Talking Ducks

A couple nights ago it was like someone had died. I  understand everyone mourning the loss of Giguere. All the sports writers on the Duck Calls radio show commented on what a gentleman he was, especially to the media. Believe it. Although I was an entertainment reporter for 15 years for the Register and the Times, and interviewed celebs from Salma Hayek and Halle Berry to Kevin Smith and a lotta has-beens, I had never talked to any athletes on ice except for Michelle Kwan. So, as a hockey writer I am pretty much a nobody. But the few times I did get to speak to Giguere he was very gracious anyway. So I know everything they said about him was true.

Still, let's not forget this is Hiller's time. He's more than earned it. Did you see the way he played against Detroit tonight? One goal he let it. One lousy goal. And at times they were peppering him. I'm so glad that pressure of 'win and you're in' has been lifted from both these guys. Did anyone notice that both Hiller and Giguere pitched shut-outs the second that was over? Good luck to both of them, and I think the fans are ready to move on judging from the incredible cheers Hiller got tonight.

The best part was seeing Hiller look so happy after the game. He was exhausted, but not too tired to remember to thank the fans. His teammates were grateful too. That famous Getzy grin, delivered with a wee sideways cock of the head said, "You're the man!" to Hiller as he made his way to the locker room. Sometimes it's the little  things that speak volumes. Getzy's gesture showed that one more piece has snapped into place for us. Now let's kick ass against the Kings tomorrow night.—Anne Valdespino

Ducks fans (including myself, big time) are mourning our loss in many different ways. We're looking to the Register  for local commentary, we're scanning tweets for...well...Web sites where we can e-cry with each other I suppose, we're sending Jiggy messages ...in short, we're acting like a family member has died.

To a certain extent, that's not far off. Our franchise goalie who took us to a Stanley Cup win--and just four short years before won the Conn Smythe despite losing our grip on hockey's Holy Grail--is packing his bags and moving 2,500 miles and a conference away. At least, as is the case when a loved one leaves, we'll always have our memories. Which include these games , and this heart-wrenching photo  from the night we won the Cup.

—Rose

Top photo by Gregory Shamus / Getty Images; bottom by Mike Blake / Reuters.

It's not fun for J.S. Giguere with the news today that Hiller has signed a 4-year, probably $18 million contract with Anaheim. But at least the grueling "win and you're in" game is over. What a relief for both guys.

Check out the story by John Manasso on Jonas Hiller at nhl.com. It gives an interesting perspective on the relationship between the two guys:

Jiggy on Hiller: "He's a great kid. People always think we're in a competition, but I don't believe in that. He's a teammate and I want him to be successful. when I play, I don't compete against him, I compete against the puck."

Hillsy on Giguere: "Even though he doesn't play and I know he's not happy with the situation...even through all of the circumstances, he's a great guy, he's not  mad at me or anything. He tries to help me and that makes it easier, and I'm definitely very thankful for his help and having him around."

Maybe now we can move forward with a little less anxiety and a lot more energy. Jiggy fans know he's not done yet with the net. It's hard to lose him, which I'm sure we will, but maybe being first in goal on another team will be the tonic he needs to be the amazing goalie he was in 2007. It will certainly be hard for our guys to face him as an opponent. When he's on, he's a force of nature: yelling encouragement to his teammates, playing way out of net to keep the puck in play, and forcefully challenging guys in one-on-one situations. Those of us who love his style wish him all the luck in the world.—Anne Valdespino