BELIEVE

The Anaheim Ducks are in the hunt — and we BELIEVE.

In Episode 7 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French break down what the Ducks need to do to snap a 7-year playoff drought and make a serious push to win the Pacific Division. From late-season mindset to execution under pressure, this is a deep dive into what it takes to finish strong.

We also take a closer look at the most important position on the ice — goaltending — comparing the Ducks’ netminders to the two teams they’re battling in the Pacific: the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers. What gives Anaheim the edge? And what could decide the division?

Plus, a little life off the ice — Guy shares stories from his first trip to Napa Valley, and Kent recaps a weekend that includes pouring beers at Green Cheek Beer and searching for bubble braids for his daughter.

And yes… Kent even dusted off the Ted Lasso jacket.

Because sometimes… you just have to believe.

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Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:00

Welcome in to the Mask in the Mike. I'm GA Bear, former NHL goaltender, and yeah, you got it. I'm the mask.

SPEAKER_00 0:08

And I'm Ked French, former NHL broadcaster, and I am the Mike in this equation. And welcome to the Mask in the Mic podcast and Devo uh some hockey talk coming at you as the regular season is in the home stretch.

SPEAKER_01 0:23

A little bit of hockey talk, and hey, what the heck did we do on our weekend? That's something that you gotta stay tuned for.

SPEAKER_00 0:31

Yeah, yo, what did we do? People really want to know. And do we believe the ducks can win the Pacific? Darn right. As I wear my dead lasso jacket. Yes. We believe uh it's gonna be a fun episode. Uh we look forward to you guys listening in. And as always, and good for us. Hello everyone, and welcome to another edition of The Mask of the Mike, Kent and Ghee back with you. Uh, a lot to talk about on uh on this episode as we uh push towards the postseason in hockey. But before we dive into the NHL and all things specific division, Gibo, we gotta recap the weekends because as you told me, people really do care. They really do care what we do outside of us being, I guess, media personalities. People want to know.

SPEAKER_01 1:20

Well, they want a peek behind the curtain, right? That's what everybody wants.

SPEAKER_00 1:23

That's what you tell me. So I I am I'm trusting you in this. So um, so last time you and I spoke, which was not on mic but off mic, uh, your wife Sarah had a Monday off, and you were considering some different places to go. And I could I owed, I owed a little quick trip. So and I was like, and you mentioned Vegas to me, and I'm like, yeah, oh, that sounds cool. Yeah, Vegas. And so all of a sudden I'm watching, you know, your Instagram, by the way. Uh, if you're not following Gibo, he's a good follow. Gotta follow Gibo on Instagram. Um, it's all these wineries. Like, where the hell did you go this weekend?

SPEAKER_01 2:00

Yeah, I mean, uh I never know where I'm gonna end up. That's that's probably the big beauty of it.

SPEAKER_00 2:05

That's fantastic.

SPEAKER_01 2:07

And let let's just rewind to the that people do want to know what goes on in our lives because I too listen to podcasts, and my wife loves some podcasts, and I think her favorite one is Giggly Squad, uh, one of the greatest names of all time. And Hannah and Page, uh, from Summer House, the show if you're or watch I I watch a lot of those type of shows. But, anyways, uh, it's a great listen, and uh I'm thoroughly entertained. My wife tells me everything that's going on in their lives, so why not take a page out of their book? No pun intended to page to Sorbo. Um, and let's you know look into the future and the past of what we'd like to do. But, anyways, let's get back to my trip. So, yes, uh, it wasn't Vegas, Vegas is always kind of the default trip. It's easy to get to. You can spend 24 hours, you feel like you've been there for a week, and then you're ready to come home. So uh decided to do something a little bit different, had a little bit more time, and have never been to the wine country. I I know, listen, don't react just yet. 32 years living in Southern California, have planned a trip up there many, many times, and have canceled them all for real. I'm in shock. I'm in shock. I know, I know. I I've been embarrassed to have conversations with friends about, you know, Napa, Sonoma, Pasarobles, uh, wherever, and have had to say, no what I still haven't been there. So I I've checked that box, had a chance to go up. We went up the Napa Valley, uh, Calistoga, and uh did a drive. We drove all through the wine country to downtown Napa, um, Youngville, and popped into several of the uh winemakers, especially Ron Bauer. I think you saw that on my social media. I did. Yes. So uh but yeah, it was incredible. I mean, it it is not harvest season, the grapes are not growing, everything is dormant uh in the vineyards, but that did not disappoint because uh I mean that just the the topography, the geo, the geography, I mean the landscaping, uh like just absolutely beautiful. And we didn't expect to see what we thought. I mean, it was more mountainous than we thought, and the valleys were beautiful. Uh, and of course, uh the wineries pulling into um many of them were were just un unreal. Some some things we didn't really expect. We pulled into some wineries expecting something really old, uh, and we found like more contemporary looking buildings. So it was uh it was really cool. And sampling was fantastic. So uh the only other thing I can say is I've heard all these rumors about people getting on bicycles and riding from winery to winery.

SPEAKER_00 4:46

Yes.

SPEAKER_01 4:46

Uh without getting killed, I don't know how you can do that. I mean, because the wineries where we were weren't that close to one another, and the roads were mostly one or two lane roads, and it was uh uh very dicey. So I I'm not sure where that happens. I don't know if you've got a story about that, but that was our weekend. Uh quick up and back to Napa Valley, and uh, we will be back again soon.

SPEAKER_00 5:12

Yeah, well, the bike thing is a great idea after your fourth winery. I mean, it doesn't seem like a good idea prior to that. Number two is you said it wasn't harvest season. It's always drinking season, as you know. And I and I I and why am I shocked? Because you and Sarah love your Chardonnay. And it was like, what in the heck? How like I'm still blown away. So that that's one of my happy places is is wine country. Love it. My wife and I got married in Paso Robles. Uh gun announced.

SPEAKER_01 5:37

Now is it Paso Robles or Paso Robles? See, it's robles, I believe. Is it robles? Yes, I used to say Robles. I used to see Robles all the time. If there's anybody out there, please correct us. We want to know.

