Speculation: 2024-25 Coaching/Management/Ownership

[snowave]

From the recent Silverberg interview where he commented on Cronin, here's bit about Silf unable to turn the offensive switch on (for the World Championships) b/c he was trained to play defense:

Jakob smiles as he tells the story.​

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– That was a real wake-up call for me. I had one year left with Anaheim and we had decided to go home. I thought: if I’m going home to Sweden, it will be with expectations, I have to make a real push and show some f***ing embrace to turn this around.”​

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But how could it turn out like it did in the World Cup?​

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– I know damn well, actually. I think I was a little mentally broken. We had missed the playoffs several years in a row. I had had a defensive role in Anaheim, where I just played simply: one touch, edge out – not offensive. I couldn’t switch to the WC. I wanted to contribute more offensively, but had a hard time getting into situations and the puck wasn’t bouncing my way.​

Silf's +4 rating was one of four players with + rating who played double digit games for the Ducks last year. He only played for Cronin for one season and it affected his ability to tap into an offensive mindset for the WC.

Not saying he wasn't forced to play more defensive minded by Cronin, but I think he largely put himself in that position because the last couple-ish years before, his offense/hands really went downhill. Sure, he didn't have the best line mates, etc... but his defense was really the only thing he seemed to still have an impact on.

 

[Mr Rogers]

Winning 3 games in a row with 5+ goals for usually results in zero roster changes. Can’t fault a coach for not allowing the team to get familiar and comfortable with their line mates, then also fault them when they won’t make a roster change when the team is clicking.

I am not a Cronin fan, but this isn’t the type of thing that deserves criticism.

Side note, I feel like the last stretch of wins was also with Zelleweger in the press box, because I recall I was joking about it.

I guess I don’t really see it as a significant change to the lineup. Helleson(?) out, Zell in. Dumo and Minty have struggled lately too. It’s different than bringing forwards in and out. I think what’s annoying too is his commentary today, send him down if you’re not going to play him.

Edit: I’m coming from the perspective of he needs to play somewhere, and he’s sat a lot this year. It could be both Pat and Cronin influencing this too. I just feel like OZ has gotten shafted a bit this year relative to other players.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

Not saying he wasn't forced to play more defensive minded by Cronin, but I think he largely put himself in that position because the last couple-ish years before, his offense/hands really went downhill. Sure, he didn't have the best line mates, etc... but his defense was really the only thing he seemed to still have an impact on.

I think you underestimate Cronin's effect on the offensive side.

2021-22 Eakins had a more complete team, but that was when he was out due to COVID and a blood clot. 2022-23 Eakins had a crap blueline. Cronin got more offensive and defensive weapons in 2023-24, but Silf's offensive production dropped.

 

[Ducks DVM]

I guess I don’t really see it as a significant change to the lineup. Helleson(?) out, Zell in. Dumo and Minty have struggled lately too. It’s different than bringing forwards in and out. I think what’s annoying too is his commentary today, send him down if you’re not going to play him.

Edit: I’m coming from the perspective of he needs to play somewhere, and he’s sat a lot this year. It could be both Pat and Cronin influencing this too. I just feel like OZ has gotten shafted a bit this year relative to other players.

Any change is a change.

Helleson had 2 points and was +1 in those 3 games. You don’t bench players who are earning their ice time on a winning streak.