The Unofficial Anaheim Ducks Blog

2006-12-24T11:05:00.000-08:00

In this weeks episode we recap a wild week in hockey and discuss Scott Nichol's sucker punch of Jaroslav Spacek, we talk to our Penguins fan correspondent about Pittsburgh losing an owner, a potential arena and now threatening to move, Doug sounds off on Rory Fitzpatrick's chances of being an All-Star, we answer our question of the week and talk about the NHL's radical realignment plus a whole lot more.

2006-12-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

Puck Podcast - December 16, 2006

2006-12-17T10:08:00.001-08:00

In this week's episode we talk about the first meeting of the year between Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, the Blues head coaching change, Jeremy Roenick walking out on his team, we check in with our Blues fan correspondent Darin Keener and Eddie tells some fans to have a seat plus a whole lot more.

Puck Podcast - December 9, 2006

2006-12-10T01:38:00.000-08:00

In this week's episode we recap the entire week in the NHL plus we breakdown the rematch of the Stanley Cup Finals, Bobby Clarke's return to Philadelphia, we argue about Alexander Ovechkin's hit on Daniel Briere, discuss which NHL referee should not be allowed to work in the playoffs, we tell you what two rules should be taken out of the rule book immediately and a whole lot more.

Puck Podcast - December 2, 2006

2006-12-03T02:39:00.000-08:00

In this weeks episode we talk about Chris Pronger's victorious return to Edmonton, the Blackhawks coaching change, we check in with our correspondent Ben Thompson on all the teams north of the border, we get you up to date on all the milestones, injuries and transactions of the past week and we talk about the shocking thing that Georges Laraque said just before a fight plus a whole lot more.

Puck Podcast - November 25, 2006

2006-11-26T20:37:00.000-08:00

In this week's episode we talk about the past week in the NHL, Ken Hitchcock's new job and first game, the Islander surprising start, we talk with Tom Gulitti of the Bergen County Record about the New Jersey Devils and a whole lot more.

Puck Podcast - November 18, 2006

2006-11-19T02:08:00.000-08:00

In this weeks episode we talk about the Blue Jackets firing Gerard Gallant and who we think should replace him, we name which GM we think should be fired, we talk to Ed Moran of the Philadelphia Daily News about the Flyers season and we discuss what you can and cannot wear to an NHL game and what music should and should not be played while you are there, plus a whole lot more.

Puck Podcast - November 11th, 2006

2006-11-12T02:05:00.000-08:00

In this week’s episode we talk about the Red Wings incredible week, the Penguins recent struggles, what trades we think should be made as soon as possible, what last place teams we think have the best chance of making the playoffs, the Flames wild adventure at the airport, the Flyers team unifying decision plus Doug has a suggestion for your All-Star ballot and a whole lot more.

Puck Podcast - November 4th, 2006

2006-11-05T10:51:00.000-08:00

In this weeks episode we talk about Mick McGeough's horrible call that cost the Oilers at least one point, the Rangers successful road trip out west, Dave Nonis' complaints about free agency and the schedule, we talk with Penguins sideline reporter Dan Potash and Doug speaks Swedish - plus a whole lot more.

Puck Podcast - October 28th, 2006

2006-10-29T01:29:00.000-08:00

In this weeks episode we talk about the Sabres record setting start to the season, the changes in Philadelphia, the Penguins decision of whether or not to send Jordan Staal back to juniors, we check in with our Sabres fan correspondent Justin Baumgardner and we discuss the beatdown that Darcy Tucker gave Patrick Eaves plus a whole lot more.

To e-mail us, write to: puckpodcast@aol.com

Puck Podcast - October 21st, 2006

2006-10-22T01:44:00.000-07:00

In this week's episode we talk about the hot starts for the Sabres, Sharks, Wild, Thrashers, Ducks and Stars and which team has impressed us the most so far. We also talk about the disaster that is the Philadelphia Flyers and why Derian Hatcher should be sent to the minors. We fess up to some things we got wrong in our preseason predictions, talk to Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Doug calls out Cuba Gooding, Jr. plus a whole lot more!

