Hey everyone,

I just joined looking for some input on the team I just drafted. It's in a Yahoo! League.

In league, the 8 of us have had it since 2009, keeping 4 players every year (last year I went into the season with Kershaw, Kemp, Votto and Cliff Lee). Since people wanted increased competition this year, we boosted the league to 12 teams, opting to keep only one player - I kept Kemp, of course. The team contains 23 players, and you'll see my roster after the jump.

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There isn't much time left to waste, so let's get right to it, the Good, Bad and Ugly...

GOOD

- As Jen likes to call them, the PBP Line (Kyle Palmieri, Nick Bonino, Bobby Ryan) was our best line tonight. The three players that look to makeup our third line next season contributed greatly to the Ducks successes this game. They combined for eight points (2 goals, 6 assists) including a career night for Nick Bonino, who finished with three apples. Palmieri was also magnificent tonight, after a paltry effort against the Predators. Bobby has stepped up as a leader on that line, shedding his status as just a sniper. The kids look good [Ed note: Bobby just turned 25, is he still a kid?]!

- Judging by the outcome, most people wouldn’t have expected that the Ducks weren’t the first ones to score. In fact, the Sharks did, while holding two different leads within the first period. The persistence of the Ducks was what kept them in the game by the first intermission, and it was a great start to the second period that locked up the game. Starting with a hardworking goal from the twins. Speaking of Getzlaf...

- Ryan Getzlaf’s play lately has been nothing short of great. Not only has he done a worthy job putting points on the scoresheet, but his overall demeanor has been invigorating. He’s skating hard, making heads up plays, and finding his linemates superbly. If not for Thomas Greiss, the totals from our first line would have matched those of the third.

- The scoring from Ducks defensemen have been inadequate this season, mostly due to the fact that (from what we presume) Lubomir Visnovsky's shoulder is still injured. Tonight though, three of the six Ducks defensemen who dressed, contributed on the scoresheet. Leading the way was Lubo, who tallied two assists. As well, Francois Beauchemin scored once again by pinching to the crease on the powerplay. Not only that, Nate Guenin scored from a beautiful pointshot that all but secured a Ducks victory in the second.

- Not sure of the numbers on the past season series’ between the Ducks and the Sharks, but this season we’ve played them like we were the reigning Stanley Cup Champions. Although there is still one matchup left on the schedule, the Ducks have won four of the five matchups between the two clubs, and have put a damper on the Sharks playoff hopes [Ed note: WOOHOO!].

Bad

- The biggest Ducks trade of the off-season is still a confusing one. Apart from our big guns and Jason Blake, Andrew Cogliano is getting paid the most with a yearly cap hit of $2.39 million. His play though, isn’t even worthy of an entry-level contract. For long stretches of the night he disappeared, even when playing on a line with two great players. You never would’ve guessed that he was on the ice for 18 minutes tonight.

- What’s staggering to me is the ‘Hiller Effect’. On nights when our goaltender is amazing and keeping the Ducks in the game, they can never manage a win. Poor efforts against some teams overshadow how great Jonas Hiller has been this season. On the other hand, Jeff Deslauriers got his second start of the season tonight, and the team supplied five (!) goals. In his only other start of the season January 10th against Dallas, the team also provided him with five goals. What gives?

- Although the Ducks played very good throughout the game, it’s frightening when they can take two costly penalties in the third that could’ve allowed San Jose to jump back in the game. Devante Smith-Pelly, as much as I love you, control your stick! This is the second time in as many games that DSP has taken an avoidable high-sticking minor. As well, Corey Perry needs to have the presence of mind not to clear the puck over the glass so late in the game. 6-on-4’s make my heart skip.

- Is that you Randy? Our fourth line really got the shaft tonight, highlighted by the 2:14 played by George Parros. Not only that, his linemates Rod Pelley (5:33) and Matt Beleskey (7:45) really didn’t fare much better. I enjoy Bruce Boudreau shortening the bench – I mean, the Ducks won – but on the back-end of a back-to-back, the top guys need their rest.

Ugly

- As much as I enjoyed it, Jason Blake and his $4 million sitting in the pressbox still doesn’t resonate with me. They team played a lot better without him, but with that amount of money, the Ducks could have significant upgrades in places they desperately need them. A good trade-off, but definitely costly.

Tonight the Ducks visit the San Jose Sharks at the HP Pavilion, in a game, err, series that the Ducks can finally say they have had success taking part in this year.

