The Teemu Selanne Show: Anaheim Steals Two Points from Flyers

I'd really love it if the Ducks wouldn't wait so long to show up to games.  It seems like they're purely using the first period as an opportunity to get their feet under them and get going.  Not only that, but they've yet to score a goal in the first period.  I don't like it.

But eh...with an ending like this one, I'll save the complaints for another time!

The final 40 minutes of play showed us the Ducks we're expecting to see.  Sure, they were unable to put the puck in the net, but that's not to say they didn't have plenty of opportunities.  I know there are going to be nights when the battle is won, but the puck just isn't bouncing in the right direction. 

The Ducks definitely had one of those nights.  However, they didn't let that stop them.  I was highly impressed to see them continue putting pressure on the Flyers. They didn't give up in the second, and didn't back down in the third.  That pressure and drive paid off big time.

I'd love to see them play entire games like this, but how can you complain when they battle to come back the way they did tonight. Who do you thank for that?  How about Jonas Hiller, for playing an unbelievably solid game in the net tonight.

In my opinion, Hiller has made a major change to his game.  He's giving up far less rebounds than he was last season.  Going into a shootout with him in net seems like a guaranteed victory before it even begins. Tonight was no exception, as he made some great saves to keep the Ducks in the game.  You can't ask for anything more.

In addition to great goaltending, I think the Ducks are starting to come together on defense.  I have to admit, I'm beginning to really love Luca Sbisa, and tonight he gave me a few more reasons to give him praise.  Near the end of the third period, he was the lone man back on a two on one rush.

He sprawled out on the ice and disrupted the pass that might have been a sure thing for Philly.  It's the little things like this that are getting that kid noticed.  I'm glad he made the final roster. 

I took special notice of Steve Eminger tonight as well.  He's been paired with Scott Niedermayer lately, and tonight he stepped up and took an offensive-minded attack. Keep an eye on him in the next few games, he might just be a key factor here for the Ducks.

Then there is the man, Teemu Selanne.  When he decides to show up, it's not a one goal gig.  He will definitely be back for more, and tonight, he OWNED Ray Emery.  Scoring ALL THREE of the Ducks late goals, Teemu Selanne is looking to have himself a goal scoring party in the Ducks favor, and I'm on board.  Thanks, Selanne.  It's better late than never.

I do have a complaint (I know, I'm sorry).  What's up with Ryan Getzlaf?  Is he sluggishly recovering from his offseason surgery, or is he just being lazy?  Let's hope he's feeling a bit lethargic and it's not a permanent change to his style of play, because if that's the case, I have no problem allowing hard working Saku Koivu step into his role on the top line.

In the end, I don't feel bad watching Philly lose like they did.  The Ducks have been on the other end of these games too many times in the past...it's about time it goes the other way for a change!  You can have your goal, Chris Pronger...the Ducks will take that second point!

GO DUCKS!!