Yesterday the Ducks faced the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. This is the third game on the four game road trip, and the back end of a back to back. The Ducks started goalie Jonas Hiller and the Red Wings used goalie Jimmy Howard. The first few minutes looked bad for the Ducks but great for the Wings. The Ducks spent a lot of time in the defensive zone, but somehow managed to keep the game scoreless. It was luck more than anything that kept the Ducks from being down a few goals in the first ten minutes, but it was clear that it was only going to be a matter of time before the Wings scored. On the first penalty of the game, Duck Teemu Selanne goes to the box and Red Wing Dan Clearly scores. 1-0 Wings favor and Ducks fans hate Dan Clearly even more than we already do. [ In the 09 playoffs Clearly scored a dirty goal against the Ducks with 3 minutes left in game 7 of the western conference semi-finals. The goal cost us the game and the playoffs. ] Less than a minute passes before Ryan Whitney takes another penalty for the Ducks. Wings on the powerplay again but this time don't score. A scrum after the powerplay ensues and Ryan Getzlaf comes out with a 4 minute penalty, two for cross-checking and an extra 2 minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct. Wings score 10 seconds into this powerplay oppurtunity and go up 2-0.
The second period startes with the Ducks on the penalty kill. The Wings dont add to their lead and take a penalty. To no surprise, the Ducks don't score on the powerplay. I didn't expect them to, they've been horrible on the one man advantage. But thankfully after the powerplay ends, Getzlaf to Perry strikes again and the Ducks get a goal. 1-2 Ducks and the point streak for Getzlaf and Perry extends to 11 game. Now if only the rest of our team would play like them, we'd start winning games. After the goal, the play is up and down. Good chances for both teams, but the 2nd period ends with 1-2 Ducks score.
The third period was a roller coaster of goals and for Ducks fans, emotion. At 3:47 our top line scored again and the game was even 2-2. After a horrible first period and an okay second, it was amazing the game was tied. I had some hope for the Ducks, but then Pavel Datsyuk scored about 2 minutes later. 2-3 Wings, but 1 minute later Joffrey Lupul ties it up again for the Ducks, 3-3 game. Ryan Getzlaf has assists on all three goals at this point and I'm starting to wonder why he's just assistant captain and not captain. After Lupul's goal, the Ducks almost get another but Corey Perry's shot goes off the goal post. The Red Wings take the puck and almost score but their shot goes off the goal post. The post is either your best friend or your worst enemy. Zetterburg takes the puck for the Red Wings, doesnt hit the post this time and Wings are up 4-3. Wings are guilty of some penalties, giving the Ducks a 5 on 3 opportunity. Ryan Getzlaf scores and i'm starting to think he's the only one playing. Regardless, game is tied 4-4 and the momentum is in the Ducks favor. That is, until Zetterburg scores again. 5-4 Wings and the wind is out of the Ducks' sails. Jonas Hiller lets in another bad goal and the score is 6-4. Zetterburg gets an empty net, 7-4 Wings win and a hat trick for Zetterburg. You think you're so cool with your hat trick Henrik Zetteburg, but you're not that cool, Getzlaf had more points than you.
So what can the Ducks take away from this loss?
Not points.
The fact that Ryan Getzlaf is just one man, he needs team support to get the win.
At least the point streak for Getzlaf & Perry is to 11 games, if the get the streak to 13, they'll tie an NHL record currently held by Pittsburgh's Malkin & Crosby.
The Ducks don't really have a number one goaltender. Jiggy played bad Friday, Jonas didnt do that much better Saturday.
And the fact that the Ducks / Wings rivalry is getting bigger. If I really spoke my wings hatred into this post, there would be many expletives towards the red wings and the title would be harsh. Believe me, my twitter is full of curse words towards the wings.
Last but not least, fire Randy Carlyle, trade Jiggy.
Someone make it happen. Ducks v. Penguins @ 4: 30 Monday.
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