I apologize for my ridiculously long absence during what can only be described as a crucial time for the Ducks.

I may have been away from my Center Ice and the NHL network for the last few days, but I’ve learned a few things nonetheless.

- The eighth seed is harder to capture than Anaheim realized.  Still sitting in 11th, the Ducks are just two points behind Calgary and the final playoff spot.  They will have plenty of time to sit and stew in that position until they begin playing again on Wednesday March 3 when the team returns to action at home.

The likelihood that we will see a different Ducks lineup that night is possible as they take the ice just hours after the trade deadline.  I know I can think of a few desired moves to make the team stronger, but ultimately, Bob Murray should turn his attention to beefing up the defensive end for the Ducks.

- I may get down on Ryan Getzlaf from time to time, but it’s because I expect so much from the guy.  He’s an amazing player, and the team and his country learned that lesson well on Sunday in Edmonton.  Getzlaf isn’t your run of the mil player.  He’s more than just a No.1 center.  For the Ducks, Getzlaf is all too often the difference between winning and losing.

- The US men’s hockey team looks good.

- With or without Getzlaf, the Canadian men’s hockey team is scary good.

Two weeks is a long time to go without Ducks hockey (you have no idea what the summer break is like for me), but thankfully for the hockey enthusiast in all of us, the Olympics provides an interesting and exciting reason to watch so many of our NHL favorites battle it out for their country.

GO USA!