The Anaheim Ducks played a heck of a game in Nashville on Saturday night - in regulation. They played a typical Ducks game - feisty, spirited and ultimately disappointing - because they struggle beyond regulation. Anaheim shouldn't hang their heads too low though. They managed to earn a single point, thanks to a 3-2 shootout loss in a building that historically hasn't been very good to them.
There's no hiding the hate these clubs have for eachother. It was evident from face-off to the final whistle. Just like the Sith, the Ducks were fueled by their hate. Coming off a bad loss in Columbus the night before, Anaheim used whatever motivation possible to play a very good game - in regulation.
Between periods, newcomer Adam Henrique said he could feel the tension just walking into Bridgestone Arena. It's understandable. The stench of three playoff losses in a row will do that. Rico did his part, scoring his first goal as a Duck - but Anaheim couldn't hold on - in regulation. Two points would have felt so good too.
Motivation, injuries and fatigue didn`t slow Anaheim down. Three-on-three overtime did. The Ducks outplayed the mustard monsters in regulation and had a lead in the final 20 minutes. They just couldn't hang on long enough. Regulation ended and with it, so did Anaheim's chances at a second point.
Are you sensing a theme here?
The Ducks played the most passive, boring 3-on-3 hockey I've ever witnessed. There was no sense of urgency. They played for a shootout. They played two defensman and ran the clock down. Who does that? Playing to decide a game with a skills competition has to be the worst strategy in all of sports.
The addition of the 3-on-3 OT was meant to open the game up and create end-to-end action and most importantly - GOALS! In most cases it works. That is unless - the Ducks are involved.
Anaheim's already lost five of seven contests that have gone beyond regulation - in only 27 games. (BTW, both wins game via shootout.) If they win three of those, they are tied with San Jose for third in the Pacific Division. Let that soak in for a minute. And this coming on the heels of 13 overtime losses last season and 11 the year before.
What gives? What do you think? Are the Ducks the worst overtime team in hockey?
Thanks for reading, Steve