SPEAKER_00 5:48

Yeah, give us a shout out. I had to I had to figure that one out. So I'm gonna go with Robles as much as I like to say Robles. It rolls off the tongue a little bit better. Um, but yeah, we have friends that just uh um in Healdsburg, they just opened up um a vineyard. So we'll be promoting that down the road. But yeah, we I love that area. I mean, either I'm under an umbrella on a beach, under umbrella because I burn easy, or under an umbrella on a winery because I burn easy. So, Gibo, that's those are my two favorite spots. So well done, sir. I now now we know. Now we can uh jump. I love it. I love it. Yeah, that's that's I'm so glad you guys get a chance to do that for the first time in however many years. Yes. Well, and uh, and I'm sure you had a equally as entertaining weekend as as we bo, I wish I did as we transition into yes, uh yeah, my snapshot's a little bit different. Um, I am now uh working once again, um, not in a field that many might expect. I am a beer tender. Um, friends at uh yeah, our some good friends, Brian Rosto and Evan Price at Green Cheek Beer, who are just they're awesome, great company. Um, they were kind enough to let me come on and do some part-time work. You and I did a little uh we did an Olympic show there, um, a live Olympic show for game one against Latvia, US high, USA hockey. And um, and I have uh was pouring beer this weekend, and I would be pouring beer on St. Patrick's Day, and you might see me at a local golf tournament, Gibo. So don't be surprised if you're coming around the turn and there there I am under the green chic tent pouring you beer.

SPEAKER_01 7:18

Well, I I can only hope so. And I'm sure, like you like to do, you've perfected the art form, and so I'm sure there's no spillage. Uh, there's probably no wasted beer, and there's certainly not too much foam.

SPEAKER_00 7:32

Let me tell you something. I have two different certifications that I did not know that I was going to need, but it makes complete sense. So I am a certified beer tender, had to learn all this stuff, learning as I go. Um, just uh the right pore, the right way to do it, tipping the glass, changing the kegs. I'm learning all this stuff. So uh it has been an experience, and I uh a shout out to all the people I work with at Green Cheek. I'm in orange right now. So if you want to stop by, maybe you'll see me there. Uh, but they've been very patient with me and I appreciate that.

SPEAKER_01 8:02

I and I learned now is this like how do you is this a in-person certification? Is this online? Is this made up? I mean, you know, or it's I mean, you know, is it uh private? Did Brian help you out with this?

SPEAKER_00 8:17

Made up? I hope not because I had to study for this thing and I didn't realize how involved this test would be. And you have to pay, I don't know how much, I forget how much I'd to spend. You get like three three chances at this thing, and I'm like, oh it's it's like it's passing the bar exam. Yeah, no problem, right? First time I go around, like 60 questions. I'm like, all right, whatever. Second, second go around, I'm thinking, oh, same questions, I'll just remember, you know. No, different test. I failed like three times. I had to re-sign up again. Then I'm diving into studying again. So yes, no, it was it's real. God, I hope it was real. Otherwise, I was just I was bamboo, I was bamboozled.

SPEAKER_01 8:57

Boy, I don't know what you did in college, but apparently you weren't doing what most of us were doing. I mean, I think we all learned wait a second. I think we were changing egg, but there are instructions. Pour the beer, like pour the beer in the solo cup. I mean, without getting, yeah. I know.

SPEAKER_00 9:12

I I know, I know these things. I would like to think I was somewhat good at it, um, but apparently not, Gee. I guess the the you know now you've moved on to professional. Yeah, so next time uh I see you in person, I will pour you a can of green cheek. And uh you just you just watch and it is an art form.

SPEAKER_01 9:31

Yeah, okay, all right, all right. Um I I can't wait. I can't wait for for my free beer.

SPEAKER_00 9:37

All right. Uh I I get three. I get three every now and then. So I I certainly you'll be um top of my list uh when I see you come in. Um actually, too, uh, you know, as much as as much as the green cheek thing was going on, we uh it is St. Patrick's Day, right? So this we are this will air the day after um as we take this podcast. And um my daughter gets free dress at school. So she got she's green, she's got shamrock, she's got shamrock pants on, shamrock socks on, and the whole bit. But let me tell you something. Heading out the door this morning, she there's a thing called bubble braids. I don't know. I know that you've it's been a while since she's now moved on, yes.

SPEAKER_01 10:20

You moved on.

SPEAKER_00 10:21

So bubble braids, these they're kind of like a hair tie thing. She wanted green. Well, she made some doll out of bubble braids, and then she wanted to utilize that these bubble braids. And so I get a text from my wife. We couldn't find them this morning, went everywhere, and she's very upset. So I turned the house upside down and I found said bubble braid toy that she made under the couch. So after this podcast, Gebo, I will be driving to her school to drop off green, green bubble braids.

SPEAKER_01 10:50

So the question is is because as a dad, I've experienced full meltdowns. Was it a full meltdown, a partial meltdown, um, or actually not all that bad?

SPEAKER_00 11:01

She doesn't have meltdowns. It's just you she's disappointed, like, and she is visibly disappointed. Disappointed in you? No, couldn't find them?

SPEAKER_01 11:11

Is that what it is? Like, oh daddy, where are my braids, my bubble braids?

SPEAKER_00 11:15

No, I I know. I I think we're just disappointed, just that we didn't find them, and that you know it matches the outfit. You gotta have the green, the green, the green, right? So it wasn't it wasn't coordinating. Uh, she wasn't feeling it, and Michelle texted me and said, I have never seen her this disappointed in a long time. So, of course, whether it's mom or dad, we're gonna we're gonna make this right.

SPEAKER_01 11:35

So it's all about the accessories. I mean it is, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 11:39

And she, you know what? She is all about the accessories. She looked amazing going out the door. So I we have to complete the outfit. That's a priority. So that will happen today. So if if I'm talking fast, it's because I gotta go.

SPEAKER_01 11:53

It just do it. We should be doing this as you're driving down the street right now.

