An upset waiting to happen

If there were any doubters of the resiliency of the Mighty Ducks,

their questions were answered emphatically in Game Four of the

Stanley Cup Finals.

Believe me, there were and still are many skeptics scattered

around North America and Europe who simply don’t believe that this is

possible. However, these players have shown their mettle time and

again, and at this point, nothing will surprise me or those who

question this team’s destiny.

This is quite a statement after witnessing all the moments they

have provided me and all of their fans during these last two months

of hockey. The Ducks have won in every way imaginable, and for me the

question is not if they will win, but rather, how will they do it.

Overtime seems to be the place they are most comfortable in, and

once again they had a stranglehold on the extra session and evened

this series at two games apiece.

By now, everyone in Orange County has become fixated on the Ducks

and their rise to hockey immortality. I am amazed that in the month

of June, in Newport Beach, I hear people talking about hockey.

As I cruise down to Corona del Mar in the morning to get coffee, I

really marvel at how this team has captured the attention of so many

people. People sitting around talking about the game, the players and

who did what.

It is a gratifying feeling I get in hearing this. After all,

spending eight seasons playing for the Ducks alongside most of the

guys who are still on the roster lets me enjoy the ride with them,

knowing what it has taken to get here.

You know, it’s funny that, for the most part, most, if not all, of

the current players and I can easily walk around Fashion Island or

eat at our favorite restaurants and not be noticed. There are, of

course, the die-hard Ducks fans who certainly know who the players

are on and off the ice, but in a place like Southern California, it

is the exception not the rule.

I have a feeling that, regardless of the outcome of the finals,

things are about to change and Orange County has now officially

become a hockey town.

Many guys have played for the Ducks in the team’s first 10

seasons. I have heard from many of them as the playoffs have rolled

along, and there is a constant theme.

They have all said that they are not really shocked at the success

of this team. They have all felt in their time playing for the Ducks

that there was no better place than Anaheim to play hockey in. A

great rink, great fans and a great place to live. This town has

always had the potential to be hockey utopia. All it needed was a

little success on the ice, and with that, players would ask to come

play here. In turn, fans would have a reason to flock to the Pond to

cheer.

I have always felt that way, and that was one of the biggest

reasons I wanted to stay in Anaheim and finish my career as a Mighty

Duck. As it turned out, it didn’t go as I had planned, but I always

knew I would be back with this team one way or another.

Game Four was a game of true grit. Both teams played well and dug

deep. It was very physical, and as the scoreless tie continued late

into the game, so did the intensity.

Again, the Ducks got big games from Rob Niedermayer and

Jean-Sebastien Giguere, but it was the other trade deadline

acquisition who became the hero. Again, Steve Thomas came through in

the clutch, and his line with Sam Pahlsson and Stan Chistov provided

the boost the Ducks needed to get back into this series.

Now, the finals become a best two out of three. For hockey

purists, a game seven, winner take all, is the pinnacle of all

sports. There are no tomorrows in a game seven. Leave it all out on

the ice is the motto.

Before we get a head of ourselves, the Ducks, to win the whole

thing, will have to find a way to win on the road. Two of the three

remaining games will be played in the hostile confines of the

Continental Airlines Arena, and New Jersey will certainly find some

comfort in that.

Momentum has shifted, though, and the Ducks have the advantage of

going to New Jersey looking to steal a game that the Devils must win.

Look for an upset.