Our Anaheim Ducks found a way to end 2010 on a high note, taking down the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2 at home tonight. Heading into this game, I was worried about how the team would fair without our big franchise center, Ryan Getzlaf. Gezlaf was placed on the IR yesterday with multiple sinus fractures after taking that nasty looking shot to the face against Phoenix on Tuesday. Shane Doan has seemed to made it his mission to decimate our roster this year. First the incidental hit on Cam Fowler early in the season, then the not so incidental high hit to the head of Dan Sexton, and now he rips a slapper right into Getzlaf's face. Brutal. I think everyone should wear a cage next time the Coyotes are in town. Anyways, Getzlaf was out for tonight's game and has already been ruled out for the game Sunday against the Blackhawks. But hey, if we can play like we did tonight against Chicago, we won't need him.
Since I was unable to watch the game live because of my work schedule, I ended up TiVo-ing it and watched it when I got home, so I will do a Ducks' hit/miss list tonight rather than a full recap.
Tonight's Ducks Hitlist
Bobby Ryan at Center: After the first few games this season where Bobby was centering the third line, I thought we would never see it again. He looked lost in the defensive zone, and seemed so concerned with making nice passes, he forgot to shoot when he had chances. Tonight was a completely different story. Ryan threw his weight around from the opening shift, crushing Kimmo Timonen in the offensive zone, and never looked back. His goal was just what we've come to expect from him, a beautiful wrister that the goalie never had a chance on. He wasn't great in the faceoff dot, but you have to assume that aspect of his game will come with time. The only time I noticed him out of position defensively was on the Philadelphia goal by Andres Nodl in the second. I am definitely interested to see how this move progresses as the season continues, and obviously what happens when Getzlaf is healthy again.
The Blake-Koivu-Selanne Line: These old guys were absolutely on fire tonight. This line was really needed tonight to come up on the score sheet, since we were missing Getzlaf. Jason Blake roofed a backhander past Brobovsky on a breakaway 5 minutes into the game, which set the tone for that line. They were fast through the neutral zone, and seemed to control the play everytime they were on the ice. Their best shift was in the second period, right after Flyer's coach Laviolette took a timeout, and the Flyers scored on the next shift. I could feel the momentum shifting to Philadelphia after that goal. Their forwards started forechecking pretty hard, and I was afraid the Ducks would start to turtle like we have seen so many times this year. But instead, BKS hopped onto the ice, forechecked hard, drew a penatly, and took the momentum back. They were easily our most effective line, and I think it's a great thing for Blake to bury some pucks, he needs it.
Jonas Hiller: He didn't have to stand on his head to win this game, but he made a decent amount of saves that really kept the momentum with the Ducks. The glove save on Scott Hartnell in the third comes to mind. 35 saves is a solid night, and Jonas gave us just what we needed: Stability.
Bookend Effort: For the first time in a while, the Ducks began and ended the game with a great effort. It seems as though they either come out flying, get a lead, and then sit on it, or they come out flat, get down by a few goals, and then play hard to get back in the game. Tonight, the Ducks took the play right to the Flyers from the opening faceoff, and never once sat on their lead. They continued to pressure in the last 5 minutes with a two goal lead, which led to Lubo's 100th career goal. That is the type of effort that will keep earning 2 points every game.
Tonight's Misses
Matt Beleskey: When you are playing left wing on the top line, you have to be useful. Beleskey did not do much of anything tonight, outside of taking a puck in the knee. Everytime Ryan or Perry had possession in the offensive zone, I didn't notice Beleskey driving hard to the net, or finding open ice. He just seemed like he was floating, and when you have that much talent on one line, you should find a way to contribute. I don't think there are too many other options for the team right now, but Beleskey was a miss for me tonight.
Andy Sutton: He might also be 6'6 and be 220 pounds, but this guy is no Chris Pronger. I know having a big, physical presence is important for a team, but when he's a slow pylon that doesn't do anything but turn the puck over and get burned by fast forwards, there needs to be a change. I would much rather have Paul Mara dress than Sutton, Mara can at least move around the defensive zone.
Those are actually my only misses for the game tonight. The Ducks found a way tonight to overcome the loss of Getzaf and take down a tough and deep team in the Philadelphia Flyers. The upcoming 5 home games are going to be very important, as they are all against Western Conference teams they will be battling with for a playoff berth. Tomorrow I will take a look at the trade we made today for Maxim Lapierre, and then spend the day watching the Winter Classic. Happy New Year, and Go Ducks!
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