Trouble for Hockeytown?

Bob on 05 3, 2009

Is there trouble for Hockeytown? Arguably the best 8th seed in NHL playoff history, Anaheim took the hard fought triple overtime game today when Todd Marchant netted a quick wrister that flew over Chris Osgood’s glove early in the 3OT.

The Ducks clearly are not scared of the defending champs. After knocking off the top seeded San Jose Sharks in the West, Anaheim has no sign of letting up on the gas. The Sharks were a team that was talked about quite frequently for their supremacy midseason, and were perhaps the best team in the playoffs. So should Red Wings enthusiasts be worried about the ‘underdog’ Ducks? I’d say so.

Jonah Hiller was magnificent, stopping 59 of 62 shots. If Hiller keeps trend, it will be a disappointing postseason for D-town. This afternoon’s triple OT game was awfully momentous. Losing such a hard fought battle is demoralizing to the losing team, while the victor gains confidence, especially when the winning team is an 8 seed playing on the road in such a hostile environment. Detroit fans desperately need the Red Wings to pull through this series, because we all know they have nothing else to look forward to.

Detroit is an extremely talented and experienced hockey team, but the Ducks look hungrier. In some cases, it’s better to be an underdog. There is less pressure to win, and as a result teams play looser, which can help some teams. Anaheim has benefited from being an 8 seed; with such low expectations, they are playing more freely and as a result, they are playing some of their best hockey this season.

It’s not quite time for the Wings to hit the panic button, but if the Ducks take Game 3 when the series comes back to Anaheim, Detroit should start to get a little concerned. It’s hard to dislike a Red Wing team with such a rich history, great players and team chemistry, but to quiet the obnoxious Detroit fans, I hope the Ducks take flight and knock off the D on their improbable quest for Lord Stanley’s cup.

Side note: When is Teemu Selanne going to ditch the hideous JOFA bowling ball helmet? And when is Osgood going to get an actual Goalie helmet?