Captain of a sinking ship
As Getzlaf goes, so goes the Ducks. The adage never rang truer than on April 16, 2018. Down 2-0 in their best of seven series, a year’s worth of struggles bubbled their way to the surface. His emotional pendulum came crashing down right after the puck dropped in Game 3.
In what can only be described as a 60-minute tantrum, Getzlaf constantly berated the referees. Undoubtedly, the zebras missed some calls, but Getzlaf didn’t do his team any favors by verbally abusing the officials. After an obvious and needless slash, Getzlaf lost all restraint and the nationally televised audience were cringing at the Ducks demise. The rest of the Ducks followed suite culminating in nearly 30 penalty minutes in the match.
Unfairly, Getzlaf has been held responsible for much of Anaheim’s record-setting playoff failures. He is by far the most talented Ducks player and possibly the franchise’s best player ever. Not only is Getzlaf responsible for the team’s on-ice success, but he sets an example for how his teammates should act off it, as well. Be that as it may, his actions that night were a poor example of how a captain should handle themselves.
What happens in Vegas, doesn’t stay in Vegas
Losing someone via expansion to Las Vegas was inevitable, but an exempt Shea Theodore was very unexpected. On the surface it made sense. Multiple players needed protection in expansion and Bieksa (among others) had a dreaded no-movement clause in his contract.
As consideration for their expansion draft selection of injured defenseman Clayton Stoner and his $3.3M contract, the Ducks sent Theodore to the desert. Everyone’s happy, right? If only things were that simple.
The Shea Hey Kid couldn’t crack the Knights lineup and Montour was off to a fast start for us; Ducks Nation was at peace. Theodore eventually worked his way into Vegas’ lineup and played well. His stellar playoff performances left Ducks fans everywhere muttering to themselves about how Murray was “duped” by his Vegas counterpart, George McPhee.
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I relegated myself to a coy cheer at his struggles when “Ye Olde Capitals” lay siege to the inferior Golden Knights castle of dreams. Taketh that vile foe! Taketh that… hold me.