a single game for the Ducks.  His 3.66 GAA and .870 save percentage with Toronto is an unimpressive stat on this season. 

McElhinney has been backup in Calgary for parts of two seasons, and has posted a NHL-career .889 save percentage.  The 26-year old goaltender is expected to battle for the backup role next season with prospect Timo Pielmeier.

The nod in this deal goes to Calgary.  While Anaheim made a smart move in acquiring someone that they can bring back next season at a cheap rate, Calgary solidified a strong backup going into the playoffs.  Toskala is a former starter in Toronto and adds plenty of experience to the backup role.  His contract will be over at the end of the season, but Calgary just needs him in case starter Miika Kiprusoff falters in the playoffs.Continue reading "Calgary Trades Curtis McElhinney ..."

Hiller gives Ducks something to hang on to posted by Andy Charles

Of all of the impressive performances at the Winter Olympics, Switzerland goalie Jonas Hiller proved just how good a player he is going to be for the Anaheim Ducks as he came ever so close to guiding the minnows to an unlikely semi-final place.

Hiller stood on his head in making 42 saves in their quarter-final defeat at the hands of the United States, conceding just one goal to Zach Parise early in the third period as the Swiss, one of the outsiders for the tournament, eventually only succumbed 2-0 to a late empty-netter.

The Ducks netminder came into the season in competition with Jean-Sebastien Giguere for playing time in Anaheim, and despite some poor results for the team he soon saw off his competitor, who was eventually traded to Toronto.

Indeed the only problem he may have over the rest of the season is tiredness, since he has already matched his career high in playing 46 games in the NHL this season, and with only Vesa Toskala as his backup now, you can expect him to play the vast majority of their remaining games as they seek a playoff place.

Sadly for Switzerland, who also surprisingly (as far as NHL Predictions go) made it to the quarter-finals in Turin in 2006 as well, their offensive stars could not match Hiller’s performances as they totalled only 11 goals during the whole tournament.

But with only one defenseman – Mark Streit – even playing in the NHL it really comes as no surprise that they had to leave it to Hiller to get them so close to what would have been another Miracle On Ice.

Golden Effort Falls Just Short posted by Brad VanFossan

A Golden Effort Falls Just Short By Brad VanFossan I know it’s more than just a hockey game when my 63 year old father is looking forward to watching, and has been watching most of the hockey games during this Olympics. I know it’s more than just a game when patrons at bars ask to turn the hockey game on, both the men’s and women’s games, as I have seen happen over the last couple weeks. This is about reliving nostalgia for those who were around for the 1980 Gold Medal team‘s “Miracle“ run. And it’s about wanting to experience that same feeling for those of us who were too young or weren’t around then. This is the kind of thing the brings generations of sons and fathers together creating memories that become part of family lore. More importantly, this is a message to the world that hockey isn’t a secondary sport in the United States anymore, but one we can excel at, and even be the best.  It’s almost time for the opening face off, winning twice on enemy territory won’t be easy, but I think if anyone can, it’s this group of relentless young men. No matter what the outcome, they will put forth an effort to be proud of.My in game thoughts from the penalty box: -In the first U.S./Canada match up the U.S. was able to score first, taking the crowd out of things for a bit, today Canada scored first, it’s the first time the U.S. has trailed all Olympics. -Jonathan Toews goal was off of a rebound, not too much cause for concern yet. The U.S. is still playing pretty well, theyContinue reading "Golden Effort Falls Just Short"

A Chat with Doug Stolhand of the Puck Podcast posted by Jeff Ponder

One of hockey's best critics was given the opportunity to sound off in an interview.  He did not disappoint, as he took full advantage of this occurrence.

Doug Stolhand is the co-host of the Puck Podcast, a weekly hockey podcast that discusses happenings from around the league every Saturday.  He did not start as a podcaster though; just like a professional sports player, he had to spend his time in the minor leagues before hitting the big time.

“I really got into hockey when I went to college.  The Fresno Falcons are a minor league team in Fresno; I went to Fresno State,” Doug said, “I started following them.  I ended up doing play-by-play and color commentary in two different seasons for them on the radio.  That's when I really got into hockey.”

The Falcons may have been the start of his love for the sport, but the Anaheim Ducks are what really seemed to keep Doug's interest.  Living in Los Angeles, the Kings never seemed to entice Stolhand.  The Ducks moved in to town in 1993 (then as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim), and Stolhand was drawn in almost instantly.

“I thought it was very cool to have the opportunity to follow a team from the very beginning and remember all the players and all the coaches from the entire history and eventually even watch them go from being an expansion team all the way to Stanley Cup Champs.”

As a fan of the game and a media member, Stolhand finds time to attend many Ducks games and watch all of the away games.  Obviously, he has very sound insight into the psyche of the Ducks. 
Continue reading "A Chat with Doug Stolhand of the Puck Podcast"

And the winner is… posted by Andy Charles

 Well, we’ve made it to the halfway point of the season, so it is time to hand out a few awards to the deserving, the hopeless and the sensational.

Team of the season: I’m going to take the New Jersey Devils here since they are the one team to impress me more than I had expected. I thought Chicago and San Jose might be the quality of the West and so it has proved. The Devils; well I saw them as a decent playoff team but not the halfway top seed.

Martin Brodeur has been predictably brilliant, but the Devils continue to get offense from a team that lacks star quality after Zach Parise. And the biggest surprise among them? Has to be Andy Greene with 23 points in 37 games, already doubling any output he has managed in four NHL seasons.