To e-mail us, write to: puckpodcast@aol.com

Puck Podcast - October 14th, 2006

2006-10-15T01:54:00.000-07:00

In this weeks episode we talk about the games of the week, Brendan Witt's run-in with Sean Avery - including some incredible quotes from Witt that you can only hear here - we discuss whether or not teams can win a Stanley Cup with two #1 goalies, we talk to Islanders beat writer Greg Logan about the wild offseason on the Island and we give our three stars of the week plus a whole lot more.

To e-mail us, write to: puckpodcast@aol.com

Puck Podcast - October 8th, 2006

2006-10-08T02:12:00.000-07:00

In this week's episode Eddie & Doug recap the first four days of the NHL season and discuss which players and teams surprised them, and disappointed them, as well as talk about Lou Lamiorello's amazing deals to get the Devils under the cap. They also name their three stars of the week and a whole lot more.

In this week's episode Eddie & Doug recap the first four days of the NHL season and discuss which players and teams surprised them, and disappointed them, as well as talk about Lou Lamiorello's amazing deals to get the Devils under the cap. They also name their three stars of the week and a whole lot more.

Puck Podcast - October 1st, 2006

2006-10-01T01:07:00.000-07:00

In this week's episode we talk about the Hurricanes trading Jack Johnson to the Kings, the Blue Jackets shoddy treatment of Nikolai Zherdev, the Canadiens/Stars trade, Antero Niittymaki's amazing recovery plus we preview the Southeast Division and predict which teams will not only make the playoffs but reach the Stanley Cup Finals, plus a whole lot more.

Puck Podcast - September 24th, 2006

2006-09-25T00:43:00.000-07:00

In this weeks episode we talk about the injuries to star players during the preseason, Ken Hitchcock's new contract, Tie Domi's retirement, the Penguins decision to go without a captain, we preview the Atlantic Division and much more.

Puck Podcast - September 17th, 2006

2006-09-17T01:45:00.000-07:00

In this week's episode we talk about Rick DiPietro's 15-year contract, Bobby Clarke's stunning offer to Ryan Kesler, the new rule changes in the NHL, we preview the Northeast Division, wrap up a busy week of signings throughout the league and a whole lot more.

Puck Podcast - September 10th, 2006

2006-09-09T23:37:00.000-07:00

In this weeks episode we talk about Mike Keenan's departure from Florida, Peter Forsberg's return to the ice, Ryan Miller and Ilya Bryzgalov's new contracts, we preview the Central Division and much more.

Puck Podcast - September 2, 2006

2006-09-03T01:25:00.000-07:00

In this episode of the Puck Podcast we preview the Northwest Division, talk about JP Dumont signing with the Predators, discuss why the NHL's arbitration system needs to be fixed and which NHL players need to talk less and which need to talk more, plus a whole lot more.

If you have any questions or comments please send us an e-mail at puckpodcast@aol.com.

Puck Podcast - August 26th, 2006

2006-08-27T00:28:00.000-07:00

This week on the Puck Podcast we talk about the Bruins signing of Patrice Bergeron, Nikolai Zherdev's threat to play in Russia this season, whether or not Sidney Crosby should be the Penguins captain as well as preview the Pacific Division and a whole lot more.

Puck Podcast - August 19th, 2006

2006-08-20T00:50:00.000-07:00

In this episode we talk about the effect of Cory Stillman's injury on the Hurricanes, update Evgeni Malkin's status, Owen Nolan's comeback with the Coyotes and the positive and negative of the NHL's TV contracts - plus a whole lot more.

If you have any questions or comments, e-mail us at: puckpodcast@aol.com

There is NO adult language in this show!

Puck Podcast - August 12th, 2006

2006-08-13T00:20:00.000-07:00

This week we talk about Evgeni Malkin's stunning departure from his Russian team, the Sabres decision to release JP Dumont, Manny Legace signing with the Blues plus listener feedback and a whole lot more.

*NOTE - There is NO adult language in this episode.

If you have any questions or comments please send us an e-mail at puckpodcast@aol.com.

Puck Podcast - August 5th, 2006

2006-08-06T00:46:00.000-07:00

This week on the Puck Podcast we talk about Dominik Hasek signing with the Red Wings, Rick Tocchet's legal troubles, the Calder/Handzus trade, our top five free agent signings of the offseason and a whole lot more.

If you have any questions or comments for us, send us an e-mail at PuckPodcast@aol.com.

