I don't blame you, I blame them.

Don't worry. This isn't another pep talk. (I save those for special occasions.) I just wanted you to know, I'm letting this one wash. I'm not going to crack the whip for one loss despite the fact that it was disappointing and frustrating.

Ask me why.
(Why?)
Because I don't blame you, I blame them.
(Who's 'them'?)
Them would be whoever was responsible for forbidding fans from showing our love and support at the glass. It broke the mojo and our personal ritualistic superstitions.

I've been going down to the glass for warm-ups for every game since I was a tween. (And now that I've written "tween", I realize how ridiculous the term actually sounds.) I've made a habit out of bringing signs for the team since the 2005-2006 season. Imagine my surprise when I was told that we would not be allowed to stand at the glass to cheer our team, our boys, during warm-ups?

Very, if you didn't already realize.

It was a pathetic sight from up in the 400s, watching the boys come out and skate around looking at... nothing. A sea of empty seats with orange fowl towels, and no bodies clamoring at the glass for them. No applause, no cheers (or weak ones at least), and zero signs.

Then the game started, and it didn't seem so bad. The playoff atmosphere was back, roaring in my ears. The boys started well, but totally dropped the ball after Travis Moen took an elbowing penalty.

Dallas scored during the ensuing power play, and not long later, they'd collect a second goal when Brian Sutherby got banished to the sin bin for cross-checking. Other than that snafu, Sudsy had a very solid game. He laid on a couple of good hits and had a couple good shifts alongside Todd Marchant and Brad May.

"Pretty much every game that we lose to those guys, we spend way too much time in the box. Our penalty kill, you can't really blame just that. We took too many stupid penalties."

--Teemu Selanne, Ducks Right Wing
Quote courtesy: Los Angeles Times

After that second goal, you could feel the change in momentum. Anaheim had trouble getting back to their game and went nearly 20 minutes without a shot on goal. The result wasn't much of a surprise when the Ducks continued to parade into the box, allowing the Stars to score a total of 4 goals, all of which were on the power play.

Now, after Marty Turco turned in a shutout, the Ducks are facing doomsday predictions for failure after this undisciplined performance.

Since the Ducks were completely knocked off their game, the Stars deserved to take this one with them. I won't argue with it, but I can't wait until Saturday. I expect that my team will come out ready to rumble and lashed with a strict reminder to play disciplined, play smarter, play physical without being stupid. There are no excuses for the penalties the Ducks took, as they were largely unnecessary, but it goes without saying that special teams have to improve if we're to have any hope of leveling the playing field on Saturday.

And by the way, for you any other superstitious fans out there, I understand that they will reverse the decision to not allow fans at the glass on Saturday. Bring your best encouraging signs (and your best attitude: if someone comes for their seat and you're in it, move), your love, and your voice (mine's shot already).

I have faith we can bounce back.

Let's go, Ducks!

goal by Finny at 11:48 PM