The Ducks are more than 30 games into the season and still haven’t developed an identity, at least in the mind of coach Randy Carlyle. He has a vision of what he wants their trademark style to be. “Blue-collar hockey. Good defensively. Effective on our breakouts. Win the special teams battle. Create a strong forecheck. Don’t play trade-chance hockey. Very simple,” he said.
As has happened too often this season, the Ducks subjected goaltender John Gibson to too many shots (35) and were too soft defensively. Unable to score at even strength or on five power plays — including a two-man advantage for a minute and 16 seconds in the third period — the Ducks meekly let the Carolina Hurricanes leave Honda Center with a 4-1 victory.