*Warning - Podcast contains adult language

PUCK PODCAST - 07/29/06

2006-07-30T00:23:00.000-07:00

This week on the Puck Podcast we talk about the arbitration awards given to Daniel Briere and Scott Gomez, Eddie Belfour signing with Florida, Sean Avery re-signing with the Kings, Sutter and Gainey stepping down as head coaches to be GM's and a whole lot more. It's the only podcast on the web that talks about the entire NHL, and only the NHL, every week.

*Warning - Podcast contains adult language

2006-07-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

The debut of my new Hockey Podcast - a venture I entered into with my good friend Eddie Garcia. We hope you enjoy it and come back often.

*Warning - podcast does have adult language.

Pronger trade a steal for Ducks - here's why

2006-07-04T17:23:00.000-07:00

First of all, I can't believe I have to write this column. The fact that knowledgeable hockey fans can look at the following trade:

Chris Pronger
for
Joffrey Lupul
Ladislav Smid
#1 pick in 2007
#2 pick in 2008
Conditional pick

...and come to the conclusion that the team getting a prospect, three picks and Lupul is the one that won the trade is beyond me.

There is an old saying that the team that gets the best player in a trade is the one that wins the trade. Well, the Ducks clearly got the best player in this trade. Granted, we have to see who the Oilers draft with those picks but the odds that any of those three players will be a Hall of Famer who wins a Hart Trophy, Norris Trophy and Olympic Gold Medal before the age of 30 are overwhelming small.

Consider, as well, the fact that the #1 pick in 2007 is almost certainly going to be pick #20 or later. Now, let's look back at the players taken at #20 or later in the first round of the draft between 2000 and 2004:

2000 NHL Entry Draft (picks 20-30)
Alexander Frolov
Anton Volchenkov
David Hale
Nathan Smith
Brad Boyes
Steve Ott
Brian Sutherby
Martin Samuelsson
Justin Williams
Niklas Kronwall
Jeff Taffe

2001 NHL Entry Draft (picks 20-30)
Marcel Goc
Colby Armstrong
Jiri Novotny
Tim Gleason
Lukas Krajicek
Alexander Perezhogin
Jason Bacashihua
Jeff Woywitka
Adrian Foster
Adam Munro
Dave Steckel

2002 NHL Entry Draft (picks 20-30)
Daniel Paille
Anton Babchuk
Sean Bergenheim
Ben Eager
Alexander Steen
Cam Ward
Martin Vagner
Mike Morris
Jonas Johansson
Hannu Toivenen
Jim Slater

2003 NHL Entry Draft (picks 20-30)
Brent Burns
Mark Stuart
Marc-Antoine Pouliot
Ryan Kesler
Mike Richards
Anthony Stewart
Brian Boyle
Jeff Tambellini
Corey Perry
Patrick Eaves
Shawn Belle

2004 NHL Entry Draft (picks 20-30)
Travis Zajac
Wojtek Wolski
Lukas Kaspar
Andrei Meszaros
Kris Chucko
Rob Schremp
Cory Schneider
Jeff Shultz
Mark Fistric
Mike Green
Andy Rogers

Why pick just 2000-2004? Well, I wanted to get a recent history but not too recent as it's not fair to expect guys drafted in 2005 to have already made a mark in the NHL. That being said, let's see what we have. Of these 55 players there are two that I would say are very good NHL players right now. Cam Ward and Justin Williams. That's it. Two players out of 55 are very good. Meanwhile, 29 of those 55 players have either not played in the NHL at all or have played fewer than 40 games in the NHL. That means that the Oilers, with one of those picks have just a 1.8% chance of drafting a very good player and a 52.7% chance of drafting a guy that will either not see the NHL at all or play fewer than 40 games 2-6 years after he was drafted.

Needless to say, the numbers do not favor Edmonton. The odds are even worse for that second round pick they received. As for Joffrey Lupul, he's a very good young player who is from Edmonton so he won't embarass the city by demanding a trade and pointing out the obvious - that it's a brutal place to live. Winters in Edmonton frequently see days that are below zero and cars have to be plugged in overnight to prevent the engine block from cracking due to the cold. Lupul is a good player, but he's not a future Hall of Famer most likely and I'd be stunned if he ever won a Hart Trophy.

Ladislav Smid is a tweener. He's not quite good enough offensively to be considered an offensive defenseman but he's not physical enough to be a physical defenseman. He's plays good defense and should be a solid #3 or #4 defenseman for years to come.