SPEAKER_00 11:57

This has been another edition of The Mask of the Mike. See you later as I have to go to school. Yes. Yeah. So, anyways, that uh all fun stuff, and um should be great. Oh, we live incredibly exciting lives. Can I tease? Can I tease our next podcast? Depending if we have a guest or not. Not sure we have some uh we have some really guests out there that have agreed to do it, but we just gotta find the right time. Yeah, scheduling is just you'll be don't worry, ladies and gentlemen, you're gonna be very happy with this. But I will say this coming up for me is Michelle and I and Everly are going to Petco Park in San Diego on the 21st of March, and we are gonna witness for the very first time the phenomenon ghee that is known as Banana Ball. Oh, no way. The Savannah Bananas. We had to get in a lottery and do the whole thing. Like it's it's crazy, right? Crazy town. So they were just in New Orleans, I believe, and uh Drew Breeze was there on the field. So we are going to experience banana ball, and I will have a full report next podcast.

SPEAKER_01 12:59

I I'll tell you what, if you do your job well, and I know you do, um, wouldn't it be great if we got one of the players on our podcast? Hey. I'm lumping all the pressure. Everybody out there who listens to us, make sure you message DM, whatever Kent French and say we want. Wait, why am I scheduling? Damn it. Yeah. Well, I won't be there.

SPEAKER_00 13:23

So that's true. Yeah, I know. I gotta, I gotta I I will I will come up and make up business cards or just shake hands and talk to people and see what I can come up with. Yeah, I will I will certainly try.

SPEAKER_01 13:33

Well, I'm I'm thrilled and excited about the uh the prospects of having the players on. Or one player, not all the players. Well, we just need one.

SPEAKER_00 13:40

We just we just need one and then it just just steamrolls, right? Yeah. Um that's why we're trying to get one of damn Hall of Famers are tough to get a hold of these days. Yeah, they are. They are. You know, what do you do?

SPEAKER_01 13:54

Writing books and golfing and world traveling. I don't know. Yeah, uh, yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 14:00

If you know who we're talking about, you can only imagine. Um, all right, let's let's uh let's kick things off and dive into a little bit of uh hockey, Gebo. And um the best time of the year.

SPEAKER_01 14:12

Best time of the year. You get inside 20 games in the NHL and everybody is hunting for a playoff spot, jockey for position in the playoffs, they want home ice advantage. If they're in a good spot, they can maybe start to rest some players as it gets down toward 10 games. But right now, uh as you're gonna probably point out, the races are incredibly tight in both conferences.

SPEAKER_00 14:34

Well, they're tight, but I want to start with this. When Henry Samueli talks, people listen. Beginning of the season, you hire Joel Quinville, uh Pat Verbeek, both those guys were given a task, but it is a must to get to the postseason. And as we sit today, Guilla Bear, after a big win in Montreal, after they finish up a road trip, they are in first place in the Pacific Division. Henry's a quiet, quiet leader. Both you and I both have met him many times, talked to him many times. He's not that vocal when it comes to this this ducks team. So when he is, the message was sent loud and clear. And Guy, are you are you impressed with the way this team has responded to his request?

SPEAKER_01 15:19

Yes, yes and no, because he made the same request last season, and uh the guys did not come through. And of course, then there were changes made, coaching change, uh personnel change, player changes. So uh I mean any Ducks fan out there, I think, has been seeing this kind of building over the last few years. Uh watching young players develop, acquiring some veteran players, trying to find that right mix, right chemistry. You know, but when your ownership says, uh, hey, you know, I think I've done my job to put the pieces in place. Now it's all of your jobs to be able to get out there, execute on the ice, and and get points and make it to the playoffs. So I I I'm really excited. I know the fans are incredibly excited. It's been really fun to watch the development of the players. Um I I think that there's been some additions this season that have uh played way beyond the expectations. Uh I think that's one Cutter Goche. I think is even though we thought he was a goal scorer, he's exceeded that. But uh Beckett Seneca has blown everybody out of the water. No, I I don't think you saw this coming. You thought that he would be um a good rookie, but has played really well beyond his years. And I think just the team chemistry has been great all season long. When guys have been out with injuries, uh, guys have stepped up, and it's an incredibly fun team to watch. If I was any other team in the Western Conference, I would be worried about looking at the the ducks in that first round. And, you know, listen, this is a team we all know, goalies are a hot commodity, and when they get hot, teams can ride them. So uh what's in store for them? I don't know. They have to make it to the playoffs first, of course, to get there and see what kind of damage they can do. But they're in a great spot right now, as you mentioned, leading the Pacific. Uh obviously, Edmonton, Vegas nipping at their heels for those top three spots, and then the wildcard race is just that Frenchie. It is wild, and who knows how it's gonna all end up. But listen, I know that you got some thoughts of your own.

SPEAKER_00 17:26

Oh, yeah. I just want to set the tone here as we sit today. Ducks are uh 77 points, tops in the Pacific, one point ahead, as you mentioned, of Vegas, uh two points ahead of Edmonton. Oh, by the way, Edmonton has been to the finals back to back, lost back to back. So they are hungry, ready to go. Vegas has certainly uh more recently has won a cup as well. They are loaded, and they are veteran playoff teams, Gibo. And you get a Ducks team um that certainly, as you mentioned, a little bit younger, and it's been uh it's been a while since those ducks have been to the postseason. I want to say it's been what, seven, seven years since they've been to the postseason?

SPEAKER_01 18:03

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 18:03

So that being said, how much does that play into things? And you mentioned a Becky Seneca, I want to hit on that in a moment, but but when you have this experience, these teams that have been there, been to the postseason uh on a yearly basis, really, over the last decade, when it or last five years at least, when you talk about Edmonton and Vegas, how much does that play into an advantage uh when you do reach the postseason?

