Vindication for Randy Carlyle.
That's one conclusion that could be drawn after Anaheim defeated the Maple Leafs on Monday, but the former Toronto head coach and current Ducks bench downplayed the personal implications of the result.
RC: "It's nice, but the bottom line is the hockey club needed a win more than I needed a win." #LetsGoDucks
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) December 20, 2016
Carlyle served as head coach of the Maple Leafs over four seasons, guiding the club to a 91-78-18 record in 188 games, as well as the team's only playoff appearance since 2004.
He was fired during the 2014-15 regular season, and maintains he was never told why.
With the win, the Ducks kept pace with San Jose atop the Pacific Division standings.
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