After getting very little time on the ice this season at Vancouver, the Canucks traded Mike Brown to the Ducks last week. He was enjoying his day off when his cell phone rang and the general manager told him to pack his bags. The Ducks were playing the Predators the next evening in Nashville and Brown needed to get there ready to suit up. He left Vancouver a little before 11:00 P.M. that night for a trip to Nashville via Toronto. Flying all night, he set down in Nashville about 9:30 the next morning. After meeting his new teammates, he took a long nap before the game that evening.
Mike played over eleven minutes in his debut game with the Ducks, which was more time on the ice than he had at Vancouver this season. In fact, he had only played in 2 games for the Canucks this year. He was pumped up and ready to play, as he tied for a game high 4 hits and had 2 shots on goal. Two nights later Brown saw extensive action again in Calgary as the Ducks beat the Flames. His first home game in Anaheim will be Wednesday, February 11th against those same Flames.
At 23 years old Brown admits he is playing on adrenaline for his new team. A good hockey bet tip is that he will continue to produce for the Ducks as his career is taken to a new level. Coach Randy Carlyle is happy with Brown. “He’s going to go out there and provide energy, try and hit and be a physical force… I expect him to be first on the forecheck and be a physical player,” the coach said.
Mike stated he is excited about the weather in California. He used to spend summers at relatives in San Diego. “It’s good to get out of that rain and cold,” he noted, referring to Vancouver. He also stated that his new teammates and team staff have been very welcoming to him. He intends to return their hospitality by playing hard and tough for the Ducks. “I play a physical game, get under guys’ skin and I’ll fight if I need to fight… I’m always kind of looking to agitate,” he stated flatly. His record bears him out, as he had 11 fighting majors in 20 games with the Canucks this year.
Good luck, Mike. Welcome to Anaheim. The Ducks have put their money on the line for you. Go out and show them they made a good investment!
Bob Bagley… hockey betting analyst
