Getzlaf Sparks Ducks to Upset of Sharks

Ryan Getzlaf earned a Gordie Howe hat trick and helped the Ducks finish off the President’s Cup-winning Sharks on Wednesday, eliminating the NHL’s best regular season team in six games.

Getzlaf assisted on a goal in the first period and scored in the third, but perhaps his biggest contribution to the game was a fight against Joe Thornton right off of the opening faceoff. It was a spirited and important bout where Thornton may have come away with the decision, but the Ducks obviously came away with a bigger boost in energy. Joe Pavelski and Ryan Whitney also dropped the gloves during a scrum at the end of the second period.

The Ducks will now go on to face the Red Wings in a battle of the last two teams to win the Stanley Cup, while the Blackhawks, who officially ousted the Flames in six games last night as well, will move on and challenge the Canucks. The Eastern Conference semifinal picture will be set after a pair of Game 7’s tonight between the Rangers and Caps and the ‘Canes and Devils.

Brash gets six

The NHL handed Donald Brashear a six-game suspension on Monday afternoon, putting him on the sidelines indefinitely. Brash’s suspension will extend six games into the Caps’ playoff push. If they are eliminated before then, his mandatory break will continue at the start of next season. The Donald was banished for one game for shoving New York’s Colton Orr during pre-game warmups of Sunday’s Game 6 and then received the remainder of his suspension for knocking Blair Betts out of the game with a questionable hit later on in the contest. Betts suffered a broken orbital bone because of the hit.

Peluso interview upcoming

We’re restarting our Q&A series as promised and our first piece will feature former popular Devils’ enforcer and one-time “Crash Line” member Mike Peluso. The interview should be posted later tonight. A bunch of Peluso’s fights are being added to our videos section throughout the day.

Laraque relaunches website

Georges Laraque, who many refer to as the heavyweight champ of the NHL around here, has relaunched his official website. The new site, which sports versions in both English and French, also has a blog which Laraque will be updating on a regular basis.

Videos added

Joe Pavelski vs Ryan Whitney Apr 27, 2009
Joe Thornton vs Ryan Getzlaf Apr 27, 2009
David Clarkson vs Tim Gleason Apr 26, 2009
Adam Pardy vs Ben Eager Apr 25, 2009
Maxime Talbot vs Daniel Carcillo Apr 25, 2009
Rudy Poeschek vs Mike Peluso Dec 1, 1995
Rob Ray vs Mike Peluso Nov 18, 1995
Mike Peluso vs Shawn Antoski Nov 12, 1995
Jamie Huscroft vs Mike Peluso Nov 8, 1995
Mike Peluso vs Jeff Odgers Nov 2, 1995
Mike Peluso vs Darren Langdon Mar 8, 1995
Mike Peluso vs Lyle Odelein Feb 20, 1993
Mike Peluso vs Todd Ewen Jan 30, 1993
Mike Peluso vs Bill Guerin Jan 8, 1993
Mike Peluso vs Todd Ewen Nov 21, 1992

Some reads

Ducks win the game on the ice, and in the mind
Laraque weighs-in on first round controversies
Do Fights Fire Teams Up?
Neil not seeking $2.5 Million deal
Bruins sit, wait and watch some TV
Talbot inspires Penguins with fists
Capitals Find a Replacement for Brashear
Inconsistency cost Flyers
Darren Helm draws notice with his hustle