As each NHL team is eliminated from playoff contention -- either mathematically or by losing in the postseason -- we'll take a look at why its quest for the Stanley Cup fell short in 2017-18, along with three keys to its offseason and a way-too-early prediction for what 2018-19 will hold.
What went wrong
The Anaheim Ducks finished with a 44-25-13 record for 101 points for one reason: John Gibson, who had his finest season in the NHL, with a .926 save percentage in 60 starts. (Not Vezina Trophy fine, but that's another discussion.)
He was the constant in a season with considerable inconsistency. The Ducks had only three players cross the 80-game threshold, and only one forward: Andrew Cogliano, whose ironman streak ended via a two-game suspension in January. Ryan Getzlaf was limited to 56 games. Ryan Kesler to 44 games. Hampus Lindholm to 69 games. Kevin Bieksa to 59 games. Cam Fowler's injury at the end of the season impacted the Ducks in the postseason. Meanwhile, Corey Perry allegedly played 71 games.
The Ducks looked overwhelmed in their series against the San Jose Sharks. Worse yet, they looked old.
Keys to the offseason
1. Get younger.
There are 11 players in the Ducks' roster over the age of 30. Five of them can be jettisoned via unrestricted free agency: Antoine Vermette, Chris Kelly, Jason Chimera, Francois Beauchemin and Bieksa. Their replacements need to be younger, faster and hungrier -- a supporting cast to what will remain a veteran team at its core.
One problem: Their overall farm system isn't all that impressive, although junior star Sam Steel (drafted No. 30 in 2016) seems promising at center.
2. Consider the options on the Big Three.
Getzlaf ($8.25M average annual value, deal expires in 2021), Perry ($8.625M, 2021) and Kesler ($6.875M, 2022) all have significant money and term left on their deals. They also have full no-move clauses.
Getzlaf has plenty left to offer, with 61 points in 56 games. Kesler's body might finally be breaking down, with a lot of miles on that 33-year-old frame and a lot of term on that contract. That leaves Perry, who's been under 20 goals in consecutive seasons. Is there any chance for a mutual parting of ways, a fresh start for both?
3. Make a call on Randy Carlyle.
Carlyle will be 62 next season, entering the last year of his contract (there's an option for an additional year in 2019-20). He coached the Ducks to the Western Conference final in 2016-17. He coached the Ducks to a meek first-round exit to a division rival this season.
One assumes GM Bob Murray isn't going anywhere, but is it possible the Ducks go with a new voice as part of a greater overhaul?
Realistic expectation for 2018-19
The Ducks have a lot to build around. Getzlaf, Rickard Rakell, Jakob Silfverberg, Adam Henrique, Ondrej Kase, Patrick Eaves (hopefully) and young Troy Terry up front. Lindholm, Fowler, Josh Manson and Brandon Montour on the blue line. Gibson in goal.
The bones of this team are ones sturdy enough to support a playoff contender, but it's clear that to really make some noise again there needs to be significant roster turnover down the lineup, and an overall increase in team speed.
It should be a fascinating offseason for GM Bob Murray, who is nothing if not aggressive.