SPEAKER_01 18:25

Well, I think the advantage lies in some of their players. Obviously, uh McDavid and Drysidel, they're all world players. So uh, but the supporting cast has been around. I think experience goes a long way the deeper you get into the playoffs. You certainly aren't surprised by anything. You understand uh the toll it takes on your body, you know, how you manage your rest properly. And I think when you're into the playoffs for the first time in a long time or the first time ever, uh I think some of those things get lost. And I think, you know, sometimes you expend too much energy with friends and family and who wants to come to the games and you get a little distracted. So I think that the veteran teams certainly have an advantage. But listen, you know, the Ducks have players that have gone deep into the playoffs or won Stanley Cups. And of course, the addition to John Carlson is exactly that type of player. Radko Goodis deep into the playoffs with Tampa Bay. You have uh Truba deep in the playoffs with New York Rangers. So as you go down that roster, there is experience. Now, maybe not immediate experience, but those veteran players, once they get to the playoffs, I mean they it's a really uh big role for them to be able to make sure that guys are prepared and that leadership really comes through. But sometimes the excitement of a young team gets into the playoffs, and you know, there's no disappointment. You just go out and play as hard as you can. You try to win every game and you see what you can do. So I think the ducks, that's why I think they're so scary. They can score goals. We've seen these comebacks time and time again where you think the game's over and all of a sudden uh here come the ducks late in the game, yeah, whether they pull the goalie or not. And Montreal was just another example the other night of how this team can score goals and come back in kind of a flurry of activity. So this is something that will scare, I think, any coaching staff and any player, and especially any goaltender out there, knowing if there's a couple minutes left in the game, we're in the playoff against this team that they can score goals. And uh, I mean, they give up a lot of goals, which is not great. But I think the comfort level is that we're really never out of the game.

SPEAKER_00 20:27

21 come from behind victories, tied with the Canadians for a first in the National Hockey League, eight and oh in the shootout. How in the hell do you do that? I mean, again, you look at uh Dostal and you look at the skill players the Ducks have, of course, to to get it done on the other end. But just to verify, it has been 70 years since the Ducks been in the postseason. They were in the basement just three years ago, Gibo, which is remarkable turnaround, um, if you will. It's obviously been a rebuild, but certainly Paper Beek has been pulling the right strings to get the team back in contention. Uh, but I will say this, um, I'm not familiar with this site, Tankathon, but they have said the Ducks have the easiest or second easiest strength of schedule remaining, which is huge. And then you have, of course, the Golden Eyes and Edmonton Oilers, which their their schedules are a little more daunting. But um, it's a matter of, you know, in that room, take me into a room because you've been there with the Motty Ducks of Anaheim as you guys were chasing, get trying to get in the postseason, of course, then got there. But how how what the what are the blinders that you have to have just to get the job done in the room, take care of your own business? You hear it all the time, it's kind of a cliche, take care of our business, everything will work itself out. How much do you have to have that mentality?

SPEAKER_01 21:42

Well, there's a lot that goes into it, and I think that you know, teams will actually kind of look at a number like how many points is it gonna take us to make sure we get into the playoffs or secure one of the top three spots in the Pacific? So uh you know talk about it that much. But in your head, you're you start to think, okay, if we get to 100 points, then we're gonna be in. Well, what does it take for us to get to 100 points? Well, it's gonna be you know 12 more wins, 13 more wins, you know, that's like 24 points. That gets us right around 100 points. So um, you know, strength of schedule is a huge thing, but you as you say, you got to take care of your business. Uh, you know, ducks went on the road, they beat a desperate Winnipeg Jets team. Great way to start the road trip. Then all of a sudden they kind of stumbled and we're like, uh oh, we we knew we were gonna play a another desperate team in Ottawa Senators, so we knew that was gonna be difficult. And then Montreal, so all of a sudden you're like, okay, you look too far thinking these are wins and these are these are real challenging games. So I think that's the thing that you can get caught up on when you're seeing teams that are no longer vying for the playoffs. I mean, we've talked about it on TV for years. We talk about it in the locker room, and the coaches are always like, okay, these are trap games. And if you're not prepared, because listen, it's a professional sport, guys are playing for jobs. And the Ducks have experienced this on the other side for many years in the past seven, is that like we're playing for our job next year, we're playing to impress the coaching staff, we're playing for contracts, and you know, we have pride wearing this jersey. So whenever we're out on the ice, you know, what we're playing for is to beat the other team and try to knock them out of the playoff race and make it difficult for them. So uh, you know, it's interesting, depending on what side of the line you're on, out of the playoffs or in the playoffs. Um, I think it's uh at the end of the day, the ducks, I think, have to take care of their business because of the schedule. They have the best shot of leading and winning the Pacific Division.

SPEAKER_00 23:43

Deal or no deal. That was a podcast we had a couple uh a couple weeks ago, right before the trade deadline. And one of the things we talked about, um, which you know I'm a firm believer in, I think you are as well. If you're gonna add to a team, don't subtract. Do the best you can to add. You know, you have already have chemistry, you got to be careful with uh, you know, the vibe in the room. You don't want to mess with that. Oh, the ducks go out and they get John Carlson. Who the hell saw that coming, by the way? I mean, that he was even available. 36-year-old D-man, they were looking for a right-handed shot. They got him. This guy has been a Norris Trophy finalist, of course, a Stanley Cup champion with the Caps. They get him for a conditional first. And the Ducks are in a position where they're one of the best, you know, uh minor league teams, best prospect pools in all of hockey. They can afford to give away a late first round, in my opinion, because that's exactly what it is. It's a prospect, right? You don't exactly know what you're gonna get at that point, and who knows? Um, you know, and then they could sign Carlson to an extension, and all all signs point that they might want to sign him to another two-year deal. So, that all being said, uh, I was impressed with the John Carlson deal. Again, you know, for someone who does follow the sport, I was I was kind of shocked. Fap Pat Verbeek did a wonderful job in my opinion, and uh he made his debut in Toronto. And you talk about veteran presence, a guy that's been there, a guy that's gonna keep not that they they have, you know, the critters of the world in there as well, but to keep this team moving in the right direction, I think that was a fantastic move. What what say you, Gibo?

