A week before Christmas and all seemed right with the Anaheim Ducks. The team was in the midst of an impressive 11-2-0 tear, establishing itself as a playoff team with eyes on the top of the Pacific Division.

Since then, it's been anything but mighty in Anaheim. The Ducks are winless in their last nine games (0-6-3) with the last five defeats coming on home ice. The nine consecutive losses is a franchise worst and it doesn't feel like it's ever going to end.

The latest setback came at the hands of the Ottawa Senators. Ottawa is among the worst teams in the NHL and are just 2-7-1 in its last 10 games. One of the two wins was Wednesday's night 2-1 overtime win at Honda Center. It was only the fifth road win this season for the Sens.

Anaheim's offense is nonexistent. The Ducks have scored 10 goals TOTAL during this streak of ineptitude. Offense has been an issue throughout the season. With 105 goals in 44 games, Anaheim currently has the second-worst offense in the league. Only Los Angeles' 99 goals is worse.

Yet, somehow, someway they clinging the final Wild Card spot out West. It's ridiculous really. We are talking about a team with two losing streaks of SEVEN or more games in its first half of a season. That's nuts.

Don't let the standings fool you. The Ducks are NOT a playoff team and something's got to give. Fire the coach? Make a major move? Do nothing?

We as smart, informed and breathing hockey fans can no longer simply point to the injury bug. Anaheim has battled though injuries for years. It's part of their identity. The team's always played heavy and hard - injuries happen. Every team deals with injuries. Hockey is a violent, physical sport.

The truth of the matter is the Ducks are just not a very good hockey team. Without John Gibson and Ryan Miller where would they be? Don't let the orange-tinted glasses fool you any more.

Anaheim's next chance to end the streak in on Friday vs. Pittsburgh. It's the last game of the home stand before hitting the road for 10 of 11 games. The red hot Pens are 9-1-0 in its last 10 games. Soooooo..... good luck with that.

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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