Ducks NHL's toughest at home
by Karen Francis
Hockeytalk.biz

MARCH 18, 2008 -- ANAHEIM -- If only the Ducks could play every game at Honda Center, where the team boasts the NHL's best home record of 25-8-4 (16-17-4 on the road).  In addition, they are currently on a franchise record nine game winning streak at home, which means that home ice advantage during the playoffs is critical.

“This team has always played well at home, and to keep that going is great," Travis Moen said.

GAMES

The Ducks took a quick trip to Phoenix to play the Coyotes on Tuesday. After blowing a two goal lead, the Ducks lost 3-2 in a shootout. The Ducks had goals from Todd Marchant and Ryan Getzlaf before the Coyotes got on the board. Shane Doan got the first goal and Keith Yandle tied things up on the power play. Ilya Bryzgalov held the Ducks scoreless in the shootout and Jean-Sebastien Giguere only allowed Radim Vrbata’s attempt. Both goalies were good in net, but the Coyotes earned the extra point. Giguere commented, “We didn’t match their desperation. They wanted it more than we did. This was about desperation, and we did not respond.”

The Ducks met up with the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, another team that has given them problems all season. This time the results were different and the Ducks managed their first win of the season over the Canucks in the 4-1 defeat. Todd Marchant got the scoring started for the third game in a row. “I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.” Travis Moen netted his first shorthanded goal of his career. Rob Niedermayer also scored, as did Doug Weight on the power play. It was the first power play goal in 24 attempts and the first one in the month of March. Mason Raymond got the Canucks only tally on the power play. Jonas Hiller continued to play well in goal and helped the Ducks get two more points in the standings. Roberto Luongo was chased from goal and Curtis Sanford stopped every shot once he took over. By then it was too late.

The Ducks finished the week with a rare Saturday night home game against the St. Louis Blues. It was their final regular season game against a non-division opponent. While not playing to their best, they still managed to pull out a 5-2 win over the Blues. Coach Randy Carlyle said, “We didn’t play to the level that is going to be required here that is for sure. We’ll take the win. We think it’s a decent sign that when you don’t play your best, you still have some success.” The Ducks got goals from Mathieu Schneider, Teemu Selanne, and two from Rob Niedermayer. They also had a nearly empty net goal from Ryan Getzlaf as Manny Legace was skating to the bench for the extra attacker in the final 1:30 of the game. Legace could only stand and watch as Getzlaf beat him cleanly. The Blues had goals from Jamal Mayers and Jeff Woywitka and continued on their ten game losing streak. Jean-Sebastien Giguere stopped 38 of 40 shots, continuing his excellent performance in goal of late.

PRONGER SUSPENDED

During the Canucks game, Ryan Kesler and Chris Pronger got tangled up along the boards. Kesler, who was on the ice, did his best to keep Pronger’s leg tied up. Pronger did his best to free his leg and in the process, added an extra shake/step onto Kesler’s prone leg. Kesler, who was uninjured, complained after the game, “He stomped on me. Right on my calf!” Initial video replays did not show anything that warranted a further look by the NHL. Later video did show a clearer picture of the incident. As a result, Pronger was suspended 8 games for the incident. Colin Campbell, who issued the ruling, stated, “In attempting to free himself, Pronger carelessly and recklessly brought his foot down.” The offense will cost Pronger $609,756.08 in salary. Pronger apologized to Kesler, his teammates and the NHL and accepted his punishment.

INJURY UPDATE

Ryan Carter remains on IR with a broken wrist and is looking forward to having his cast removed later in the week. At that point they will evaluate how well he is healing.

Corey Perry continues to hobble along on crutches and his right leg remains immobilized by a brace while his laceration heals. The next goal is begin returning mobility to the leg, but he still has a long way to go in his recovery.

ROSTER MOVES

Bobby Ryan was called up from Portland due to the injury to Corey Perry. Ryan played on the fourth line against Montreal as a way to ease him back into the lineup. Ryan said, “I stuck to the things that they were asking me to do and tried not to do too much. I think overall it was a good start.” Ryan remained on the fourth line and was a healthy scratch against the Blues in favor of George Parros’ physical presence. Ryan was practicing with Ryan Getzlaf and Todd Bertuzzi and will likely see playing time in the top six during this week’s road trip

SPECIALTY TEAMS

The power play is not exactly on fire, but it no longer is dormant. The Ducks were 2 for 12 on the week and remained at 16.3%. They are 23rd overall. Hopefully things will start clicking for the Ducks with the man advantage by the time the playoffs roll around.

The penalty kill remained the same this week. The Ducks are still at 82.9%, good enough for 14th overall. The Ducks only allowed two power play goals in 11 chances. They only gave up one power play against St. Louis and had a short handed goal in the game against Vancouver. The Ducks now have 8 short handed goals for the season, tied for 5th place overall.

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2008 Western Hockey Network