Anaheim Ducks: Bob Murray Receives his “Report Card” for the 2018-19 Season

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 3: General Manager and Interim Head Coach, Bob Murray of the Anaheim Ducks smiles from the bench during the game against the Calgary Flames on April 3, 2019 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 3: General Manager and Interim Head Coach, Bob Murray of the Anaheim Ducks smiles from the bench during the game against the Calgary Flames on April 3, 2019 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)
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ANAHEIM, CA – FEBRUARY 13: Interim head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, Bob Murray, chats with assistant coach, Mark Morrison while coaching first NHL game on February 13, 2019, against the Vancouver Canucks at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)

Interaction with the Players and the Fan Base

Sometimes, the best approach is to be humble and take the low road. However, there were points during the season where Bob Murray refused to admit to any wrongdoing and it really hurt his reputation among the fans. His blatant disregard to the chaos behind the bench and in the locker room for so long is a big reason the Anaheim Ducks sunk so fast last season.

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When he finally came to the conclusion that something needed to be done, he targeted his players instead of dealing with the real issue. This came in the form of several trades. While, in hindsight, these trades would be necessary for future success, it was not fair for him to blame his players when the real problem grew more obvious with each passing day.

Although he finally relieved Randy Carlyle of his duties, the damage had already been done and there was really no possible way to salvage to the season. He did put his reputation and job on the line to try and fix things, which we certainly admire. Nevertheless, the whole situation went amiss and his interaction with both his players and the fans during the 2018-19 season is something we’d much rather forget.

Final Grade: D+

Total Grade for the 2018-19 Season: C-

Bob Murray made a few major missteps in 2018-19 followed by a few brilliant moves over the course of the season. Free agency and his interaction with the team and his fanbase really hurt him. However, his trades and his time behind the bench were his saving grace. For that reason, Murray received a passing grade on the season, but barely. We can only hope he redeems himself a little bit in 2019-20!

Would you give Bob Murray a passing or failing grade for the 2018-19 season? Share what letter grade you would give him down in the comments below!