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SPORTS ZONE 1: Mighty Big Trouble in Anaheim

Destiny is frowning on the Mighty Ducks.

After an improbable playoff run in which the underdog Ducks rode their hot goaltender all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals, they now find themselves facing a 2-0 deficit against the New Jersey Devils.

The Ducks seemed destined during the first three rounds of the NHL playoffs to win their first ever Stanley Cup. After eking their way into the post-season the Ducks surprised everyone by making quick work of the higher seeded Red Wings, Stars, and Wild thanks in large part to the out-of-this-world net-minding of Giguere.

Giguere was nearly impenetrable in net averaging a playoff best 1.27 goals against and shutting-out Minnesota 3 times in the West Finals. Everything appeared to be going Anaheim's way.

That is until Anaheim met up with the Devils who taught Ducks that destiny can be as fickle as a streaky goalie. Giguere came back to earth and the Devils took advantage skating out to a 2-0 series lead.

Giguere has given up five goals in the opening two games of the Finals--4 more than he allowed in the entire Minnesota series. An overmatched team as it is, the Ducks stand little chance of climbing out of the hole they now find themselves in without the help of Giguere.

While Giguere has faltered, the New Jersey defense and goaltender Martin Brodeur have played brilliantly, shutting-out Anaheim in both games. The Devils relied on their defense all season long and they are showing their mettle again in the Finals. The New Jersey defense has allowed only 32 shots to get to the goal and Brodeur for his part has allowed none of those to get in the net.

The series shifts to Anaheim for games three and four, and if the Ducks have any hope at all of coming back, it is on the back of Jean-Sebastien Giguere.

--Written by By Rob Hawkins

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