GAME THREE

Simple breakdown: the Ducks decided to play hockey instead of hunt for hits and wait for the Stars to curl up in the fetal position, while the Stars vacillated their way through another bumbling opening period at a revved up American Airlines Center. (Good thing they aren’t in the windmill, dam, or solar business cause they sure struggle to harness fan energy come playoff time)

Best Star: Morrow (of course)

Best Duck: Pronger (cock of the roost)

Best Press Box Presence: Scotty Bowman (hockey’s greatest mind) followed closely by The Tickets Craig Miller (southern hockey’s final word)

Worst Play: 3-way tie between Ott’s first period turnover on Getzlaf’s goal, Niskanen’s delay of game penalty, and Daley’s delay of game penalty. (On the positive side, those two penalties provided two souvenirs for two lucky fans)

Worst Color Worn: Orange (OC orange not burnt orange -- make sure Mr. Hicks knows I clarified that)

Worst Case Scenario for Marketing: Get a full house, have everyone drape themselves in black as requested, allow three first period goals – drop behind 4-0 after forty minutes and lose for the 7th time in the last 8 home playoff games. (Note to self: book Anthony Robbins and Zig Ziglar for Thursday mornings marketing meeting)