13) Randy Returns
After another Game 7 loss on home ice, one that led to the firing of Bruce Boudreau, the Ducks stood at a crossroad. With a strong roster and a mix of solid veterans and exciting young prospects, Anaheim needed a new voice behind the bench to help the team maximize its potential.
No one thought the voice would be one from the past.
Randy Carlyle was announced as the
team's head coach on June 14, 2016
, promising to deliver accountability and an aggressive coaching style. After the team sputtered a bit out of the gate, he helped lead Anaheim to the Western Conference Final, winning his
300th game with the Ducks
and reaching the
400-win milestone
overall. He earned praise from the players for his calm demeanor and ability to make in-game adjustments, and he showed a softer side with the media.
In 2006, his Ducks-led team fell in the Conference Final, only to hoist the Cup one year later. Will "Randy 2.0" follow the same pattern?
12) "You Can't Win Here"
Sports has its share of crazy streaks and records, with the Ducks home win streak over the Calgary Flames firmly planted at the top of the list. Anaheim once again won every regular season game against Calgary on home ice, pushing its win streak to 25 straight regular season victories at Honda Center, a span of 13 years of home dominance. Anaheim is 28-8-2 against the Flames overall dating back to November 29, 2007.
The numbers above don't include the postseason, where Anaheim is a gaudy 12-4 all time against the Flames. The Ducks have won five straight home postseason games, with the last loss coming in Game 3 of the 2006 Western Conference Quarterfinals.
11) The Beard Arrives in Anaheim
Typically active around the trade deadline, Anaheim added just once piece to their roster in the days before the last deal of the season could be made. It turns out it was the one piece they needed.
Patrick Eaves, a rugged right wing who posted 37 points in 59 games with Dallas, came to the Ducks for a conditional 2017 draft choice. A weapon on the power play, Eaves immediately found success with captain Ryan Getzlaf. He finished the regular season with 32 goals and 51 points, staking his claim as arguably the best acquisition from a relatively quiet NHL trade deadline.