Just this past week, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in order to win the Stanley Cup. Watching the Wings celebrate on the ice at Mellon Arena brought back some fond memories of the Anaheim Ducks’ Stanley Cup title run just one year ago. Obviously, Anaheim’s quest to win back to back titles failed, as they lost to the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, but there were still some very exciting moments from this past 2007-2008 season. So, for all of the Ducks fans out there, we have compiled a list of the top five moments from the past season. Hope you guys enjoy.
5. September 29-30, 2007 v. Los Angeles (at London, England)
The Ducks and their southland rivals became a part of history as their season opener in London became the first regular season game to ever be played in Europe. The two games played in London were a part of NHL Premiere, a way for hockey to increase its popularity worldwide. The Ducks dropped the first game 4-1, but they responded one night later to defeat the Kings 4-1 behind a pair of Corey Perry goals.
4. April 18, 2008 vs. Dallas
In what proved to be a frustrating playoff series against Dallas, the Ducks finally gave their fans a little bit of hope in the season’s final game at Honda Center during. The Ducks played their best hockey of the entire series with a 5-2 defeat of Dallas in Game 5 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Corey Perry spearheaded the attack by scoring a goal 8:25 into the game. The scoring was quite balanced as well with five separate Ducks finding the net in victory. Jean-Sebastien Giguere reminded fans that he is still a formidable NHL goalie with forty saves and allowing just one goal. The victory forced a Game 6, but the Stars were just too good for Anaheim this time around.
3. December 16, 2007 vs. San Jose
Scott Niedermayer ended his Roger Clemens should I come come out retirement faze and returned to the Ducks lineup eleven days after making his highly anticipated decision. In his first game back, the Ducks lost to San Jose 2-1 in a shootout. However, Niedermayer’s return was clearly the turning point in the season. In 34 games without their dynamic defenseman, the defending champions held a dismal 15-15-4 record. With Niedermayer back, Anaheim finished the year with an impressive 32-12-4 mark, best in the NHL over that span.
2. February 5, 2008 at NY Islanders
Eight days after announcing his comeback to the team, Teemu Selanne rejoined the lineup on the road against the New York Islanders. Selanne’s presence was immediately felt, as he assisted on the Ducks’ first goal in eight periods during the second. Selanne was instrumental in helping the team snap a season-high six-game losing streak with a 3-0 victory over the Islanders. Following the victory, the Ducks went on to win five straight and twenty of their final twenty-six games with to put themselves in position to seriously challenge for the Stanley Cup.
1. October 10, 2007 vs. Boston
Just over four months after hoisting their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, the Ducks return to Honda Center for the 2007-08 home opener against Boston. During an emotional pre-game tribute, the Ducks raised the Pacific Division, Western Conference and Stanley Cup Championship banners to the rafters, forever enshrining the best season in Ducks history. Anaheim further delighted the capacity crowd of 17,285 with a 2-1 victory over the visiting Boston Bruins.
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