Photo Credit: anders-h-foto / flickr

The Anaheim Ducks have inked goaltender Viktor Fasth (that guy with the not-so-impressive undefeated streak) to a 2-year extension worth $5.8 million. He’ll be making $2.4 million next season, and $3.4 million the following year. He currently makes $1 million. To the naked eye it appears GM Bob Murray jumped the gun after only 8 games under his belt; however, the Ducks have kept their eye on Viktor for two years now, and liked what they saw from him while he was in Sweden. Of the signing Bob Murray had this to say:

“Viktor has proven himself not only this year in the NHL but the previous two seasons as the top goaltender in Sweden, we are pleased to be able to keep him and feel fortunate to have two top NHL goaltenders going forward.”

That’s great, but what about that other goalie? Jonas Hiller? Well, Jonas is currently signed through next season for $4.5 million, then he becomes a UFA (unrestricted free agent). And then there’s always that one guy, John Gibson, in the background. The kid that helped Team USA win Gold at this year’s World Juniors in Ufa, Russia. Seems like if nothing else, the Ducks have their goaltending situation figured out for a while.

Source for Quote: ducks.nhl.com

Viktor Fasth after his 1st NHL career shutout!

» Continue reading “Viktory In The Fasth Lane”

Opinion:

Sometimes I hate having an opinion on the game that I need to write about, because I get so wrapped up and involved in the game that I honestly forget what exactly my opinion was. From what I do remember, I was stoked Viktor Fasth got the nod for starting goaltender. It really wont be long until the Hiller/Fasth debates start heating up. I remember being unsurprised that the Ducks were once again scored on first as something tells me they’re creatures of habit when it comes to that. It lights a little fire under their tail feathers so they’ll play harder, and win the games. The first two periods were in my opinion boring back and forth hockey, chock full of non-calls and questionable calls all around. The 3rd period was the Ducks’ time to shine. They want to be known as being a 3rd period team that can come out and win games in high intensity fashion during the 3rd, and that’s what they did. They defeated the San Jose Sharks, who up until last night, remained undefeated (in regulation) up until then. Since they are what we like to call a California Rivalry, it brings me great pleasure that it was the Anaheim Ducks to deliver the first blow. Their record now stands as 7-1-1. Oh and our squad?  A not too shabby 6-1-1, with 1 game less played than these dominating Shark things. And to spare feelings, I’ll leave out where the Los Angeles Kings stand right now in all of this.

Photo Credit: bridgetds / flickr

Add Cam Fowler to the list of Ducks overseas (Nick Bonino, Matt Beleskey, Luca Sbisa, & Viktor Fasth) because he’s gone to Sweden to play for Sodertajle, Sweden’s second-level HockeyAllsvenskan league. If the lockout with the NHL comes to an end his contract allows him to return home. Of the deal Fowler said:

It’s been something that I’ve been interested in for at least a few weeks now. There’s been some other opportunities that have kind of come my way before but they just didn’t end up happening. And then this one came along after I came back home [Michigan] for a little bit to spend some time with my parents and my family. We just decided as a family that it was the best thing for me to do. Really, I just want to be playing right now. I’m excited for the opportunity. I’m glad they offered it to me.

Fowler will be playing with NHL players such as Philadelphia’s Nicklas Grossmann & Matt Read. Carl Hagelin of the New York Rangers was also with the team until he injured his shoulder last month. As far as his opinion on the lockout goes he had this to say:

Really, I’m starting to get a little antsy. It’s just that time of year where, since I can remember, I’ve been on the ice and playing games…..As far as the lockout goes, it’s definitely not ideal for me. It’s kind of a hard process for me to go through. It helps having guys around that I can talk to about it and just being unified as a group with the players. We understand where we stand on the whole situation. As a young guy, it just helps to take in all the information I can and just make sure I understand what’s going on.

And in some evidence that Teemu Selanne‘s everlasting positivity is rubbing off on the young Fowler, he added in his positive attitude toward the whole situation saying:

I’m always positive. Even within the next couple of days, who knows? All it takes is a couple of meetings for them to get on the right track. I definitely haven’t lost any hope of the season or anything. I think eventually this thing will get sorted out. Until then, I’m looking forward to the opportunity of going over there [Sweden] and playing.

Source for Fowler Quotes: OCRegister.com