Game 2 Preview: Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
After a heartbreaking loss in Game 1, the Anaheim Ducks look to bounce back in Game 2 against the Los Angeles Kings.
The Ducks were seven seconds away from taking a 1-0 series lead, but Marian Gaborik put one past Jonas Hiller to tie the game.
Gaborik would net the game-winner in overtime as the Kings stole Game 1 3-2.
Game 2 starts at 7 p.m. at Honda Center.
Series: 1-0 Kings
Keys to the Game:
Ducks
1. Quick Start: For Ryan Getzlaf and the Ducks, it was a tough pill to swallow knowing they were seven seconds away from taking a 1-0 series lead. Now behind 1-0, Anaheim needs to get off to fast start in order to erase any memories of Game 1.
2. Power Play- Anaheim finished 0 for 4 on the power play in Game 1. After a strong power play in the first round against Dallas, the Ducks took a step back on Saturday. Look for the Ducks to put more shots on net as they will challenge Quick on the man advantage.
Kings
1. Quick Start: Just like Anaheim, the Kings would benefit from a quick start in Game 2. After stealing Game 1, Los Angeles can quiet the Ducks’ faithful at Honda Center with an early goal or two. The Kings will look to prove that their victory in Game 1 was no fluke.
2. Health: With Willie Mitchell and Robyn Regehr sidelined for Game 2 and Drew Doughty banged up as well, the Kings are coming into Game 2 limping. They can’t afford any more injuries if they want to get past Anaheim and beyond.
Players to Watch:
Ducks
1. Teemu Selanne: The Finnish Flash scored his first goal of the playoffs in Game 1. It was seven seconds away from being the game-winner, but it was good to see Selanne get on the board. With all of Honda Center behind him, Selanne will be looking for another tally in Game 2.
2. Jonas Hiller: After earning the start in Game 1, Hiller played well enough to keep his job for Game 2. The Swiss netminder has the ability to shut down any team and he will look to do so tonight. A couple of unlucky bounces proved costly for Hiller and the Ducks, but he had a strong game nevertheless.
Kings
1. Marian Gaborik: The hero of Game 1 will be looking for more in Game 2. He’s averaging a point per game in the playoffs and is one of the many big name players on the Kings that will have to step up tonight.
2. Jeff Schultz: With Regehr out for Game 2, Schultz was called up to take his place. Schultz has played in 29 career playoff games but hasn’t appeared in one since 2011-2012 with the Washington Capitals. He may not get Doughty-type minutes, but Schultz will need to be steady in Regehr’s steed.
Goalies:
Ducks: Jonas Hiller: 1-1, 1.59 GA, .939 SV%
Kings: Jonathan Quick: 5-3, 2.89 GA, .917 SV%
It’s too early in the series to start calling games a “must-win,” but going down 2-0 heading to Staples Center would be crushing. If Anaheim can start quick and get a bit of puck luck in its’ favor, the Ducks have a good chance at knotting the series at 1-1 heading to Los Angeles.
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