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Update: Losing streak reaches 12; It's time for changes; Aberg Dealt

January 16, 2019, 3:55 PM ET [30 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Detroit Red Wings are the latest team to put the Anaheim Ducks in their place amidst the now franchise worst 12-game (0-8-4) losing streak. Detroit scored three third period goals enroute to a 3-1 come from behind win on Tuesday night. Smh

The setback marked a third  consecutive game in which the Ducks started the final period with a lead and came away empty handed. Anaheim has the longest losing streak in the NHL since 2014.

A dozen losses in a row looks like the boiling point for Ducks' general manager Bob Murray. Think tea pot with a ferocious whistle accompanied by a thick stream of steam...

Murray is becoming more and more vocal regarding his teams' struggles. I'm including the trade of Andrew Cogliano in this.  I believe that was a message to the players to accompany his damning statements. But, when are words simply not enough?





The whole situation is so confusing. The GM gives a vote of confidence to his coach and in the same breath calls out his players for their lack of development and leadership. Doesn't that fall squarely on a coaches shoulders? If the young players aren't developing in an acceptable fashion, find someone who can make it happen.

I believe his comments are a sign that even he doesn't know what to do next. Not a positive omen moving forward.

The NHL record for lost losses in a row is 18. Will the Ducks threaten it? I doubt it, but they are making it interesting. The problem with Anaheim going into this season was a clear lack of scoring depth. They have been outscored 43-20 during the streak and scored two or fewer goals in nine of the 12 losses.

They haven't done much to address the offense either. While minor trades and waiver pickups work for teams built to win now, they don't improve deeply flawed rosters. Your waiver wire pick up can't be your second leading goal scorer. That's a major red flag.

UPDATE: The aforementioned Pontus Aberg was shipped off to the Minnesota Wild for Justin Kloos. It's all happening! Okay maybe not. Murray continues to get younger without actually getting better.

Aberg was a waiver wire surprise with 19 points (11 g, 8a) in 37 games this season. He fell out of favor for a lack of effort recently and now he's gone.

Kloos has played exactly one NHL game for the Wild. More to come I'm sure
.

It might be time for ownership to make a move and sit down with Murray. If he can't figure out how to get the team turned around someone else will have to.

What do you think, has Bob Murray lost control of the Ducks? Are you in favor of wholesale changes? Does it even matter?

Thanks for reading,
Steve
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