Steve Palumbo: It's Time for Anaheim to Extend Jonas Hiller + Stadium Series Thoughts

I wouldn't want an outdoor game every year or anything. But the noise and passion at Dodger Stadium was intense (good thing Bobby Ryan wasn't there.)

From where I sat, the game was slightly slower than normal, but much faster than the usual outdoor games. I'd say this has to be good for other warm climate cities' chances of hosting one of these games. Plus, when your gate is over $10,000,000 and the lines for gear wrap around the stadium, the NHL knows it's onto something.

As for Hiller, why is it that Andersen and Fasth play well in front of these same guys too (until Sbisa makes his return that is)? I'm not saying Hiller isn't a good goalie. But we've waited too long. Unless he REALLY wants to stay here, I think Hiller's gone. His cap hit and term will be too much to handle with the goalies we have in our system.

I wouldn't want an outdoor game every year or anything. But the noise and passion at Dodger Stadium was intense (good thing Bobby Ryan wasn't there.)

From where I sat, the game was slightly slower than normal, but much faster than the usual outdoor games. I'd say this has to be good for other warm climate cities' chances of hosting one of these games. Plus, when your gate is over $10,000,000 and the lines for gear wrap around the stadium, the NHL knows it's onto something.

As for Hiller, why is it that Andersen and Fasth play well in front of these same guys too (until Sbisa makes his return that is)? I'm not saying Hiller isn't a good goalie. But we've waited too long. Unless he REALLY wants to stay here, I think Hiller's gone. His cap hit and term will be too much to handle with the goalies we have in our system.
- yzermaneely

I don't think the Ducks will turn on Hiller and if he takes a hometown discount it's worth the risk.

I don't think the Ducks will turn on Hiller and if he takes a hometown discount it's worth the risk.
- Steve Palumbo

IF.

I don't see it happening though, and with three talented young goalies in the system, I'm not sure it's wise to make that move.

The problem is you can't trade goaltenders for much, so if you don't give your young 'tenders a genuine shot, you end up trading them for useful but middling players like Matt Frattin or Cory Conacher, and then watch them go on to great succes in their new home as your older guy regresses.

Don't think it's the best move for the ducks.

I wouldn't want an outdoor game every year or anything. But the noise and passion at Dodger Stadium was intense (good thing Bobby Ryan wasn't there.)

From where I sat, the game was slightly slower than normal, but much faster than the usual outdoor games. I'd say this has to be good for other warm climate cities' chances of hosting one of these games. Plus, when your gate is over $10,000,000 and the lines for gear wrap around the stadium, the NHL knows it's onto something.

As for Hiller, why is it that Andersen and Fasth play well in front of these same guys too (until Sbisa makes his return that is)? I'm not saying Hiller isn't a good goalie. But we've waited too long. Unless he REALLY wants to stay here, I think Hiller's gone. His cap hit and term will be too much to handle with the goalies we have in our system.
- yzermaneely

Why not? He might have learned to spell it.

IF.

I don't see it happening though, and with three talented young goalies in the system, I'm not sure it's wise to make that move.

The problem is you can't trade goaltenders for much, so if you don't give your young 'tenders a genuine shot, you end up trading them for useful but middling players like Matt Frattin or Cory Conacher, and then watch them go on to great succes in their new home as your older guy regresses.

Don't think it's the best move for the ducks.
- TommyDeVito

What is Fasth's contract Status? I think you might be able to get more of a return for him than soon to be UFA Hiller , if you were dealing with an Oilers, Islanders or Miller-less Sabres.

I get what you're saying, Steve. My problem with re-signing Jonas is which one are you going to get, Winnipeg Jonas or Dodger Stadium Jonas? I get that players have bad games but he has not been as consistently brilliant as he was pre-vertigo. The other problem is the Ducks have really good goaltenders signed for way less than what Hiller is going to ask for. Freddy Andersen is signed for $1.1 million and Viktor Fasth is signed for $2.9 million. Even if Hiller takes the "hometown discount" he's going to be over $5 million in all likelihood. That's a lot of cap space to give a guy who might not be that much better than the guy making $1.1 mil.

That being said, there is no chance you trade Jonas this year. Freddie has been great but the playoffs are a different animal. While Hiller's playoff record isn't great, at least he has the experience behind him.

Steve Palumbo: It's Time for Anaheim to Extend Jonas Hiller + Stadium Series Thoughts
- Steve Palumbo

If Hiller want's more than 3 years, you let him go. Un-necessary commitment with the young talent being groomed in net.

Sign and trade... No cup and he's out to beautiful edmonton

Hiller has only proven to be a good regular season goalie. He has thus far proven that he cannot step it up in the playoffs. He should not be extended until AFTER this years playoffs.

Hiller has only proven to be a good regular season goalie. He has thus far proven that he cannot step it up in the playoffs. He should not be extended until AFTER this years playoffs.
- DuckPonder

I'm just going to assume you smoked a whole bunch of crack before making this comment. Hiller stole the '09 series against the sharks and looked great last season against the Wings. The problem wasn't Hiller; it was the big line not being able to produce when it mattered and bad OT coverage. Nothing on Hiller.

if Anaheim retains him...who do we get rid of ....

if Anaheim retains him...who do we get rid of ....
- rubberduckies

Fasth of course, but that's a gigantic if....

I'm just going to assume you smoked a whole bunch of crack before making this comment. Hiller stole the '09 series against the sharks and looked great last season against the Wings. The problem wasn't Hiller; it was the big line not being able to produce when it mattered and bad OT coverage. Nothing on Hiller.
- selanne4pres

WHAT!!! Hiller was ordinary at best against the Red Wings last year. Granted, Bruce proved once again, that he is unable to adjust in the playoffs, but Hiller did not help the Ducks and he definitely didn't even approach standing on head level. I was at each home game and further rematch every playoff goal when I get home. As a former goalie, I can definitely say hasn't stepped it up in the playoffs.

Granted, his overall numbers were good agains the Sharks in 09, but that is due to a couple of SO's and 1 goal games. He was inconsistent which proved detrimental in the 2nd round as the Ducks couldn't overcome as they did in the 1st round.