Goals are still scarce for the Ducks, who have scored two goals or fewer in 17 of their 31 games this season. Through Friday’s 4-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, they ranked 30th in the NHL with an average of 2.35 goals per game, spared the indignity of ranking last only because the Kings have a lock on that spot with an average of 2.10 goals per game.
The Ducks’ coach wants his team to be hard-working, energetic on the forecheck and solid defensively and build its identity from there. His players fell far short Friday night, without any real explanation.