Anaheim vs Florida

Anaheim vs Florida
11. 9.08

Nothing less than a dissapointing game for the Ducks tonight. Playing the Florida Panthers, who are ranked the lowest in the NHL, the Ducks were expecting a win tonight to bring up morale after the devastating loss against Dallas last Friday. Instead, they struggled through a 3-1 loss to the 30th ranked team.

Just minutes into the first period, Corey Perry scored the first goal of the game off a pass from Steve Montador. It was the first and last goal the Ducks would score, even with multiple opportunities in the second and third periods.

The Panthers, or rather David Booth, took advantage of the Duck's inability to score, and somehow found the net three times for a hat trick to secure a victory. Another contributor to the Panther's win was their backup goalie, Craig Anderson. So that there's no misunderstanding, the Ducks lost to the worst team in the NHL with their BACKUP GOALIE between the posts, and allowed all three goals to be scored by one man.

The Panther's record improved from 4-8-1 to 5-8-1, after losing the past 6 games, including ones against Los Angeles and Phoenix. The Ducks now face a 9-7-1 record.

Booth was unstoppable tonight, scoring all three of the Panther's goals for his first career hat trick. Even with three goals in 26 shots, Giguere stayed in the net all night, much to fan's surprise. He's been pulled out of the net three times in the past week, and Jonas Hiller has done a fantastic job in his stead. Hiller may be starting in the net in the next few games if Giguere continues to struggle.

But it wasnt like the Duck's offense had no opportunity to score. There were 45 shots with only one goal to show for their efforts, 11 of those shots credited to Getzlaf alone.

Penalty minutes for the Ducks were also astoundingly low. The Ducks only earned five two-minute minor penalties, unusual for a team that's known for rough play. The Panthers also only had 10 minutes worth of time spent in the penalty box. Even when spending the majority of the game with even strength, the Ducks missed opportunity after opportunity to score.

They next face Nashville at home, and I may not be around to update immediately on that game, as I will be out of town for a family wedding.

I'm almost too depressed to say it...

Lets Go Ducks.