‘18-19 State of the Ducks Part II - Failed

[ZzZz]

One thing this season has taught me is that most posters on this board have no clue how to handle a losing season

It's a tank without a rebuild. Henry is really banking on a fortunate lottery outcome. Usually bottom feeders have to spend several years at the bottom to draft a franchise talent. I didn't take Henry for a gambler, but I hope he gets burnt and we never see this again.

 

[Ducks DVM]

One thing this season has taught me is that most posters on this board have no clue how to handle a losing season

This isn’t a losing season. This is a failure as a franchise. Failure at coaching. Failure at roster management. Failure at communicating with fans and season ticket holders. Failure at defining the future.

There is nothing about this season that deserves anything but disdain.

 

[MMC]

This isn’t a losing season. This is a failure as a franchise. Failure at coaching. Failure at roster management. Failure at communicating with fans and season ticket holders. Failure at defining the future.

There is nothing about this season that deserves anything but disdain.

Of course it does, but it seems this season has made half of the board vanish, and much of the remaining not active at all. The season has killed much of the community, and that's not a good thing.

 

[Ducks DVM]

Of course it does, but it seems this season has made half of the board vanish, and much of the remaining not active at all. The season has killed much of the community, and that's not a good thing.

It is, but it’s not because it’s a losing season. The boards didn’t implode like this when the teams were bad at the end of RC Mark one.

 

[Masch78]

The season has killed much of the community, and that's not a good thing.

Because the haters took over. So much bad mouthing.

 

[AngelDuck]

Because the haters took over. So much bad mouthing.

Everyone copes with losing differently.

It's funny being labeled a "hater" despite posting on this board regularly for 7 years now.

Yeah, I'm so happy we suck so I can hate on them all day

 

[Mallard]

What else is there to do? Every chance of optimism has been a let down.

 

[The Mighty Duck Man]

Of course it does, but it seems this season has made half of the board vanish, and much of the remaining not active at all. The season has killed much of the community, and that's not a good thing.

Ehh I wouldn't say it was this season, it's been trending that way for a few years now, for various reasons. But other than that I wouldn't say you're wrong.

It's not weird, though, that Ducks fans wouldn't be accustomed to a losing season. When you make the playoffs six years in a row, winning five division titles along the way, and make the WCF twice and only miss the playoffs twice in like the last 15 years, there's going to be some level of expectations that make such a drop hard to handle. It'd be weirder if people were rational about it, even the ones who kind of predicted it.

 

[Exit Dose]

This isn’t a losing season. This is a failure as a franchise. Failure at coaching. Failure at roster management. Failure at communicating with fans and season ticket holders. Failure at defining the future.

There is nothing about this season that deserves anything but disdain.

It's a bit long, but this is a good team motto for next season.

 

[branmuffin17]

Pretty rough but probably true. Won't stop me from watching games, but it is scarring my soul a bit with each game played.

Mostly, I'm hoping my favorite players aren't traded and that next year, under new coaching, the team can get back to their more winning ways...I know most of them have it in them to do a lot better than what we're seeing right now.

 

[branmuffin17]

Just reading an article right now on The Athletic whose subject is about Crosby and others taking less than market value (e.g. hometown discount) to help the team's cap and improve their chances of winning.

Guessing this is a response to the insane contracts being handed out to freaking kids who are still restricted agents. That stuff has gotten out of control.

Anyway, that article also mentioned (and I never knew, I don't know if any of you did) that Ray Shero had something set up with the Ducks in case Letang contract talks fell through. Obviously things worked out, but that makes me wonder what could have been. If Letang had come here...who would have gone there? What kind of deal would that have been?

 

[ohcomeonref]

For me it's not so much the losing that hurts as the manner in which we are losing. And management seems to be oblivious.

 

[MMC]

Because the haters took over. So much bad mouthing.

Yeah, it's pretty unreal how one season of bad has created such animosity with the fanbase not only towards everything team related, but also with each other. It's sad to see. Eye opener for me was how little interest there is in the meet up compared to when I first proposed the idea. It's like everyone's quitting before even giving the team a chance to get out of it.

 

[Paul4587]

Just reading an article right now on The Athletic whose subject is about Crosby and others taking less than market value (e.g. hometown discount) to help the team's cap and improve their chances of winning.

Guessing this is a response to the insane contracts being handed out to freaking kids who are still restricted agents. That stuff has gotten out of control.

Anyway, that article also mentioned (and I never knew, I don't know if any of you did) that Ray Shero had something set up with the Ducks in case Letang contract talks fell through. Obviously things worked out, but that makes me wonder what could have been. If Letang had come here...who would have gone there? What kind of deal would that have been?

Letang would have really helped. He’s the type of elite offensive talent from the blueline that we’ve sorely lacked since Visnovsky had his huge season.

I would have imagined Fowler would have gone back but that’s still a trade I make even to this very day despite the age difference.

 

[branmuffin17]

For me it's not so much the losing that hurts as the manner in which we are losing. And management seems to be oblivious.

Thing is, we don't know what discussions have happened. I have to assume that most of these people involved are not actually stupid.

