Carlyle Gives Ducks the Day Off
By Omar Zaman
Well, maybe that title is a little misleading. The team actually only gave up the on-ice portion of their practice, going with some weight-training and bonding time at a pool-hall instead.
Unlike the last time Coach Randy Carlyle cancelled practice, I think this one is justified. The Ducks are coming of their best effort, a game in which they worked the entire 60 minutes of the game but still lost. If there were ever a game to be rewarded for, that’s the one. The team will definitely benefit from the bonding that today was intended to provide as the team inches closer to consistency…
Other notes include Erik Christensen clearing waivers. GM Bob Murray is trying to find a place for him, whether that be in the AHL or the NHL, or possibly even Europe. Christensen’s agent will try to find somewhere that will benefit him and allow him to regain his confidence. Christensen admitted that he just wasn’t a good fit for the rough-and-tumble style the Ducks play so it would be in everyones best interest to find a better situation…
I’m not sure if anyone else has noticed, but doesn’t it seem like the Ducks’ goals are all scored within ten feet of the crease? Corey Perry makes his living in that area, and it’s no coincidence that he’s the only one on the team that’s scoring right now. That’s what’s missing from the Ducks’ second line: a guy who gets his nose dirty and will go to the net. If only Dustin Penner were still here…
The Ducks will take on the Nashville Predators tomorrow at Honda Center. Nashville will be without standout defenseman Shea Weber who is nursing an injured foot, and hopefully the Ducks will be able to capitalize on that injury like they did with Vancouver’s injury situation. Check back for a full preview tomorrow.