While on my 14 hour (each way) road trip, all sorts of things popped into my head. For the purposes of this article I'll try to keep hockey related and mostly Duck specific. Maybe I can add a few stray general observations, but hockey is the name of the game.
The Ducks
Never in my wildest dreams did I think Ryan Kesler would fit in as well as he has. He has been a key player in all facets of the game including, but not limited to the power play, penalty kill and faceoff circle. Once Matt Beleskey and Kyle Palmieri got healthy they joined Kesler to form an effective second line.
Rene Bourque is good enough to be a member of the Ducks. He is, however not top six material. Even if there were an injury to a member of the top six, he's not the player that should be given the opportunity. Jakob Silfverberg, Andrew Cogliano, Rickard Rakell and Devante Smith-Pelly are all deserving a shot ahead of him.
After seeing the contract Marc Staal got from the Rangers, Clayton Stoner's deal is looking more and more like a bargain.
Speaking of the top six, I think Anaheim missed the boat when David Perron was traded to the Penguins. He would have been a great compliment to Getzlaf and Perry.
In a way I'm happy Frederik Andersen isn't going to the All-Star game. Don't get me wrong he deserves the honor, but if anyone has earned a break, its him.
Emerson Etem and DSP have been disappointing this season. Might they be better served by a change of scenery?
When it comes to adding a player to the roster, most of the message board comments as well as my own comments call for a top pair defensemen. If that is so, at least one defenseman has to go. Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindhom and Sami Vatanen are going nowhere. Any big deal won't include Mark Fistric or Eric Brewer because they are bottom pairing guys at best, That leaves Clayton Stoner, Francois Beauchemin and Ben Lovejoy. Stoner was just signed and adds a physical dimension to the lineup. Lovejoy's cap hit is $1.1M per year for this season and next and that's a good reason to keep him. Beauch is a UFA at the end of the season, so whether its now, the deadline or next season, his Duck days are coming to an end.
The NHL
Middle of the road quality defensemen is becoming a great paying gig.
The NHL really needs to make all games worth three points. A regulation win is worth three points. An OT or shootout win is worth two points and the loser gets one. It levels the playing field when an equal amount of points are awarded for each contest.
NHL video review may not be perfect, but it works better than any other sport.
Someone in the NHL hierarchy needs to realize that one outdoor game a season is enough. While I'm at it, can we please go back to 24/7 on HBO with Liev Schreiber.
There is a very real chance that the defending Stanley Cup champions might miss the post-season.
It would be cool to see a sprint race with Carl Haglin, Blake Wheeler, Nathan McKinnon, Taylor Hall, Michael Grabner and Cogliano. Who is the NHL's fastest man?
If you are looking for some inspirational NHL stories try these: Nick Foligno http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/12213875/nhl-columbus-blue-jackets-nick-foligno-finds-purpose-daughter-illness Travis Hamonic http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11915798
Stray Observations
Lewis Black is very entertaining comedian. After listening to three of his hour long specials in a row, my likelihood of using an “F… bomb increased exponentially.
Then again it wouldn't matter much because after that period of time, anyone sounds like Fenster from The Usual Suspects when they speak.
When did it become acceptable for people to wear pajamas when they go shopping?
Final Thought
My mother is doing much better and was was released from the rehabilitation hospital today. Thanks for all your support and kind words.