I may have to change my opinion on the Ducks being top three in the division if they blow both negotiations with Lindholm and Rakell.
Really should have missed a RS game at least (losing pay) if you want to get it out of the game.
The Carlyle hire did it for me. He legitimately got worse every year he was with Toronto and his words just say more of the same
Was Shaw considered a repeat offender before this? If so, what a pointless "suspension".
I think they have enough talent to overcome Carlyle's coaching issues to make the playoffs. I think he's bad enough to make sure they aren't much of a threat but they should have enough talent to win games almost regardless of coaching styles. They did it before but the only thing that gives me pause is the statuses of Rakell and Lindholm.
I don't know how good the Ducks can be with their bottom 6.
So essentially if he does something else he'll be a repeat offender?For the points of fines, no (his homophobic slur was only a few months ago but doesn't count for repeat offenders) but his previous history is supposed to be in play for the purpose of length.
Given the fact that shaw likely wasn't even going to play in 2 of 3 games he was suspended for, this is a nothing suspension.
With Rakell or Kesler centering one and Vermette centering their 4th line, I wouldn't be too concerned about their bottom six winning games during the season on a consistent basis. The issue is getting Lindholm and Rakell signed and then whatever trade they do to make room. If they can't sign those two, they're probably toast. I think they can get by w/o Lindholm with the depth they have on the blue line but Rakell is a critical piece of their forward puzzle right now.
I think they're screwed without either. Lindholm is way better than all their other guys on defense. Fowler in particular is overrated and just not very good - certainly not 1st pairing caliber. Bieksa has been done for three years.
With those issues plus Carlyle behind the bench, the Ducks are simply not a threat to win the Cup this year even if they make the playoffs.
Lindholm is really good. Wouldn't be upset if he got traded.
So essentially if he does something else he'll be a repeat offender?
I think they can handle losing Lindholm honestly. Fowler-Bieksa as a second pairing is fine. Vatanen is very good. They have guys like Manson, Theodore, and Montour coming up. Their D won't be as good but it'll still be good enough to win games on a regular basis in the regular season. I agree they won't be a threat in the playoffs but they would probably still make it w/o Lindholm. I don't think they can w/o Rakell with what they have up front w/o him.
Even if Fowler-Bieksa is a fine 2nd pairing, who's on their 1st pairing without Lindholm? Stoner and Vatanen? That would be the worst first pairing in the league, including teams like New Jersey and Toronto
You need a better top pair than Simon Despres and Sami Vatanen...
Lindholm is their only defenseman who can play against top comp. Honestly the more I think about it if they can't sign Lindholm, Calgary could very well finish ahead of the Ducks if Gulutzan is even slightly more competent than Bob Hartley.
You need a better top pair than Simon Despres and Sami Vatanen...
Lindholm is their only defenseman who can play against top comp. Honestly the more I think about it if they can't sign Lindholm, Calgary could very well finish ahead of the Ducks if Gulutzan is even slightly more competent than Bob Hartley.