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Ducks take long look at themselves
October 29th, 2009, 7:00 am · 14 Comments · posted by Curtis Zupke, Staff writer
Poor starts to the season have become a Ducks trend since they won the Stanley Cup two years ago. 
The team came out of the gate 4-7-1 in 2007-08 and 1-5 last season.
They eventually got back into playoff position, but after a 3-6-1 start to this season the Ducks reconvened Wednesday to take a hard look at themselves through a lengthy video session and Coach Randy Carlyle’s usual end-of-practice talk.
“It’s just a whole attitude change I think we need to have,” defenseman Ryan Whitney said.
“We talked about preparing ourselves better and being ready to play a full 60 minutes, which we might have not even have done once this year. Even in our wins – I think in Boston we had a really bad first period. It’s time to start playing a whole game.”
Carlyle wouldn’t go into details about his talk, but one can surmise that topics included defensive coverage, indecision on the forecheck and inconsistent effort.
The Ducks have allowed 21 goals during their four-game losing streak and again are one of the most penalized teams in the NHL.
All of that points to a team that lacks confidence and might take some time to figure out their game.
“This team has not put itself in a position to create an identity,” Carlyle said.
“We’ve made some decisions that are uncharacteristic of a team that had to find how it had to play before historically. Not only the new players, but the players we’ve had before that are making same miscues that we’re trying to correct.”
The Ducks learned a lesson from last season in that they cannot wait to find that identity.
“We’ve got to do it quick,” Whitney said. “We’re a close team. That’s not the question. I think guys really get along here and like one another. It’s a fun team to be on. It really is. That’s why if we keep losing it’s not going to be the same team. There’s going to be changes. We don’t want that. We want to do it with the guys in here and I think we can.”
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Yes, we can!
“We talked about preparing ourselves better and being ready to play a full 60 minutes”
Gee, haven’t heard that since…..ooh……..yesterday.
RC usual end-of-practice talk??? Obviously those are really having an impact.
Seriously, playing 60 minutes is something you have to discuss? Shouldn’t that just be common knowledge?!?
I love it. You guys have a less than mediocre team and everyone is whinig and wondering and arguing.
THE KINGS are the team to beat. You guys suck. Period. I warned you last year this would happen.
HEY? What was that purple and black streak? That was the KINGS rocketing past your old, tired long-toothed sad sack team.
Welcome to the cellar. While the KINGS developed great YOUNG TALENT, you guys wallowed and wondered and waited for Scotty and Teammu “The Diver” Selanne to resign while trading away great talent and keeping JS Choker…..Now Hiller is on the trade block? WOW, you guys suck.
Yeah and you have Matt Barry. Kind of evens it up, no?
Hey “gglifer” you’re like 6 yrs old, right? Shouldn’t you be cleaning your room?
WOW! The Kings are off to a nice start, good for them. The Kings do have a nice collection of young talent for once. That’s what happens when you finish towards the bottom for the past 6 years, you get great draft picks! Too bad it only took the Kings 40 years to discover you should keep your first round draft picks and develop them rather than trade them away for old aging players.
Enjoy your fifteen minutes but keep in mind you can help get into the playoffs with your play in October but you can’t win the Stanley Cup in October.
Oh by the way, nice game against the Sharks last night. Your Kings had a chance to keep San Jose in second place and gain a three point margin but the young talent couldn’t get it done. Don’t worry it’s only October.
So typical of a Kings fan. Less than mediocre for more than 6 years, have one good month and now its “the Ducks suck”.
I can see though why you would want to take advantage of any time the Kings are actually ahead of the Ducks. Small window of opportunity but take advantage of it.
Curtis, you left out the best part of Whit’s quote:
“WE HAVEN’T BOUGHT IN YET. IT’S JUST ABOUT BUYING INTO THE SYSTEM HE WANTS US TO PLAY.”
Hummmmmmmm, the team isn’t buying what Randy’s selling. Where have I heard that before?
This coach is DONE. Either Bob Murray turns over the entire roster again or he needs to make a coaching change.
Well, switching coaches in mid season worked out for Pittsburgh…. right?
still looking for “change we can believe in” . . .
I could care less about the Kings! Your fans are so bitter get over it! You guys are the cellar the minute we show weakness you pounce on it. I’m glad you are so excited G GLIFER about a good start to a season but believe me if your team stays healthy, and thats a big IF. They will not be in the playoffs this year AGAIN.
If we could get Getzy to shoot 2 shots on goal for every assist attempt it would lead to more pucks in the net via his shot or rebound opp’s. GO DUCKS!!!!!
KINGS fans have fun while it lasts. I know you’ll be looking at the playoffs wishing you could play in them, but it comes down to knowing how to finish seasons and experience, but don’t worry I’m sure your used to it.
I’ll give you this tho your GM is a genius you’re getting alot of gifts from Philly
Yeah let’s all examine ourselves. Call in a shrink to figure out why our Ducks don’t work at work. When that doesn’t work we’ll sacrifice virgins in the parking lot.
It is still the very beginning of the season, but it’s just about time to do some thinking. Carlyle should address some issues (many, many issues) which should have been already taken care of during the training camp.