Yesterday, I spoke about some great memories of the Ducks’ 2003 second round triumph over the Dallas Stars. True, these moments aren’t great for all involved, but irrespective of their emotional impact they are the stuff of which the hockey annals are made. It was after watching the clips that I began to wax nostalgic about the Ducks’ Disney days, and the realization of the holiday season dawned on me (the holidays are nothing if not a time to share stories).
Accordingly, I have decided to share my brief and extemporaneous recollection of that magical Stanley Cup spring, beginning today with the series — specifically game one — win over the Stars.
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What would a great team be without its rivals as a measuring stick of success? Our friend Cole over at the other 6 seconds (warning: it’s a Stars blog) has paid tribute to perhaps the single greatest moment in Ducks franchise history that doesn’t involve any shiny silver trophies — Petr Sykora’s 5OT winner in Dallas during the 2003 playoffs. Coincidentally, it is Cole’s least favorite Stars-related moment, and he explains why:
To add insult to injury, the most melancholy I’ve ever felt as a Stars fan was during that post-series handshake. It was bad enough being eliminated by a low seeded division rival. It was also the final game that Derian Hatcher ever played in a Stars sweater.
Fittingly, Cole had listed the same moments when I asked him this summer to name his least favorite Ducks-Stars memory. Unfortunately for the Ducks, Dallas got a measure of revenge in the 2008 playoffs by eliminating (and thus dethroning) them swiftly in the opening round.
Hit the break to see clips of Sykora’s monumental goal and the final few minutes of the series. The videos are clad appropriately in eggplant and jade to celebrate the occasion. When you’re done, I suggest taking a peek at Cole’s blog to find the answers to life’s great questions (seriously, he has a page for that). While you’re there, don’t miss his insightful look at The 5 Biggest Myths in Hockey. Damn, he has one hell of a blog.
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Dear Santa,
Is it too late for a trade-in – even if only for a store credit – at the favorite hockey team shop? Sure, it’s been a good decade or so with my Ducks (you even brought me that silver cup I asked for two years ago), but now I want the latest and greatest. And Santa, to be honest, my old team just isn’t cutting it anymore.
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Before heading out on the road trip, the Ducks have worked out some roster moves acquiring Kyle Chipchura, recalling Festerling to play in place of Mikkelsson, and losing Christensen to waivers.
Kyle Chipchura, former captain of the Canadian junior team.
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