SPEAKER_01 25:17

Yeah, no, I no one saw it coming. You know, a guy who's played 17 years his entire career with the Capitals, uh, finding out in the middle of the night because the deal was consummated very late and he was already sleeping, uh, not the way that normally you would treat a guy who's uh you know been there for that long. I think that, you know, because he was uh appending UFA, you know, and where Washington is in their own um, you know, I mean, they're not rebuilding yet, but what's gonna happen with Ovechkin? Will they have to start to rebuild if he decides to retire? So I think with John Carlson, uh, I mean, the Ducks can consider him a rental player and see how things go. Does he like it here? Does he contribute? Um, I I've seen him say that, listen, I got a lot left in the tank. You know, this isn't a you know a swan song for me to go to Anaheim, see what I can do, and then hang him up. So he's he's definitely looking to play for a few more years. And, you know, this is where a player can have such a huge impact on a team and then make himself really uh so valuable that you know the team looks to make sure they tie him up and let him get to unrestricted free agency this summer. So uh a lot of that I think the Ducks are gonna just wait and see. I think that he's gonna be able to have a nice impact here in this final stretch. And as you mentioned, it's another veteran player. It's gonna make it interesting to see how the Ducks handle their younger defensemen because if you think about you know, Truba, Carlson, and Rodko Gutis, Gudis out currently with a suspension. So the timing of having Carlson join the team is actually really great. Uh Gutis out for five games. I think he's got what four, four games remaining in that suspension. But I I think all things point to the fact that, you know, he's been there, he's done that. When things get a little hectic, a little rattled, there's another calming voice in that locker room on the bench, on the ice in front of the goaltender to say, you know, hey, let's just settle down. You know, we're under control, we got this. And I think that goes certainly a long way. I I know I experienced that with some of the veterans that I had played with.

SPEAKER_00 27:22

Well, a couple of the other teams, as we mentioned, that are right there with the Anaheim ducks when it comes to the Pacific Division, talking about Vegas and of course Edmonton uh at the deadline, they pretty much tinkered, right? That's those are playoff teams. They and they are gonna go back to the postseason in some shape or form. Uh, as I mentioned, Edmonton uh been in the finals in back-to-back year. So they tinkered, right? They didn't do too much. Uh, but let's talk goalies. Shocking. Let's talk goaltenders right now. Um, we'll get to Sadostal in a moment, as he is now the un you know, the undisputed starter with uh Gibby going to Detroit last season. So he will be going to the postseason. We say going to the postseason because we believe that's gonna happen uh for the first time. So but let's the the Edmonton Oilers goaltending has always been an issue for them. Yeah, I know, right? Yeah. Edmonton has been they've been dealing with goaltending, they've been trying to find that guy. Connor Ingram has taken over net. Is is this a guy that can take Edmonton where they want to go? And I mean, they got um they get Stuart Skinner still there. I mean, they got um uh what about whoa, Stuart Skinner?

SPEAKER_01 28:30

Yeah, no, you're you're you're forgetting about the the trade that happened with Skinner going to Pittsburgh. Tristan Jari is there. I have him on my depth chart too. Yeah, so Skinner is no Skinner. Skinner is um he's found uh a rebirth in Pittsburgh. Like the pressure was just um immeasurable on him as being a hometown kid, an Edmonton kid growing up playing for the Oilers, trying to win a Stanley Cup. Listen, the the problem in Edmonton, uh it listen, you could put any goaltender in Edmonton. Yes, somebody might be able to take the reins and and be, you know, one or two saves better on the on the on a nightly basis, right? The problem is that they're just not good defensively. And you know, so they win by outscoring other teams. Tristan Jari, I think when he played in Pittsburgh, he was playing fine. He was playing well. He fit into the system, he made the saves he needed to make. Uh, I think he's a good goaltender, a talented goaltender, you know. But when you're on a team that's so susceptible to defensive breakdowns, then like you have to make the incredible saves. So, you know, it chewed up and spit out Stuart Skinner, Calvin Pickard, a number of old other goaltenders in the last few years. And now Tristan Jari got his chance, and now all of a sudden, um, you know, I've heard a lot of rumors, uh, you know, in fighting, uh, I'm sure there's a lot of frustration on his part. And Connor Ingram, who was playing great in past seasons with uh Utah, I think that he's a very capable goalie. But as you mentioned, it's one of those things. It's like you have to play a goalie who's gonna have confidence in himself. Team has to have confidence in him. And when you get into the playoff for this playoff run, I think it's gonna tell a lot, right? I mean, Edmonton could end up being first, second, or third in Pacific. They could end up being a wild card team. I mean, it's so compressed in that Western conference right now for a spot that, you know, I mean, listen, the central division is far and away uh predetermined, right? Between Dallas, Colorado. I mean, like they're just racing in the top. Colorado, obviously the favorite to win the Stanley Cup.

SPEAKER_00 30:41

Especially after the deadline. My God. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 30:43

I mean, they they're they're pushing chips in to try to make sure that this is their year. Uh, yeah, listen, the goaltending around the board is going to be questioning. And I think the fact that uh Connor McDavid, it's obviously well known that he signed a two-year extension at we'll call it nominal money, uh, not much more than he was already making to make sure that they had space in the salary cap to be able to go up and make sure they shored up their team for you know another stretch run. And they went out and got a couple guys that are going to make a difference. Uh, I think defensively, five on five, but they did not go out and get another goaltender. They said that we think we have what we need. We just have to be better in front of them. So I I totally agree that if they get more support, either Jari um right now or Connor Ingram can certainly do the job.

SPEAKER_00 31:31

Vegas Golden Knights, Aiden Hill, now Carter Hart. That's quite the that's quite the duo in Vegas. And certainly Aiden Hill's got experience in the Stanley Cup.

