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Getzlaf blasts Ducks' effort after embarrassing loss; Kase needs surgery |
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Ondrej Kase is done for the season. One of the few brightspots for the Anaheim Ducks needs surgery to repair a torn labrum and the initial timetable for recovery is 5 to 6 months.
With 20 points (11g 9a) is 30 games, Kase was a reason to watch the Ducks this season. His slick moves, combined with quick hands and feet, made him one of the few Anaheim forwards suited for today's uptempo style of play.
The news came hours before what was easily Anaheim's worst performance of the season. St. Louis came into Honda Center and dismatled the lifeless Ducks by a score of 5 to 1, holding Anaheim to 13 shots TOTAL on home ice. THE DUCKS HAD TWO SHOTS ON GOAL IN THE FIRST PERIOD! TWO!
Anaheim had no life, no fight and played like a team that is checked out completely. If this isn't an indictment on Randy Carlyle - I don't know what is! And now I'm hearing he won't be fired because of handshake deal he made when he was rehired. Part of the offer included a front office job when he's done behind the bench. Firing Carlyle is not in the cards...which means more losing is.
Coming off a shutout loss, following your first wins in a month, and playing at home should have enough motivation for at least one good period of hockey. The Ducks had two shots in the first, seven in the second and three in the third period trailing by two goals. Remember when this team was never out of a game? Remember when a come-from-behind victory was par for the course? What happened?
I've never been a fan of John Gibson's body language to start with. For as good as he is, I feel like he gives up on the puck at times or simply looks disinterested. But, I've never seen his body language like last night, especially after goals four and five. Brandon Montour too. You could feel the affable Montour deflate emotionally after the fourth goal. It's that bad.
The Anaheim Ducks are such a mess that Ryan Getzlaf had to go off on his teams' effort following the game.
Those are powerful words from the captain. Getzlaf said he's never felt like his team wasn't competing - until now. Crazy how far and fast the once mighty Ducks are falling. Injuries, age and lack of effort are not ingredients for success.
Anaheim is still in the playoff race - in spite of their lack of effort. Luckily, the West Wild Card is wide open.
However, I can't imagine Anaheim turning this thing around after that poop show last night. The Ducks have a minus-33 goal differential, they can't score to save their lives and now Kase is lost for the rest of the season. There aren't enough Henrique for Vatanen trades to go around.
Anaheim enters the long layoff with two consecutive defeats in which they were outscored 8-1, and out-efforted by 100%. The break couldn't have come at a better time... for the fans. They deserve better than this.
It can't possibly get worse than this. Right?
Thanks for reading,
Steve
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • 
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