All they were quacked up to be

Congrats to the Ducks, who blew past the Senators to win the 2007 Cup last night.

I was a bit disappointed that the Cup finals were so non-competitive. Just as San Jose could be disappointed that they 'blew' the series to Detroit. Just as Detroit could be disappointed that they 'blew' the series to the Ducks.

Fact is, the Ducks got the job done. They had the goaltending when it counted, the size and speed to counteract Ottawa's offense. Just as Ottawa had the answers for Buffalo in the East conference final.

I thought Niedermayer's Conn Smythe was well deserved, more so than it would have been if it had gone to Giguere.

With that, I'm going to sign off for now. Thanks to those of you who read the blog and those who commented. Not sure if we'll be back in any manner next season, but feel free to keep looking or make suggestions.

Les

Game 3

Well, Ottawa at least is going to make a series of this. Key game will now be Monday. If Ottawa can tie things up, at least my faith will be rewarded in the East conference.

I thought Ottawa played much better, obviously, converting their opportunities last night. They got a huge break when the tying goal at 3-3 was ruled a tying goal on video replay. Everything I saw on the replay said the referee got it right, that Alfredsson had kicked in the puck. I don't see how they saw enough on the replay to justify overturning the call.

In any event, that certain turned the game around, and if the series turns, that will be looked at as a key moment, much like when Detroit scored late in Game 4 against San Jose to tie the game (and eventually win that game in OT to tie the series) and it completely changed the series.

One caution: Ray Emery may have played OK last night, but he gives an awful lot of 'big' rebounds. You watch Giguere, and even though he gave up 5 goals, most were not his fault. He covers his rebounds. I'm not convinced Emery can keep Ottawa alive just by his play, and a Cup aspiring goalie has to be able to do that.