If we can make that assumption (go along with me here, please), then we can expect that some things have in fact been discussed, and ownership accepts and is letting it play out.

If I were to make an educated guess, I'd say that BM has talked to the Samuelis about the team and his future plans for said team. Some points I'd think he'd make:

• RC as a coach very likely isn't helping the team. That said, we have flexibility for not having him coach next season without needing to fire him, and he brings other positive aspects to the business that we can absolutely use when he's part of the front office (in whatever capacity BM has in mind for him). This means it's best NOT to fire him, despite what's happening with the team.
• Right now, there might be only select coaches available. In the offseason, there might be more options to help choose the right fit for the team going forward.
• Eakins is likely an option (probably the leading one if I were to guess). However, he's been grooming the Gulls very well and they're having success...pulling him out of there to help a struggling Ducks team isn't really optimal. Let him finish out the season, and help our prospects develop and be better for when we bring them up next year and beyond.
• "I still believe in our core." Concept BM HAS to sell to the Samuelis. He's going to hold tight to what he feels are the most important members of the team...likely Getzlaf, Perry, Lindholm, Manson, Fowler (guessing, as BM has always had a soft side for him), Rakell, and obviously Gibby. He's probably listening to offers for anyone, but less likely to actually pull the trigger on his "untouchables" list unless a crazy offer came that he couldn't refuse, which is unlikely.
• (My guess on most likely trades from the Ducks roster are Silf-despite also trying to sign, Henrique, Montour, Shore, Del Zotto, and maybe Fowler even though I identified him above)
• Next year, we won't have Grant, Gibbons, probably Del Zotto. The players outside the current core will have more opportunity to make a difference on the team, which will also allow us to save some money. Guessing Terry, Steel, Jones will see much more serious looks, and further opportunity to Ritchie, Kase, and Sprong will be given.

Anyway, obviously I don't know what's going on, but this is what I feel is a reasonable guess.

 

[Trojans86]

I dont know what is worse, being a Ducks for or a Trojan football fan. Those are the only two sports I follow in-depth and they are borderline unwatchable.

 

[duckpuck]

Thing is, we don't know what discussions have happened. I have to assume that most of these people involved are not actually stupid.

If we can make that assumption (go along with me here, please), then we can expect that some things have in fact been discussed, and ownership accepts and is letting it play out.

If I were to make an educated guess, I'd say that BM has talked to the Samuelis about the team and his future plans for said team. Some points I'd think he'd make:

• RC as a coach very likely isn't helping the team. That said, we have flexibility for not having him coach next season without needing to fire him, and he brings other positive aspects to the business that we can absolutely use when he's part of the front office (in whatever capacity BM has in mind for him). This means it's best NOT to fire him, despite what's happening with the team.
• Right now, there might be only select coaches available. In the offseason, there might be more options to help choose the right fit for the team going forward.
• Eakins is likely an option (probably the leading one if I were to guess). However, he's been grooming the Gulls very well and they're having success...pulling him out of there to help a struggling Ducks team isn't really optimal. Let him finish out the season, and help our prospects develop and be better for when we bring them up next year and beyond.
• "I still believe in our core." Concept BM HAS to sell to the Samuelis. He's going to hold tight to what he feels are the most important members of the team...likely Getzlaf, Perry, Lindholm, Manson, Fowler (guessing, as BM has always had a soft side for him), Rakell, and obviously Gibby. He's probably listening to offers for anyone, but less likely to actually pull the trigger on his "untouchables" list unless a crazy offer came that he couldn't refuse, which is unlikely.
• (My guess on most likely trades from the Ducks roster are Silf-despite also trying to sign, Henrique, Montour, Shore, Del Zotto, and maybe Fowler even though I identified him above)
• Next year, we won't have Grant, Gibbons, probably Del Zotto. The players outside the current core will have more opportunity to make a difference on the team, which will also allow us to save some money. Guessing Terry, Steel, Jones will see much more serious looks, and further opportunity to Ritchie, Kase, and Sprong will be given.

Anyway, obviously I don't know what's going on, but this is what I feel is a reasonable guess.

It is asinine to claim the owners and team management are oblivious. People act like, at this point, there are good and obvious answers. The on-ice season is a disaster. Firing RC is required but what is the upside of doing so now? If the new coach turns things around, the ducks limp into the playoffs as a 7-8 seed (if their lucky). That is not just unlikely, but the worst possible outcome from a rebuilding point of view. And on top of that, what proven and available coach wants this job now given this roster? The choice of coaches in the off season will be much better.

I happen to agree that Eakins is the heir apparent and ownership, quite correctly, could conclude that: (i) Eakins is more valuable coaching and mentoring the young guys in SD for the time being, away from the toxic locker room in Anaheim; (ii) development of the SD team is more important than anything that can happen at the NHL level; and (iii) no coach will turn the current NHL roster into a winner.

The Ducks season has been awful and I agree that the quality of hockey is the worst I've seen since the inaugural season. The ducks/St. Louis game I attended was the worst NHL game I've ever seen in person. Its inexcusable and not acceptable, but it is also not surprising given the aging core and new, faster NHL. This year needs to be viewed in context of the prior 12+ years which have been very good in most respects. As a fan, I hate it but I won't cast aspersion on ownership/management after one awful year. The reasonable and fair thing is to see what happens in the next 18 months.