SPEAKER_01 31:44

Yeah, I'm not really sure where to go from here. Aiden Hill was like, I don't know, fifth on the depth chart when they won the Stanley Cup, right? They were injury after injury, and he got his opportunity. Not that he wasn't a good goaltender. He had played in Arizona, and you know, so he was a capable goaltender. And listen, I like as a former goaltender, if you're put into a position where you have a quality team in front of you, you build your own confidence because they're good in front of you. They let you see the puck. Uh, there's not a lot of second or third chances. All of a sudden that's that confidence snowballs, and you feel like you're unbeatable. And that's what happened with Aiden Hill in that playoff run. Uh, you know, kudos to him. He stepped up, made huge saves when he needed to, and was able to ride the Stanley Cup, got a new contract, got a deal out of it, yeah. Yeah. So he so he's done they moved on from some of their other goaltenders. Uh Thompson was moved on to Washington Capitals. He was, you know, you know, I mean, he was up for rookie of the year. He was the player that they envisioned being their goalie of the future for the next decade. And, you know, he just actually found uh a great spot, a great home in Washington. So it worked out for all the goaltenders involved. But, you know, the Carter Hart signing, I think long term is uh a good signing, you know, from a you know pure talent standpoint. You know, I would think that going into the playoffs, you know, you want to have one guy who's gonna be your guy. And so I think at some point they're gonna have to decide who they're gonna go with. Is it gonna be, you know, Carter Hart and let him run with it? Or are you gonna go with Aiden Hill and say, listen, he's our proven guy, a good track record, especially as he gets into the playoffs? But you know, these aren't clear-cut guys that you say, you know, this is uh Vasilevsky or this is, you know, um uh a top net miner that is gonna be able to say, like, hey, he he's our guy. We have no questions, you know, are we gonna have a Bob net, a Babrowski, you know, is Bob gonna be the able to carry, you know, our team through the playoffs like he's done for Florida the last two seasons? I these goalies, I don't think, are though those type of goalies, not at this point.

SPEAKER_00 33:48

What I like though about the NHL in particular is you get in and anyone's got a chance, right? Get in, you ride a hot netminder, as you mentioned. Aiden Hill was that guy, and I mean no one really saw that coming for Vegas. So it's it's really makes it interesting. Get in and see what happens. Lukash Dostal, as you mentioned, now the starter for the Anaheim Ducks, um, he has not seen the postseason. Uh, what advice would you give him heading into the postseason that he needs to to know, needs to think about or not think about um in postseason hockey?

SPEAKER_01 34:26

Well, I'm gonna rewind because you know I think before I would give him any sort of um uh information from from anybody is the fact that he's been in some huge situations during his career, you know, four nations, Olympics, world championships, good point, world juniors. Like so he's been able to be in those big moments. And so I don't think the moment will be too big for him by any stretch. I I think he's just one of these guys who's ultra prepared uh mentally and physically, uh, that he's ready to go. And you know, I think with the support system that they have with their goaltending consultants, uh, you know, Sud Sudsey and Peter, that they're guys that are gonna make sure the goaltenders are well prepared, especially with special teams and shooters. And I think that, you know, uh Dostal's been around now enough. He's played enough games where, you know, especially being specific against the team, you know, the tendencies of some of the players, uh, you know, where guys like to shoot. So you kind of have your little black book on those guys. And I think right now uh he's well positioned. Um I just think his pregame preparation is is well superior to most goalies in the NHL. I mean, he is just so locked in and ready to go. And like most goaltenders, you know, you've kind of replayed, you know, what possibly could happen, you know, what shooting areas are guys going to be in and what plays you might be able to see. Is it a two-on-one? Are you looking at the the shooter stick, you're reading and anticipating for you know, passes across to the backside. So I I that preparation is done prior to the games, and he does that incredibly well.

SPEAKER_00 36:02

One thing about Dostal, too, that I've noticed over the years is his temperament. He's not too high, he's not too low. Um, very different from uh a John Gibson who wore his emotions on his sleeve, as we know when he was out there. You knew when Gibby was not happy with things. Yeah. Uh Dostal's different on the other side. You really don't know what's going on behind the cage. And he is a guy too, Gibo, that I always loved is back in the day, back in the day, I mean a couple years ago, when the NHL uh required players to wear suits when they traveled, right? The dress code, Dostal would show up on a three-piece suit. I mean, that guy was dressed to the nines, and I appreciate that. For a guy that likes a good suit like I do, I was like, damn, that's awesome. All business. Um, and you know, I'm not I've not been on a plane with the team in a couple years, so I'm not sure. I know that uh they don't have to do that anymore. It's if if he's wearing, if I don't know if he's wearing the suit or not anymore, but uh just just he is all business and he has got that mindset and that temperament. And I would only imagine, Gee, that that will bode well. As you mentioned, he's been in some big situations that that is certainly going to help him here moving into the postseason.

SPEAKER_01 37:06

Yeah, just having something to lean on, you know, and and being in those moments where, you know, you're the guy, you know that you have to make the stop, and you know, the team's relying on you. And I think that's you know something every goaltender embraces. I mean, we gravitate toward that position as a young kid because it's fun and you want to be the hero. I mean, I can remember my parents are like, are you sure you want to do this? Like you're you're gonna win or you're gonna lose. And so if you win, you're you're the last guy.

SPEAKER_00 37:34

You're the last line of defense. Yes.

SPEAKER_01 37:36

And I think I've said this many times in in interviews. It's like you're gonna be the hero or the goat. And and back then the goat did not mean greatest of all time. It meant it was all your fault. Right. So, but I think that's you know, that's the challenge, and that's why we love being in that position. And, you know, there's nothing better than making those saves that that are not expected, and it keeps momentum or creates momentum for your team. And I just think that, you know, for Dostal, he's just uh, you know, he's a leader, and I don't think maybe fans realize that goaltenders can be leaders, but that kind of quiet confidence um really shows and it shows guys on the bench. You know, when you make that save, you know, it has that ripple effect to the players on the ice, but sitting on the bench as well, saying, you know, excuse me, like, oh, you know, he he's on, you know, you know, he he just he stole one for us right there. And I think, you know, his professionalism, whether it's you know him you know dressing in suits, being ready to come to the game, you know, I think that uh Henrik Lundquist was somebody I think that he emulates where you know the king would show up sharp dressed. Yes, and you know, and and but that's when you put that suit on, and I know the game has changed, and you see guys coming in with hats on backwards and you know, sweatsuits and hoodies and all that. I mean, it's it's way more comfortable, and I I I'm happy for them for that, especially traveling on the road. But I do miss the fact that, you know, when you show up at the rank, you know, part of getting dressed in the suit was the fact that you know you were kind of locking in and getting ready for the game. And and not that you couldn't wearing something more comfortable, but I think a lot of guys, when you got dressed, whether at home or on the road, that meant it was game time and you were ready to go.