In the series opener, the Ducks shutout the Sharks 1-0 start off their ‘North American’ season. They followed that up with a 3-2 win in their first road game of the year, otherwise known as the "Jason Blake laceration game". In a Boxing Day bout, the Ducks continued their mastery of their Northern rivals with another 3-2 trouncing. Only once – January 4th – have the Sharks beaten the Ducks.

This is the penultimate matchup between the two California rivals, and a game where the Ducks are looking to bounce back from a horrific final 20 minutes they had last night against the visiting Nashville Predators.

Since the last matchup between the two clubs, the Sharks have improved for better or for worse. The Sharks find themselves one point of out 8th spot in the West, with the most games in hand of all the bubble teams. The Ducks are getting their first look at recent acquisitions TJ Galiardi (0 points since joining San Jose), and Daniel Winnik (1 assist since joining San Jose) who the Sharks obtained from Colorado. As well, tonight will be the first time Anaheim plays against right-winger Martin Havlat, as he returned Thursday from a 39-game absence due to a torn left hamstring. Havlat is a player the Sharks have loved having back in the lineup, as they have amassed a record of 18 – 7 – 3 when the Czech sniper is healthy.

For the Ducks, they look to play spoiler. Although they have lost six straight on the road, defenseman Toni Lydman looks to figure back into the lineup tonight, while Jonas Hiller looks to get his 33rd consecutive start, and 68th overall. Hiller has a record of 2 – 1 and a GAA of 1.69 against San Jose this season. As well, indications are that Head Coach Bruce Boudreau has finally placed Devante Smith-Pelly on the1st line. Odds are he is playing next to Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry.

Enjoy the game folks! Go Ducks Go!

With Friday's loss to the Los Angeles Kings, our Ducks all but eliminated themselves from post-season play. In a game that seemed to be a microcosm of their season, the Ducks came out listless. The Kings jumped to an early 3-0 lead as we heard the collective remote of the Ducks fanbase changing the channel. We were all ready to turn the page, but just like the 2011-2012 Ducks have done so many times this season, they climbed back in with thrilling reclaim, only to be shut out once again.

In tonight's action, Ryan Getzlaf and co. take on the Nashville Predators; these same Predators who the Ducks were preparing to take on in the first round of the NHL playoffs almost a year ago. The Preds lead the Ducks 3-0 in the season series thus far, outscoring them 10-4. Tonight's matchup concludes the regular season set in what looks to be a feisty affair for one of the NHL's raw and uncompromising new rivalries.

With 10 games left on the schedule, all we can do now is simply enjoy the Ducks. Who knows what next season holds? For the first time since 2003, the team might be Selanne-free. This could be the last stretch we see RPG together. Maybe even the eternal Jason Blake and his bloated $4 million contract will ride into the sunset. We should all be so lucky.

For the Predators, Eric Stephens has reported goaltender Anders Lindback will be in net tonight in place of Pekka Rinne, while centre Paul Gaustad will miss tonight's game with an upper body injury. Forward Colin Wilson looks to be a healthy scratch for the second straight game.

Enjoy the game folks. And watch out for those Nashville fans that tend to migrate to AC with their ample dislike for #10. Go Ducks Go!

[Ed. Note: Play nice with our Predator visitors. I will be at the game, but my hammer of justice has a long reach.]

*Stats and schedules as of March 15, 2012, provided by NHL.com and Yahoo! Sports

4. New York Islanders

Current Draft Position: 4th
Record: 28 - 31 - 11
Points: 67
Projected Point Total: 73

Remaining Schedule (12 Games):
Philadelphia, Montreal, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Florida, Pittsburgh (twice), Boston, Ottawa, New Jersey, Winnipeg, Columbus

Accumulated Opponent's Record: 419 - 328 - 88
Playoff Team Split: 6 playoff teams, 5 non-playoff teams
Home/Road Split: 5 home games, 7 road games

Breakdown: The New York Islanders face the Pittsburgh Penguins on a back-to-back, between March 27th and March 29th, which might end up being their ugliest hockey of the season. Remember earlier this season when Crosby returned and lit up the Islanders for four points? Well, think of the Isles trying to contain that, along with Evgeni Malkin, who is playing the best hockey of his career. I would say the Islanders stay drafting fourth, and they'll garner enough points from bad teams to stay semi-competitive down the stretch, but not competitive enough to either rise or fall.

