Anaheim Ducks,
R.I.P Red Hot Anaheim Ducks Jan.1 - Feb. 19, They died with their fans by their side in Anaheim, CA.
A memorial service will be held on April 1 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.
The season was born on October 7, in Helsinki against Buffalo with high expectations. Back then nobody could have seen such a quick and untimely demise coming.
The Ducks played the first half of the season as though they had lead in their skates. Just one season removed from earning the fourth seed in the Western Conference with rising star Corey Perry's taking home the Rocket and Hart trophies, it looked as though Anaheim had so much to live for. A triumphant rejuvenation in the second-half of the year had many in awe of how very much alive the team really was. That is until the wheels fell off on Feb. 21. By that time it was too late.
The Ducks were an active member of the community, belonged to the Pacific Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League and worked with various charities and organization.
Their interests included skating, shooting, scoring and winning. They devoted much of their time and energy as a hockey team the people of Orange County could rally around, including many former fans of other franchises.
Anaheim is survived by Calgary, Los Angeles; San Jose, Colorado; Phoenix; Chicago; Detroit; Nashville; Dallas; Vancouver; St. Louis; Dallas and several Eastern Conference teams.
They were preceded in death by Edmonton and Columbus.
Donations may be sent to the Anaheim Ducks Ticket office by purchasing tickets to any of the remaining home games in lieu of sitting on the couch.
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The Ducks lost the Nashville Predators 3-1 on Sunday night, prompting me to declare them dead and write the preceding obituary.
Although the Ducks out shot the Preds and controlled much of the games flow, they were never able to muster any consistent pressure because of all the penalties called against them.
Anaheim led in shots, scoring chances, face-off wins, hits and penalty minutes. In fact they Ducks had 18 minutes and penalties to just two for Nashville. The Ducks only goal was scored by Devante Smith-Pelly
SHORTHANDED. It was only the fourth shorty scored by the Ducks all season. It was also the first career short-handed goal for Smith-Pelly.
The Ducks have officially hit a wall. They are on a 3-7-1 slide that's put them out of playoff contention for good.
Jonas Hiller was good making 24 saves in his 32nd consecutive start, extending his franchise record.
After the game Ducks forward Bobby Ryan blasted the referees in what he perceived as "horrendous" officiating.
"Oh, it's been horrendous from an inconsistent standpoint. You almost don't know what you get. You gotta wave a white towel almost. It's upsetting. It is what it is."
Ryan was whistled for three minor penalties during the game prompting his outburst. I would expect his wallet may be stinging a little today after those comments. The NHL doesn't take kindly to players speaking their minds,
especially when it's true.
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