Bobby Kittleberger: John Gibson is on an Island The Anaheim Ducks dropped their fourth straight game to the Dallas Stars on Thursday night. Moreover, they are last in the league in both shots for and shots against per game. It's not pretty in Anaheim.

C'mon Bobby, it's obviously the system. How could a group that played so well last year look like they don't know what they're doing this year? It's obvious the system isn't working as guys are skating into each other constantly. The last time I watched the Ducks play this bad was the stretch before Carlyle got fired the first time. If this keeps up I don't think Carlyle makes it through Thanksgiving.

Can't put all the blame on defense allowing shots. A big part is forwards helping out and not allowing shots from the point and half wall.

Ducks constantly have injury issues which is forcing them to play rookies who aren't familiar with the system/league yet.

Anaheim needs to change things up and trade Manson to Leafs for Gardiner

Can't put all the blame on defense allowing shots. A big part is forwards helping out and not allowing shots from the point and half wall.

Ducks constantly have injury issues which is forcing them to play rookies who aren't familiar with the system/league yet.
- LeafGuy89

Exactly! Last night during a 4 on 4 Hampus Lindholm takes the puck away from a Stars player and passes it to Pontus Aberg who promptly skates right back at Hampus. They collide and lose the puck, the Dallas player who Hampus took the puck from gets it back passes it to the front of the net and they score. Lindholm did nothing wrong on that play other than trusting that his teammate would make an intelligent play with the puck.

I think Carlyle may be near the end of his rope. I get that there are injuries, but the five-man unit is not playing well at either end of the ice. They seem to be faster than last year, but are just going out of position faster. They need to figure out this system soon or get a new system.

I agree that Carlisle needs to go. But perhaps they also have the wrong players for the new NHL. Just telling them to skate faster clearly isn’t working.

I think Carlyle may be near the end of his rope. I get that there are injuries, but the five-man unit is not playing well at either end of the ice. They seem to be faster than last year, but are just going out of position faster. They need to figure out this system soon or get a new system.
- hdd23

If they fire Carlyle, which coaches are even available to replace him? I can't even think of anyone.

If they fire Carlyle, which coaches are even available to replace him? I can't even think of anyone.
- LeafGuy89

Dallas Eakins is the heir apparent. He coached the Gulls for 3 years before signing a multi year contract extension last May. One of his assistants (Marty Wilford) was promoted to the big club this year. Eakins has worked with the kids in the AHL and will continue to do so in the NHL. I think the table has been set for him to be promoted.

Jack Hughes huh ... Tell us how you really feel. No doubt the season hasn't fully progressed the way Duck fans would have hoped. Until we get a semblance of a complete roster I'll hold off on the Hughes race.

The D though has been baffling bad.

If they fire Carlyle, which coaches are even available to replace him? I can't even think of anyone.
- LeafGuy89

There is this Cat coaching the Marlies that I would take in a heartbeat.

Gibson is going to be fine. Taking that many shots and having a .940 SV% should give the team hope that they have an elite goalie and as long as Anaheim can keep scoring their coach won't be called out for being horrible (see John Stevens)

There is this Cat coaching the Marlies that I would take in a heartbeat.
- dozerD10

No kidding.

Interesting thought considering Babcock has another 5 years on his contract. I can't imagine Keefe (current Marlies coach) staying put for another 5 years (unless there's some understanding he's replacing Babcock when the time comes). I don't think he has anything else to prove in the AHL. At 38, I would be willing to take a chance on him.