But that's it! Meanwhile the Ducks got a guy coming off an absolutely incredible playoff run. Chris Pronger was amazing in the playoffs this past year and he put up 21 points in 24 games for the Oilers. That's stunning from a defenseman. What's more, he shut down the opponents top line on a regular basis and he played enormous minutes. By playing nearly 30 minutes a night in the playoffs he made Edmonton's defense better. He was literally on the ice for half the game every night.

Now, with the Ducks, Pronger will most likely be on the second pairing of defensemen. Scott Niedermayer and Francois Beauchemin will be the top pairing, as they were last year, and Pronger can team up with either Sean O'Donnell or Vitali Vishnevski on the second pairing. That means that the Ducks will have a Norris Trophy caliber defenseman on the ice for 55 of the 60 minutes of every game. It also means that Pronger will be going against the opponents second line on a nightly basis. Think he might be able to shut down guys like Steven Reinprecht? Yeah, me too.

Last season the Ducks were the fifth best team in the NHL at even strength. With Pronger they are likely to be just as good if not better. And, the Ducks power play is flat-out frightening with Pronger and Niedermayer manning the points. Put Dustin Penner's big body in front of the net and watch the goals go in. The Ducks penalty kill should be outstanding as well. Even if one of them is in the box the Ducks will still have a Norris Trophy candidate manning the blueline.

There are folks that say Pronger has already complained about the trade - that he's not happy with being dealt to Anaheim and that he hates Teemu Selanne because of a cheap shot Selanne gave him in the 2002 Winter Olympics. To that I say - prove it. I haven't seen one quote from Pronger or his agent saying anything of that sort, but I have seen this from Chris Pronger:
"I'm excited to be a Duck. With (Coach) Randy Carlyle behind the bench and the players in the locker room, I'm definitely looking forward to an exciting four years." Pronger and Selanne have had their share of on-ice clashes over the years, but nothing that wasn't just part of the game. "That's what happens when you play against guys and battle in the trenches, you get those rivalries. Now you flip the switch and you're teammates." - OC Register, July 4, 2006
I've also seen this from Teemu Selanne:
"This is really special. I thought Adam Foote and Rob Blake (in Colorado) was incredible. Pronger and Niedermayer sounds unbelievable." - LA Times, July 3, 2006

If anyone can show me quotes from Pronger saying he's unhappy about the trade, please let me know by posting a comment below. Otherwise, cram it.

There are people (Al Stracharn) that think the Ducks would have been wiser to sign Zdeno Chara and keep their prospects/picks. Those people are wrong and here's why:

Chara is not anything close to Pronger. Chara has never won a Hart Trophy. Chara has never won a Norris Trophy. Chara has never dominated in the postseason. Chara has never been the captain of an NHL team and in fact has never even been an assistant captain of an NHL team. Chara has never won an Olympic Gold Medal. Chara, before he got to Ottawa, sucked ass. Chara was not the second overall selection in his draft year, and in fact was the 56th overall pick.

It is my opinion that Chara, if he were 6'3" and not 6'9", would be just another good defenseman. Yes, the Ducks could have signed him (though it would have been a slap in the face to give him over $1.5 million a year MORE than Niedermayer, who's won every trophy he's ever had a chance to win) but why? Chara thrived on an incredibly stacked Senators team - that doesn't mean he will thrive wherever he goes. In 45 career playoff games Chara has 14 points. Meanwhile, Pronger has 72 points in 109 career playoff games. In just this past postseason Pronger had 21 points in just 24 games.

So yes, the Ducks COULD have signed Chara, but so could the Oilers. They could have signed Chara and then dealt Pronger for beans and, according to some people, had just as good a defense - but now with beans! The fact is that Pronger is one of the three best defenseman in the league. Chara is not.

Again, I can't believe that I actually had to write this column and defend the Ducks acquisition of Chris Pronger - but, such is life when fans get jealous of a team that is actually doing all it can to win the Cup. Brian Burke has done nothing but weave gold since coming to Anaheim and now the team is a legitimate Cup contender entering the season for the first time ever. With Niedermayer and Pronger under contract for another three and four years respectively the Ducks have a three year window to win the Cup. Here's hoping they can do just that. As Brian Burke said: "I'd love to see Kevin (Lowe) collect on that (extra) pick." Amen.