SPEAKER_00 39:18

Yeah, and and one thing too about Dostal before we move on is the Ducks are 8-0 in the shootout, which is unheard of, but a big reason for that is Dostal the Wall. I mean, you know, one-on-one, man. I mean, that talk about high pressure situations, you and just the shooter, and he has been lights out, and that's a big reason the Ducks um, you know, are undefeated when it comes to the shootout. Uh, you touched on Beckett Seneca, you talked and also you used a phrase, you know, didn't see it coming. Uh, he is a guy I don't think that the league saw coming, uh, except maybe internally, because obviously they took him with a high pick. Um, but I want to ask you one thing, and this is something I've seen over the years with the Ducks team in particular, is when you have a young player, you don't necessarily have a lot of patience for that player and allow them to make mistakes. And that's it's tough too, because you're at the highest level at your sport, at your craft. The coaches are expected to win, franchise is expected to win. You don't necessarily have the patience or the runway to make those mistakes. But I want to ask you how important is it to be able to make those mistakes and know that you're still gonna be able to get in there the next night or the next game um to fix those mistakes. And you can play a little bit looser, you're not gripping the stick, as they like to say. It seems like the Ducks have been able to give Beckett Seneca, especially Coach Q, that runway for him to develop into the talent that he is today.

SPEAKER_01 40:40

Yeah, I there's a whole bunch that goes into that question you just asked. And, you know, part depends on what type of team you're on. If you're a perennial winner and, you know, going to be a Stanley Cup contender and you're a rookie, yeah, I I those nights are gonna be a little difficult because you're not gonna be able to be in the lineup if you're making mistakes. And I think so. If you're on a team that's rebuilding and moving towards something, I think that obviously there's a little more uh forgiveness from the coaching staff. Not that if you're making boneheaded plays out there that you're just gonna keep getting another shift. You know, the the great equalizer for any coach, as they say, is ice time. And so if you're not performing and if you're not learning from those mistakes, if you keep repeating those mistakes, obviously you're gonna be either on the bench or up in the press box watching. So uh with Beckett in mind, I think that he's one, again, he's grasped the system that the Ducks employ offensively and defensively quicker than I think a lot of rookies do. He's a big physical guy, and and being, you know, such a young kid in a league playing against men, it's sometimes hard to imagine that somebody can make that transition at such a young age. Now, because of his size, he's able to play at a high level, get to the front of the net, finish checks, you know, outwork, outmuscle some players. So I think that's been a huge benefit to him that, you know, I again, I as you know, a broadcaster, alumni, a hockey fan didn't necessarily see coming. Um, I think the coaching staff combined has done an excellent job with him. I think the veterans, line mates have done a great job with him. You can see every time guys go to the bench, you know, they have the iPads right there. And it's easy for kids, I think these days, to be able to get the iPad in front of them and look down and say, okay, yeah, when a coach says, hey, you missed this, you didn't do this, and whatever, sometimes it doesn't translate as you're just listening into it. You're trying to process it in the moment. But when you can see it on the iPad in front of you, and the coach comes over your shoulder, your line mate says, Hey, when I do this, you need to do this, or that's your man, you got to have a stick on him. Or when you're back checking, you've got to fill this area. So I think that that learning curve is shortened because of the technology, but I think it takes a lot of effort from the player himself to be able to say, like, hey, I've got to make sure that, you know, I'm putting myself in the best case for success by supporting my teammates by knowledge. And I think that's a big thing, is that sometimes you rely too much just on your God-given talent and that I've been the best everywhere I've played, and it's just gonna naturally translate to the NHL. And I think that's where a lot of guys end up struggling. They end up going to the minors and then trying to figure out the game there because it is obviously a little bit slower than it is here in the NHL. But I think, you know, Beckett, uh, again, you know, he's gonna be in the running for the you know, the Calder trophy. Whether he wins it or not, we'll have to see. But he's definitely gonna be one of the top three um in the call, Calder voting.

SPEAKER_00 43:41

One more for you. And as you know more than anyone, and I've just seen over the years, you get to the postseason, it's 2 1, 1 0, 3 2, you know, low scoring games, right? The ducks have been it's been a shooting gallery for the most part with the Anaheim ducks this season. As we've we've talked about, I think they're right now third in the league and goals again. But they're third in the league and shots four. So when as we you know approach this you know under 20 game stretch here to round out the regular season, what are some of the things the ducks want to clean up to be better prepared for as they enter the postseason?

SPEAKER_01 44:18

Well, I know we talked about it uh in the last podcast or two or so ago. We talked about um I think your question to me was okay, is this sustainable? Sustainable. Sustainable? And I'm like, well, if it's not broke, don't fix it. And we've kind of seen it continue where they are able to outscore their opponents, not every night. Um, you know, the game in Toronto, you know, I I referred to that road trip where you start thinking, like, okay, well, you know, hey, we won't beat Winnipeg, you know, that was maybe a, you know, who knows? And then we knew Ottawa was going to be a difficult game. We knew Montreal was going to be difficult. They probably in their mind had penciled in the win against Toronto. And they were well on their way to a win up three to one. Uh Gudis takes the five-minute major, all of a sudden, you know, gives Toronto some life. A bunch of power play goals in the game just shifted right there. So I think they were kind of knocked, you know, uh a little off and then had a hard time trying to get their traction back. But uh they did respond once again in Montreal, where they were up, down, and then making that uh kind of miraculous comeback. But the game does change as you get into the playoffs. Uh teams, especially as you mentioned, veteran teams who have been through the fight before kind of know how to buckle down. The intensity ramps up. I mean, that's why fans across the globe just love NHL playoff hockey because you know, you're playing, you know, best seven series, you know, first of four moves on, and everybody else just goes home and starts summer vacation. So, you know, that desperation in every single shift, every minute of the game, every play uh is so crucial that you know that's where the sacrificing of bodies come, taking the hit, giving the hit, blocking shots. And that's where I think you know the game gets compressed into a little bit more defensive, right? The ice all of a sudden shrinks, um, the speed is taken away. There's not a lot of open ice because you know, guys are finishing checks one after the other. I think the ducks can adjust. I think, you know, because of some of those big physical defensemen that they have, I think that they can certainly make that adjustment. I think the team and the coaching staff can make the adjustment, Frenchie, just being able to say, like, okay, you know, we've made it to our goal. We're in the playoffs. Now this is who we're playing, and we can be very detailed oriented against a specific team. This is the strength of this team, you know, they like to do this, we have to do this to combat what they are good at doing. So, you know, that's the great part and the fun part, I think, for the players and the coaching staff. When you get to that playoff, the challenge is how do we, you know, negate uh the other team's uh best players? You know, how do we attack them offensively? And what do we need to do defensively to make sure that we kind of keep them at bay? So uh and then you know the adjustments go on from shift to shift to period to period and game to game.