Prospects & Interest: Last summer, for the second time in as many years, the Islanders selected a forward fifth overall. Ryan Strome was selected in 2011, while Nino Niederreiter was selected in 2010. With franchise player John Tavares in the fold for the long haul in Long Island (no pun intended), Matt Moulson having emerged as a viable sidekick, and a bevy of other good forwards in Okposo, Grabner and Parenteau, there is absolutely no need for GM Garth Snow to draft someone like Mikhail Grigorenko or Alex Galchenyuk. Instead, the Islanders find a very good, and very talented defenseman falling into their proverbial lap, and his name is Mathew Dumba. When Dumba arrives in the NHL (possibility that he plays next season, he's that good), he'll be joining one of the best young teams in the NHL. The diminutive yet tenacious defenseman will be a sensation with a great, youthful core already established. This could end up being possibly the best and most valued pick within the first round for a team with a desperate need for one position. Now if only they could dump those alternate jerseys.

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[Ed. Note: As I said on Tuesday, we've got two new additions to Anaheim Calling. Kevin Riach was up first with his "State of the Summer Address". Last but certainly not least, is Justin, otherwise known as "JuMowbray". Welcome to the team, guys!]

With last night's win over the Red Wings, the Ducks currently sit 12th in the Western Conference, and 23rd overall. Below them in the standings are seven teams with myriad problems to address this off-season. Each respective team will enter the Consol Energy Center this summer with hopes of nabbing their future star player.

Of the seven teams, each of them has approximately 12 games left on the docket, with every one meaning significantly less than the next in terms of playoff chances, but more in terms of draft position. I will profile the seven teams (three today and four tomorrow) that find themselves in prime draft position to select their aforementioned star. Addressed will be who could rise in draft position, and who could fall; as well as a brief prospect analysis accompanied by a speculation as to whom each team might select. In turn, I hope this helps clear up who will be available once Bob Murray and co. step up to the podium July 22nd in Pittsburgh.

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Hey everyone,

I've been busy with school and work lately and unfortunately haven't had enough time to post here on AC. But I would like to ask a favour out of some of you who appreciate a good jersey collection.

If you could, take the time out of your day (it will literally take 1 minute of your time) and read my write-up and look at my jersey collection (made up of some pretty rare Ducks jerseys). If you could do this, I would greatly appreciate it.

I'm vying to win a free jersey, and the jersey goes to the submission that gains the most votes.

The link is found here.

After the jump, I'll post the write-up I made to try and win this jersey:

(And justly, and if you feel the need to do so, vote anyone else if you are more impressed with their collection)

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With all of the proposed deals popping up in all of the stories and FanPosts regarding Bobby (and other players), I decided now would be a good opportunity to make a FanPost dedicated just for Bobby Ryan deals. I know Robby might hate this thread, but at least this way nothing is overlooked and everything is centralized. 

My proposed trade is below:

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I was just perusing Puck Daddy and found this article that an active player wrote regarding Dustin Byfuglien and fat content associated with 'hockey weight'.

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy?author=The+Player

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I've just finished reading an article on Sactown Royalty, the official SB Nation website for the NBA's Sacramento Kings. The article was about upcoming slashing Small Forward, Donte Greene. Donte is entering his third season in the NBA, and much like any young player, he is trying to establish an identity for himself. 

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Hey everyone,

So a few weeks back I made my trip to California (and Sacramento) under the advice of all my fellow STR's. While I was in the Bay Area I caught a Giants/Mets game where LIncecum was pitches, and enjoyed San Francisco. I also went to Los Angeles to see a Dodger game and to San Diego. But anyways, most of the recommendations from you guys helped me in enjoying my stay in Sacramento. I did the following:

- Ate a Squeeze Inn burger (cheese skirt was alright, if any of you ever come to visit Toronto, you MUST try a Lick's Burger)

- Saw Arco (really nice guy named Michael let us take a complete tour of the place because we came all the way from Toronto. I saw the Press Room, the Locker Room, the stands (took a picture of the Webber/Divac/Richmond banner, chea)

- Did not visit the Railroad Museum

- Did a bit of shopping

Overall, since it was a day trip I didn't actually get to see a whole lot but I really enjoyed the small city vibe. I also bought a 'REKE DMC shirt which I wear around a lot in Toronto and people have no idea what it represents. I also bought a Brockness Monster shirt and a few days later he is traded (bummer!). All in all, I would definitely come back to visit Sacramento and I may come to a Kings game next season.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions!

JuMowbray

(btw, vfettke, I didn't drown myself - one suggestion I didn't consider haha)

Hi Everyone,

I've been trying to find a reliable vehicle that allows me to download past Cowboys games and future games when they finish. Is there a program or anything that fellow Cowboys fans use to download past and present games? I've used OneSwarm but it isn't the greatest.

I'm looking for perhaps the Vikings NFC Divisional Game, the Eagles Wild Card Game and maybe a select few from the past year (Miles Austin's breakout game, etc.)