Bust of the season: Plenty to choose from here but (sad for me since I am a fan) the Anaheim Ducks should try for the Anaheim Sucks. Twelve points out of the playoffs in the West and not even the best team around Los Angeles.

The goals haven’t been too hard to find and they have the scoring, but the defense has been shoddy despite Scott Niedermayer and Ryan Whitney being in town. They do have the talent to get out of their predicament and some NHL Predictions suggest they will, but it is not going to be easy given the strength of the West.

Surprise of the season: No doubt for me – has to be the Colorado Avalanche. Just on top of the Northwest Division after a season predicted to be dogged by youthful struggles. A brilliant free agency signing of goalie Craig Anderson has helped but Wojtek Wolski is finally becoming the player many thought he could be and watch out for Chris Stewart as well – the next top class power forward.

What's Brewing in Anaheim? posted by Jeff Ponder

J.S. Giguere is a Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Stanley Cup Champion and a 4-time 30-game winner.  There is no way any team would want to dump a guy with these credentials, right?  Think again.

The Ducks have had some unbelievable years with Giguere manning the pipes.  Giguere made his first strong impression on the NHL when he stole the playoff spotlight in 2003, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the best player in the playoffs while playing for the losing team in the Finals.  Giguere rolled on after that mark, being a large contributor to the Ducks' Stanley Cup Championship in 2007.  But a mediocre season in 2008-09 saw 27-year old Jonas Hiller steal the Orange County spotlight.

Hiller flew out of the gates in 2008 and took the starting job in Anaheim before Giguere could even get in any groove.  The Swiss goalie racked up a 2.39 GAA with an impressive .919 save percentage in 46 games played.  He then was named the starter for the Ducks in the playoffs, and was lights out in the first round.  Hiller and the eighth-seeded Ducks upset the first overall San Jose Sharks, then took the Semi-Final Series with Detroit to 7 games, losing in Detroit.  In the 13 total games played, Jonas accumulated a .943 save percentage, which was still tops in the league as Pittsburgh skated around with the Stanley Cup. 

The Anaheim Ducks then raised some eyebrows Monday when they acquired 23-year old goaltender Justin Pogge from Toronto with a conditional draft pick.  Pogge has not been the hottest goalie in the league, but is still regarded as a high prospect.  The Maple Leafs simply did not have any room left for Pogge to develop.  Starter Vesa Toskala will be expected to get most of the playing time while recently-signed Swedish prospect goaltender Jonas Gustavsson will most likely be inheriting the back-up role. 
Continue reading "What's Brewing in Anaheim?"

Ducks' Defense Still Staggering posted by Jeff Ponder

It was no shock to the city of Anaheim when all-star defenseman Chris Pronger was traded on NHL draft day.  The real shock may come during the 2009-10 season when the Ducks still put out a strong defensive lineup on opening day.

Pronger saw his tenure with the Ducks end at three seasons after a Norris Trophy nomination and a Stanley Cup Championship in 2007.  But Anaheim did not see their defense depletion stop there; puck-moving defenseman Francois Beauchemin agreed to a three-year, $11.4 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 5th.  He even had a few harsh words about not being re-signed for his former GM Bob Murray and Anaheim Ducks management.

“Yeah, I am a little bit disappointed by them,” Beauchemin said on a media conference call, “Obviously, I had four great years there. When you play in a place for four years and win a Stanley Cup, it’s always tough to leave, but at the same time, when they don’t want you, it’s time to move on.”

The Ducks did lock up captain Scott Niedermayer to a 1-year deal worth $6 million on July 1st.  Murray said that Niedermayer “was paramount” to keep on the Ducks.  Scott put up an impressive 59 points in 82 games last season, which was the fifth time he amassed 50 or more points in his 16 seasons in the NHL.  Not only is Scott capable of quarterbacking a power-play or moving in on an offensive rush, he adds the ability to lead and take control of game situations in every aspect. 

Added just before the trade deadline last season, Ryan Whitney is another strong defenseman to have on any blue line.  Whitney is another fast defenseman that can carry the puck out from his zone and make smart passes.  He is also very strong on the power-play.  He does not possess the booming shot of Pronger, but he is very agile and can thread the needle on the pass.  Not being  a very physical defenseman, Ryan plays his position well and is rarely caught up ice on an odd-man rush.
Continue reading "Ducks' Defense Still Staggering"

Ducks Re-Sign Scott Niedermayer to 1-Year, $6 Million Contract posted by Jeff Ponder

As expected, the Ducks have brought back their captain.

Scott Niedermayer, the man who made up his mind to return to the Ducks just before the NHL Draft on Friday, has signed a 1-year deal reportedly worth $6 million.  The Ducks traded star defenseman Chris Pronger on draft day, knowing that Niedermayer wanted to return to his team. 

Scott registered 59 points from the blue line in 2008-09, which is a steady drop from his career-high 69 points in the 2006-07 campaign.  His abilities have steadily decreased in that time, but is still considered a strong 2-way defenseman.  Scott's best attribute though may be his leadership abilities on the ice though, which is very important to have in an ever-changing Ducks roster.  With the addition of Ryan Whitney in the 2009 Trade Deadline, the Ducks still have a formidable power-play even after the loss of Chris Pronger.

Niedermayer's return could mean the return of brother Rob, a defensive forward that is currently an unrestricted free-agent with the Ducks as well. Continue reading "Ducks Re-Sign Scott Niedermayer to ..."

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