Boudreau Replaces Carlyle in Anaheim

        It was only a matter of time before something happened in Anaheim, and tonight it was announced that Randy Carlyle is on his way out and that Bruce Boudreau, who was just let go from the Capitals organization, will be taking over the reigns behind the bench. Following Carlyle out the door are his assistant coaches, Mike Foligno and Dave Farrish, and video coordinator Joe Trotta.






         It has been dark days in Anaheim recently, leading to uncertainty and a search for answers. Entering their game tonight against Montreal, the Ducks had dropped 16 of their previous 18 games and were on a 7-game losing streak. Ducks GM Bob Murray did a just a bit of tweaking in that stretch, but avoided any major shakeups. A couple of moves he did make included making his team just a bit more Finnish by claiming Niklas Hagman off reentry waivers. Ben Maxwell was also claimed off waivers and Brandon McMillan was sent to the minors, however nothing of more significance was done with the hopes that the existing roster could turn it around. When the woes continued, murmurs sprang up of a possible trade involving Bobby Ryan, but it is unknown for sure what Murray's plans are.

         Carlyle had a good run while he was here in Anaheim, not the least of which was leading them to the Stanley Cup in 2007.  The Ducks have won more games for Carlyle than any other coach in franchise history, with 273 wins to his credit.  In addition, the Ducks have made the playoffs 5 out of the 6 seasons that Carlyle has been head coach.  Murray said that it was a "difficult decision" but "felt a new voice was needed." Through the Ducks struggles this season, there had been speculation that perhaps Carlyle has lost the room; Boudreau's departure from Washington was surrounded by similar speculation.

         On the hiring of Boudreau, Murray said "Bruce is a proven winner with a great track record and we are optimistic we can turn this season around under his leadership." Boudreau will attempt to help the Ducks climb out of a pretty big hole they have dug themselves, starting on Friday when the Ducks take on the Philadelphia Flyers at home. Taking one of the assistant coaching positions will be Brad Lauer; a second assistant coach has yet to be named.


 By Jenna Janadi