Thanks,

JuMowbray

Hi Everyone,

I've been thinking about our rotation, and although Padilla will be back shortly, Haeger was recently injured. I know how Ely has been amazing, Bills and Clay have also done pretty well, but instead of bringing back Haeger to round out the 5, why not sign Dontrelle? I mean, if you check his numbers (I know, yeah, yeah, numbers aren't everything) from the National League when he played in Florida, which are listed below, he was unstoppable.

2003 - 160.2 IP, 14-6, 3.30 ERA, 1.28 WHIP

2004 - 197 IP, 10-11, 4.02 ERA, 1.38 WHIP

2005 - 236.1 IP, 22-10, 2.63 ERA, 1.34 WHIP

2006 - 223.1 IP,12-12, 3.87 ERA, 1.42 WHIP

2007 - 205.1 IP, 10-15, 5.17 ERA, 1.60 WHIP

As we all know, the National League isn't as strong as the American League, and one can make the case that the Dodgers NL West opponents (SD, Colorado, SF and Arizona) may be stronger than the Tigers AL Central opponents (Twins, Indians, Royals, White Sox), a move back to the National League may do him well. 

Another precedent is Roy Halladay. Although it isn't a very precise precedent to use, as I saw him pitch while in Toronto, and his stuff has always been consistent, he's been pretty 'monster' this season so far, with a move from the AL to the NL.

A return to the National League may do Dontrelle Willis good. A clear upgrade over Haeger, as he's younger, and has more upside. And, well, jeez, I'm really tired of the knuckleball. 

JuMowbray

Where I can get a shirt like this?

http://www.birdland.bigcartel.com/product/jimmy-chase-ryan-cole

That has any names, preferably a variety.

I'd like to find one with:

Vlade&

Chris&

Peja&

Mike.

I've been looking all over the internet and even eBay for a variety of shirts with 4 names, but I can't refine my search very much more than "T-shirts with 4 names vertically".

Thanks guys,

JuMowbray

Hey guys,

Any site, clue or hint could help me greatly. I've been searching for a shirt that has 4 vertical names on it. It looks something along the lines of:

Garvey&

Lopes&

Russell&

Cey

My Dad's birthday is coming up in a few days, and he's a huge Dodgers fan. If someone could help me find a place where to buy a shirt like this or where they make shirts like this it would help me immensely.

It's a shirt that looks a lot like this one, minus the crap on it:

http://www.birdland.bigcartel.com/product/jimmy-chase-ryan-cole

Thanks,

Jumowbray

We should all keep our eyes on Patric Young, who is committed to Florida.

Please remember this post in a year or two, because this is the kind of big guy we need. Mean, aggressive and can just throw down. And he's my age (take a look at my profile for my age).

Kid is just a FREAK, always looks mean. If nothing is solved in a year or two, this is the guy we must draft. WE MUST.

Thanks,

Jumowbray

Hey guys,

This is my first time on here, and I would just like to say thanks for making me a part of the community, and a lot of the stuff that is posted on here is great, and very in-depth.

I just thought I'd ask your opinion on a simple question, make your answer as detailed or as short as you want:

Historically, who would you compare Matt Kemp to? Taking into account height, weight, stats, "5-toolness" etc.

Thanks,

Jumowbray

Hello everyone,

I'm a recent victim of a heavy dose of nostalgia, and I'm currently on YouTube watching videos of the old Kings. Now I wanted everyone's opinion (quick comment, not a poll or anything) about the point guard situation back then.

Who did you prefer? White Chocolate or Bibby? Was Bibby ever a true King? Was anyone sad when White Chocolate was traded?

I became a fan when Bibby was at the reigns, so I never experienced White Chocolate, but to me he seemed to really know the guys well, and seemed to really be a true point guard.

Thanks for your time,

Jumowbray

Hi everyone,

I'm a Sacramento Kings fan (proud since '02) living in Toronto and I attended my first ever Kings game yesterday. I have been reading this site for nearly two years now, and just now have I started to become involved. So to everyone, I'd like to say hello. I've loved the Kings ever since I turned on the tube and saw the Kings warming up and the first person I saw was Chris Webber. Ever since, I've been a die-hard. I even have the Super Sports Pack on my television so I won't miss a game. 

On another note, I was thinking of visiting Sacramento in the summertime and from all of the commercials I've seen, this is my list thus far:

- Visit Arco

- Eat a Round Table Pizza

- Eat a Big Carl 

- Listen to Sacramento 1140

If you guys have any other suggestions please add onto my list, and I look forward to the rest of the season with the rest of you guys

Thanks for your time,

Jumowbray