There are more than a few people out in the hockey world who contend that what Daniel Alfredsson did at the end of the second period when he shot his puck at Scott Niedermayer was what awoke the sleeping giant within the (formerly mighty) Anaheim Ducks.

I contend that while it was a boneheaded play, I can’t believe that Alfie wanted to hurt a friend of his, or in the very least someone he has a lot of respect for, but perhaps rather he wanted to send a message to the other team by make it a close miss. You know like in baseball when a pitcher aims at a batter’s head to make him move back from the plate.

The intent was there, clearly Alfie looked at the clock, and aimed at the opposing player. I just don’t think he expected his aim to be true. (Perhaps it wasn’t and he merely missed his mark and this shot just went wide of the net?)

Regardless of intent, there was no sleeping giant from Anaheim during that game. Once again Ottawa couldn’t find it within themselves to play at the level they were required to do to compete with the Ducks’ squad. Anaheim has been able to do what no one else has this post season. Put Ottawa in a losing position and at the same time, get ahead on the mental scoresheet.

Tonight I will be watching the game in hopes of a better offering from the team I support. I don’t know if any sort of line changing voodoo will help tonight, certainly the Fisher clones aren’t ready from the factory yet so the team will have to find a way to supress their suck-a-tude one more game. If Ottawa can take an early lead then the big drinker in the stadium will start to get on the Ducks’ minds.

There is only one thing I place higher than hockey these days and it is my family. Tonight during Ottawa’s biggest game of the season I will be watching (if the CBC’s stream works over my wireless connection), without audio, as I sit outside my baby’s room giving her comfort as we sleep train her. So I’ll probably be online for the live game log over at BoO.

I think Ottawa will need a few more lucky bounces than I tonight!

Game 4

Ouch, Baby, Very Ouch

I’ll post my reaction tomorrow, after I wake up from this nightmare. So close, so close, but you have to play more than one period.

(AP Photo/Tom Hanson,CP)

Game 3

A Game Worth Every Penny!

Many thanks go to my wife who allowed me to attend Game 3 in Ottawa with my buddy while staying home in Toronto to watch our little one.

The atmosphere in Ottawa was incredible. I’ll post more on that later when I get back to TO.

Game Notes

Chris Neil

Proud Papa came out to do his freshly minted daughter proud! Congrats to the Neils!

Leads and Losses

The crowd in Scotiabank Place was so huge it was impossible to be put down by anything like a 1 goal lead against your team. Everytime the Ducks scored, the crowd roared into life and did their all to put more life into the boys.

Pronger’s Hit

I was right above the hit (albeit the last row of the arena) and I had my eyes on the ref the entire time as he just stood there watching McAmmond slide to his right. Eventually even the linesmen knew something was up when they moved away from the referees and stood far away on the other side of centre ice while the crowd yelled ‘You Suck’ repeatedly.

Alfredsson’s Goal

I can’t wait to see the video replay of this goal. I must see it. We were dying in limbo when the call went ‘upstairs’. Why can’t they show the replays on the scoreboard?

Must See TV

Once I get home, am relaxed and my family is taken care of. I’m rewatching this game in it’s entirety.

It Ain’t Over Yet Baby!

More playoff hockey. That’s what I’m talking about. We’ve now shown that those pesky mallards are beatable. The hunt is on.

Getting Ready For Game 3

My wife couldn’t resist sending me this image with the title of ‘Alfie, Spezza Hung Out To Dry’ after she washed my jersies for me in prep for my trip to Ottawa to attend Game 3. (What a wicked sense of humor she has. Apt as well.)

At least I can see the humor in our situation and regardless of the outcome, I’m going to enjoy myself at the game. First time ever at a Stanley Cup Final game. My team is playing (kinda). What could be better?

(Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Game 2

We’ve Never Lost At Home In The Finals!

Watched from home. Wished I was at the bar getting drunk. We can only hope that this lack of effort was because of the new time zone. That and we need to pray that the Ducks start to suck.

Game Notes

The Breakdown

Heatley’s pass doesn’t get to Alfredsson, Alfredsson doesn’t take out the man, Corvo turns his back on him and sets up the screen for Emery. I feel sorry for Emery as he was the best man on the ice tonight for Ottawa.

Shots On Goal

You can’t win games if you are being dominated on the scoresheet. A lack lustre effort by our forwards tonight. Our defence was unable to keep a lid on their forwards and this was reflected in the total shots on net in favour of Anaheim 30 -16.

Defensive Recklessness

I sat gaping at the TV for most of the game as it appeared that we were constantly on the PK. What was up with that?