Anaheim Ducks: It’s Time to Play the Blame Game

As of late, the Anaheim Ducks have a hodgepodge of critical mistakes that have cost them a few games. Everyone is quick to make accusations, but, what is the root of the problem?

The blame game is an easy game to play, especially when there is evidence pointing towards serious problems. The Anaheim Ducks have several underlying issues that need to be addressed before the season gets too out of hand.

Winning their first three games was the perfect masquerade for the Anaheim Ducks to hide behind. This allowed them to ignore their issues because, hey, they were winning right? If you’re not into advanced statistics, it’s easy to be fooled into thinking the Ducks have actually been playing well. However, to be quite honest, their game in St. Louis is the only game they’ve played three decent periods.

The only reason the Anaheim Ducks have stayed in any of these games is thanks to the stellar goaltending of John Gibson. Facing more shots than any other goaltender in the league, by over 24 shots, he has steadily maintained the highest save percentage.

I understand. You can’t chalk the success of a team up to one player. Someone has to be out there scoring goals. While there have been players who have shown sparks of offensive tenacity, it has not been consistent.

One thing the Anaheim Ducks have going for them is that their leadership is willing to speak up when there is an issue. In a recent post game interview, Ryan Getzlaf spoke out about the issues the team was having and what they needed to do in order to fix these issues.

“We’ve got to get back to doing things properly, doing things the way we want to do them on a shift to shift basis. Not just kind of when we feel like it… We’re spenting way, way, way, too much time in our own zone. As well as those second and third opportunities where we’ve got to compete as a group around our crease and protect our goalies. They stopped the first shot almost every time. It’s a matter of us getting into those areas and making sure we’re compeating for those pucks.”

The first step to fixing these issues is acknowledging that something needs to change. The fact that the leadership, and even players who aren’t in a leadership position, are recognizing this is a good start. Nevertheless, you still have to find the root of the problem in order to fix it.

Who is to Blame?

There are several things we can point our fingers at. The first one being injuries. It’s practically impossible for the players who find consistency and chemistry with there constantly being players yoyoing in and out of the lineup due to injury. Nevertheless, hockey is a contact sport. Injuries are a part of the game. The team should be prepared for this. I personally feel that the injury excuse is a tad cowardice.

Yes, injuries happen and it is difficult to work around them. However, chemistry is not the Ducks issue. It definitely plays somewhat of a factor. We have seen that much with Rickard Rakell in the absence of Ryan Getzlaf. Still, their biggest issue is with their tactics and techniques. Playing fast doesn’t do them any good if they can’t learn to control the puck, get out of their own zone, and practice discipline.

On the other hand, we can blame the defense. Cam Fowler, Brandon Montour, and Josh Manson have all been defensively irresponsible since their first game against the San Jose Sharks. They’ve had spurts where they’ve made good plays. However, one good play does not make up for everything else. Hampus Lindholm seems to be the only defenseman in the top four that is showing up night after night.

If their job is to keep the puck in the zone and keep the opposing team from scoring, they should all be fired for their lackluster efforts in doing so! John Gibson should not be facing 40+ shots a night. They are constantly allowing turnovers and their inordinate lack of discipline is ghastly. Nevertheless, the offense hasn’t been of much help either.

Consistency is key, and our talented group of forwards is being anything but. The Anaheim Ducks are fortunate to have such a talented group of NHL players. Most of the NHL world doesn’t see them like that, but holy cow! When they’re playing consistently and cohesively it’s an amazing sight to behold.

Nevertheless, they have, as Ryan Getzlaf pointed out, been spending way too much time in their own zone. It is quite frankly embarrassing when they are being outshot by a margin of over 20 shots on goal per night. They’re so focused on being “fast” and making the perfect play that they forget to shoot the puck. However, it doesn’t help that they cannot maintain possession or control of the puck. Something needs to change. Which brings me to my next point.

Putting Randy Carlyle in the Hot Seat Once Again

I know I’m beating a dead horse. We’ve written in length here at Pucks of a Feather that the Anaheim Ducks need a new head coach, and soon. During the offseason, with all the changes being made to the coaching staff, it seemed as though Randy Carlyle was skating on thin ice. However, at this point, I’ll believe it when I see it.

The excuses are, quite frankly, getting old. I get that Carlyle has been in the business for so long he might need some time to adjust to the new system. However, when you’re a coach, you adapt. You do everything your team needs in order to succeed. If that means changing things up, you do it. If that means keeping a player accountable and disciplining them, you don’t hesitate for one second.

One thing he has improved this season that I must give him credit for is his consistency in rolling out four lines. He’s allowing for his players to get the rest they need before their next shift. So far, things are looking pretty even. I must give him that.

He’s also done a good job of inserting youth into the lineup. However, what happens when Corey Perry, Patrick Eaves, Carter Rowney, Jakob Silfverberg, and Ondrej Kase are all healthy? We’ve already seen it. Even if the kids are playing well, the “vets” get first dibs on a spot in the lineup.

What bothers me the most about Randy Carlyle’s coaching technique is his inability to take responsibility for his own actions. When the team struggles, not once have I heard him own up to his mistakes. He always has an excuse or can find someone to blame. Yes, his players are the ones making things happen on the ice. It is, however, his job to point it out to them and get things fixed when they are making mistakes!

As a coach, you are doing a disservice to your team if you do not speak up and make things happen. If it means you have to flip a few tables in the process, get it done!

Pointing Fingers Isn’t Going to Solve the Issue

Now that I have gotten all of that off my chest, I can finally take a breath. I’m just like all of you, I get frustrated with this team. Especially when the issues are so blatantly obvious it should be easy for them to fix.

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Nevertheless, it isn’t our job to help the Ducks fix their problems. We are justified in our frustration and we are allowed to be upset. However, the one thing we are not allowed to do is give up on our team. Nor are we allowed to give up on a player.

Like I’ve said, one player does not determine the success of this team. It’s easy when a player has a bad night to call for their head. Still, they are a team. Every player must contribute while they are out on the ice in order to have success.

I think we can all agree on this one thing. Placing blame does not help anyone. Pointing fingers won’t get things solved any quicker. Eventually, the blame game isn’t fun anymore. In the words of Henry Ford, “don’t find fault, find a remedy.”

This team is going to let us down, that much is guaranteed. This team is also going to give us something to cheer for. They may be a group of knuckleheads sometimes, but being a fan means we’re all in for a roller coaster of emotions.

So, as we wait for the Ducks to find the solution, hold tight and cheer for them anyways. The one thing I love about the Anaheim Ducks is that no matter how much this team frustrates us, loses, or makes us want to tear out hair out, they always give us a reason to love them.