Sometimes a season goes exactly as you would expect it to.
Which is to say, it’s not really a surprise nor a concern that the Anaheim Ducks have already been eliminated from the postseason.
Pat Verbeek took over in Anaheim before this season fully knowing it was a year to gain some experience for young players, potentially flip some assets, and re-set the deck as he looks to build long term in Orange County.
Case in point, the John Klingberg signing. The Ducks and Klingberg both had a healthy understanding that his one-year contract was all about flipping him at the deadline.
In the worst case scenario, and Klingberg’s play led to this, it was a diminished return and but Verbeek was essentially buying a draft pick with the signing either way.
The Ducks expected struggles came defensively and