SPEAKER_00 47:04

Well, I've been busy pouring beer, so I haven't been to Hannes Center lately. Um I I do see some of the games up on the screen. You've you've kind of relayed this to me, but it seems that it is a packed arena night after night. As we mentioned, seven years without postseason hockey. These ducks uh fans are incredibly hungry. What is the vibe like at Honda Center right now? I mean, it's it's gonna they're gonna blow the roof off that place to come postseason hockey.

SPEAKER_01 47:31

I well, I think that's the thing is, you know, the the fans have been great, right? It is difficult to to watch your team, you know, lose and not make playoffs. And I I think, you know, for the past few years, I think when you give the fans some hope and direction and saying, like, hey, we have a plan, and that's what I think you know, Pat Verbeek did. He just came in and said, like, uh I'm making no excuses, I'm like no apologies. Like this is the plan I'm gonna have and I'm gonna stick to. And if there's hurt feelings along the way, that's fine. Yeah, you know, some of your favorite players may come and go. And I think that, you know, because he's just kind of stuck to that plan, you've seen, you know, the light at the end of the tunnel. And of course, the you know, the ownership has been totally on board. You know, I think the the coaching change uh has been monumental. And I I just think that it gave such legitimacy to the team. That's not a knock against the former coaches, you know, the the amount of hours and and passion and effort that they've all put into trying to make this organization better, uh, you know, certainly should be commended. But I think once you get to a stage where you think that, like, hey, this is gonna be our window, and it's gonna be our window for the next few to several years because of the talent that we have, you know, you have to make that decision that we need the best of the best that's available. And Joel Quenville was out there, and of course the supporting cast that he has um is tremendous. So I think that you know, Ducks fans, uh I mean, they are waiting and tapping their toes. And uh I've been at many games, if not all of them, and no one leaves the building. I mean, because they know and are hoping that if the Ducks are down, then they're gonna still make a comeback, and they've been treated to some incredible comebacks. So, yes, when when the team gets to the playoffs this season, you know, there's fewer seats. So if you don't have a seat, um, because of all the construction, those tickets are gonna be uh, you know, very coveted, difficult to get, and I'm sure I'm gonna be getting a lot of text messages from people. Gebo, last question. Do you believe? Do I believe? I I believe I am a buyer. You know, they always say about the stock market are you uh a hold, a buyer, or a seller? And listen, I am a complete buyer of this team, and for a lot of reasons, coaching staff, what they have in their lineup every night, great goaltending. Uh Villy Husso, I think needs uh a shout out. I think, you know, with Peter Morazzick out for the season, the insurance plan that Pat Ferbique got with Villy Husso to be there just in case, or if he outplayed Peter Morazzick. I mean, it it was a pickup that I think gave them comfort, knowing that, hey, if you know, if something were to happen, Villy Husso can step in and he's done a tremendous job. It's not an easy job. We talk about it many times, is sitting on the bench waiting and waiting, waiting for your turn to get a start. Uh, or if there's an injury, you can you come into a game cold. So he's done a great job. But that's just all the pieces of the puzzle, and that's why uh I'm I'm all in. I'm all in for the playoff push and the playoffs of this season.

SPEAKER_00 50:40

Aren't you gonna ask me the same question?

SPEAKER_01 50:43

Uh hey, Kent, what do you think? Uh are you a buyer, a seller? Or you have to ask me, do I No, you have to ask me, do I believe? Oh, I thought good for us and good for us. No, not yet. That's not we're not there yet.

SPEAKER_00 50:53

Do you know what I'm wearing? Look what I'm wearing.

SPEAKER_01 50:56

Oh, you are you yes, I see that, the Ted Lasso. AFC Richmond jacket.

SPEAKER_00 51:01

Okay, so yes, it's like 95 degrees outside. I am sweating like a madman here, and I'm you've not asked me about my jacket the entire podcast.

SPEAKER_01 51:10

Hey, Kent, I I couldn't see it. Hey, Kent, do you believe in this duck jacket?

SPEAKER_00 51:14

I believe. I am wearing the darn jacket because I believe. And we were uh we were doing that uh Olympic show at Green Cheek, and people were asking, is it gonna make the postseason? We're like, yes, they are, absolutely. And so uh, yes, I believe you got new Ted Lasso season four coming out this summer. It's the timing is perfect for this ducks run. Let's go! I believe let's make it happen, Key Air.

SPEAKER_01 51:39

Yeah. I mean, listen, this is gonna be a treat. It's gonna be an exciting finish. We all love to watch these last bunch of games. Uh hoping for home iced advantage, uh, I think that would go a long, long way uh for the success for a playoff run.

SPEAKER_00 51:53

Not only Blake in the playoffs. They break the playoff draft, they get home iced. That's crazy. Yeah, that's just crazy to think about. All right, well, uh, good stuff. I think we uh we hit it. We got the it's the Pacific Division preview for the uh less than 20 left here of the regular season as the ducks uh are on the home stretch and get themselves in the playoffs, as we mentioned for the first time in seven seasons. And uh that being said, uh, this has been The Mask the Mic. You can follow us uh, of course, on our Instagram handle at the Mask the Mic. And then uh we have the YouTube channel where you can view us, The Mask the Mike, and don't forget about Spotify and Apple Podcast Evo because that's when we really sound good.

SPEAKER_01 52:33

I tell you, we we sound good and people need to see, right? They gotta see the we believe jacket, right?

SPEAKER_00 52:42

The last bit, I gotta get this jacket off. You gotta get to school. I gotta get to school, I gotta drop off some bubble braids. So uh this has been uh edition of the Master the Mic, and we will see you next time. Thanks for listening.

SPEAKER_01 52:57

And good for us.

SPEAKER_00 52:59

Boom.