 

[Masch78]

Everyone copes with losing differently.

It's funny being labeled a "hater" despite posting on this board regularly for 7 years now.

Yeah, I'm so happy we suck so I can hate on them all day

Did I mention you in particular? Criticism is always fine. A community lives from it. But it's getting personal here and personally I don't like it when people are insulted, even when they run a hockey club.

 

[rlstine]

This isn’t a losing season. This is a failure as a franchise. Failure at coaching. Failure at roster management. Failure at communicating with fans and season ticket holders. Failure at defining the future.

There is nothing about this season that deserves anything but disdain.

I mean this season is an abject failure, sure, but I don't think you can condemn the whole franchise. The reality is that this franchise has been running on fumes the last few years trying to conjure up a few good runs with the old core out of basically nothing. They haven't drafted in the top 5 since 2005 but have scraped by with good amateur scouting in the picks they do have and they have more good, but not great, prospects on the way, but you can't nickel and dime your way into making up for losing out on the Kanes, Ovechkins, and McKinnons that only a top 3 pick can give you.

And I know people are tired of hearing this excuse but you really can't overstate the injury factor. Perry's knee finally gave out. Eaves became Mike Scioscia in that one episode of the Simpsons, Kase, etc. but the injury that really hurts is obviously Kesler. Being hurt just enough that he's basically a replacement level player while still being physically able to play is just the worst outcome possible on that contract. No LTIR relief or anything like other contending franchises seem to take advantage of repeatedly.

Bob Murray already came out and explicitly said that he thinks this team sucks and has no chance to contend. There was a rumor going around that Murray has already given up on this season and is focused on maximizing that draft pick.

I don't really know what the Samuelis are supposed to do. I'm sure they're well aware this team sucks.

Also, Randy sucks, no argument here.

 

[KaseMeOutside]

Yeah, it's pretty unreal how one season of bad has created such animosity with the fanbase not only towards everything team related, but also with each other. It's sad to see. Eye opener for me was how little interest there is in the meet up compared to when I first proposed the idea. It's like everyone's quitting before even giving the team a chance to get out of it.

They have lost 90 percent of their games over a quarter of the season. What do you want "us" to do? We're calling out what the team is putting out for public consumption.

 

[RakAttack]

I dont know what is worse, being a Ducks for or a Trojan football fan. Those are the only two sports I follow in-depth and they are borderline unwatchable.

As a fellow Trojan, I have to say, the parallels between the ducks and USC football are kind of nuts.

Both have a head hancho in management that has his guy in at coach and refuse to fire them despite every reason in the world to do so. Both Lynn swann and bob Murray fail to disclose any sort of information regarding the true direction of their given programs to fans, even though that is really the only thing that fans crave. Both also claim that big changes are on their way, only to follow up by making a few small changes, and either giving an excuse as to why they couldn’t make bigger ones, or say that these minor tweaks were the big changes (a-la the cogs for shore trade, or in the case of USC, the firing of a quarter of the coaching staff even though a full cleaning of house was necessary).

Anyways, been thinking about this for quite some time. Glad that there is someone to commiserate with.

 

[Trojans86]

As a fellow Trojan, I have to say, the parallels between the ducks and USC football are kind of nuts.

Both have a head hancho in management that has his guy in at coach and refuse to fire them despite every reason in the world to do so. Both Lynn swann and bob Murray fail to disclose any sort of information regarding the true direction of their given programs to fans, even though that is really the only thing that fans crave. Both also claim that big changes are on their way, only to follow up by making a few small changes, and either giving an excuse as to why they couldn’t make bigger ones, or say that these minor tweaks were the big changes (a-la the cogs for shore trade, or in the case of USC, the firing of a quarter of the coaching staff even though a full cleaning of house was necessary).

Anyways, been thinking about this for quite some time. Glad that there is someone to commiserate with.

I'm here with you. Graduated in 08! Meyer in 2020 and a new coach and top pick for the Ducks next year!

 

[Beretta 390]

"Never change a winning game, always change a losing game". Did this strategic point get glossed over along the way, or bc did BMRC choose to ignore?

 

[Anaheim4ever]

I want to see a game where its 0-0 in the 3rd period & the other team pulls their goalie & Gibson scores it put the Ducks up 1-0 with 15 seconds left.......

 

[70sSanO]

Why would the Samuelis step in and do something this season. I’m sure there will be changes coming, but there is no urgency.

The Samuelis are worth $4 billion and the Ducks are worth $400 million. They just signed a deal with the city for the next 30 years. Southern California, (Disneyland, beaches, etc.), is a destination for many snow birds and the Honda Center gets filled with a lot of opposing team’s fans.

There has been a pretty amazing run of good (playoff) seasons. Everyone knows there would be down seasons and I’m sure the Samuelis are going to be prudent and not just dump money into a sinking ship. This season was never going to be a contending season so why not keep Carlyle and Murray and move on from this... “hopefully” next year. It just sucks as fans.

John