At first, it seemed like the sort of situation that might rally the Anaheim Ducks, as they shook off bad news about Ryan Getzlaf and managed an early 3-0 lead.
That edge evaporated, however, and the story changed to “Hey, at least the Ducks might salvage a point tonight, not so bad considering back-to-back games.”
Then ... well, Antoine Roussel scored with about a minute and a half left, giving the Stars a 4-3 win and a true kick to the groin for the Ducks. They get nothing but regrets.
It couldn’t be more obvious that Anaheim ran out of gas in this one, either, although Bruce Boudreau denies as much.
The Ducks were up 3-0 heading into the first intermission before Dallas tied it up in the second period, with Anaheim managing a small 18-17 SOG edge.
The bottom fell out for Anaheim in the third period, as the Stars poured it on. The Ducks managed just two shots in the final frame (versus 17 for Dallas).
.@CarlHagelin: "We just let up. It's unacceptable. We were on our heels; we weren't making plays. They're a good offensive team." #ANAvsDAL
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) October 28, 2015
It seemed like Frederik Andersen might bail them out, but then he caved. Just brutal.
Before you call for Boudreau’s head
Allow this quick note while you gather your pitchforks.
Anaheim’s about to close out a five-game road trip against the Blues on Thursday.
They’ll play six of seven games at home to begin November, so why not see if Boudreau can right the ship then? (See their schedule here.)
Now, things get hairy after that (five of six on the road), but maybe the Ducks will be in a better place then?
Let’s not kid ourselves, though; these are absolutely the types of losses that might inspire drastic changes. Should Anaheim cut the cord with Boudreau or give him a little extra time?