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New Year’s Resolutions

Photo: USA Today

By Richard Gonzalez

Every New Year people tend to reflect on the previous year and set new goals for the next year. Those goals are known as “New Year’s Resolutions.” As the Anaheim Ducks look back at 2018, they saw a six-game losing streak that would bleed into 2019, and extend that losing streak to ten games. An infamous franchise record for a losing streak. The Ducks need to seriously consider incorporating some New Year’s Resolutions this year before it’s too late. So here are some New Year’s Resolutions that the Ducks should consider.

Coaching:

It’s time to shake things up and start fresh. It’s time to cut ties with head coach Randy Carlyle. I appreciate and respect him for everything he has given the Ducks including a Stanley Cup but it’s time for a change. I have never been a fan at bringing back a coach who was previously let go. I have expressed this numerous times on the DucksNPucks podcast. All the same problems are arising again. The Ducks are still in a position to make the playoffs; however, the way the team is playing now, it doesn’t seem like they will go far if they happen to make it. The team is equally responsible for the ten game losing streak but a coaching change would quickly send a message to the team and could potentially fire them up to get them out of this losing streak. The Ducks don’t seem to be responding and a definite change is long overdue. 

Leadership:

Ryan Getzlaf hasn’t played bad this season but he only has three points (1 goal and 2 assists) during this ten game losing streak. Two of those points came from the 7-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has had 28 shots on goal during the losing streak but he needs to lead by example and start producing more. He needs to hold himself and his team accountable for their atrocious play.  

Ryan Kesler hasn’t been a factor this season. This was really unexpected because he was believed to be back to form. He only has 6 points (4 goals and 2 assists) this season. This has been his personal worst season in his NHL career. He is also a -13 in the +/- column, which means he is not shutting down the opposing players. A role he was predominantly known for. He seems to be missing a step in his game. Kesler needs to get that monkey off his back. Get back to playing his known role. Carlyle should consider putting him on the fourth line to fire him up and to take some of the pressure off of him. It worked when they put Corey Perry on the fourth line in the past and he produced. If there is something medically still holding him back then he needs to make that a goal to address that situation. He needs to be 100 percent healthy. Not just for the Ducks but for his personal quality of life after hockey.

Defense:

The Ducks have been outscored 36-16 during this ten game losing streak. A lot of this falls on the defense with the exception of the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. That game was the best game played by the Ducks during the losing streak.  The defense is letting each and every team’s player set up camp in front of John Gibson. Gibson, although might seem like he is Super Man, is just one above average person. It doesn’t matter how good he is, he can’t stop the third, fourth or fifth chances teams take on him. He needs more support. Arguably, Gibson is the very best goalie in the league; however, he needs more support. More support stated a third time. The defense core needs to step up and provide help for Gibson. Clear the front of the net. Lay on the big hits so the opposing players would think twice about going after those second, third, fourth or fifth chances. Don’t give the opposing players any opportunities to get close to Gibson. 

Physical Play:

It’s time to get back into the old school mentality and live up to that “Dirty Ducks” nickname. The Ducks aren’t being as physical as they have been in the past. They seem to let up at the moment of truth when it comes to making a big hit. Now, I’m not saying to go out and hurt anyone or to take unnecessary penalties. I’m referring to making their physical presence known. That makes other team’s players panic into making a premature pass, which ultimately can lead to turning the puck over. The Ducks need to force the opposing players to make bad plays and take away their time and space. 

Gibson: 

Lastly, John Gibson. Gibson is the reason why the Ducks aren’t hanging out with the Los Angeles Kings at the bottom of the Western Conference. Gibson is the reason why the Ducks are only one point out of a playoff picture. He has been the best, if not, perfect for the Ducks. He needs to hold his team more responsible and if need be, publicly call them out for their poor play. He has done everything but score goals for the Ducks. Dallas Stars forward, Tyler Seguin was called out and he has been on fire as of late. Maybe it’s time for Gibson to be the leader that he is for the Ducks and to call them out on their poor play.

This is a frustrating time right now to be a Ducks fan. We still love our team but we expect better and hold our team to a higher standard. Another year represents a change for the better but the Ducks are still bringing in the 2018 poor play and it hasn’t gotten any better. The Ducks continued their infamous losing streak by letting go of a three-goal lead to the Penguins. Something needs to happen and the time is now. This team has so much potential and can make a run for the Cup but something has to happen to spark this team.

The last New Year’s Resolution:

Get the first win in 2019!

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January 12th, 2019

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