Andrew Fielding-USA TODAY Sports
The Anaheim Ducks head up the freeway north to play their rival Los Angeles Kings for one final time this season. The Ducks have already been crowned the Pacific Division champions for the second consecutive season. The Kings are third in the Pacific Division and will face the San Jose Sharks in the first round.
Game starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Staples Center.
Season Series: 3-0-1
Last Match Up: 2-1 (Mar 15, 2014)
The last time these two teams met was on Mar. 15 at Honda Center. Tim Jackman got the Ducks on the board first giving the Ducks a 1-0 at the end of the first period. The Kings would respond with a goal by Tyler Toffoli to tie the game. Patrick Maroon scored later in the period to put the Ducks back up at 2-1. That was the final score as there was no scoring in the third period.
Keys to the Game:
1. Score Often: The Ducks are No. 1 in the league in goals per game and the Kings are 26th. If the Ducks score early and often it will make life difficult for the Kings to come back.
2. Emotions: The Ducks need to skate away from any extra altercations if possible. There is no need for any Ducks players getting injured heading into the playoffs.
1. Physical: The Kings are the No. 1 team in the league with the least amount of goals allowed per game. They need to play physical if they are going to slow down the Ducks high-powered offense.
2. Turnovers: The Kings need to create turnovers and get some odd man rushes. The Kings are going to need to create chances and take advantage to increase their scoring chances.
Players to Watch:
1. Patrick Maroon: He scored twice to the lead the Ducks past the Sharks in the last game 5-2. The “Big Dog” has been playing well on the line with Teemu Selanne and Mathieu Perreault.
2. Matt Beleskey: He has a goal in each of his last two games. He has three points in the last two games while playing on the top line.
1. Anze Kopitar: He leads the team with 68 points and 10 power play goals. He has two goals and an assist in his last two games.
2. Jeff Carter: He leads the team with 27 goals. He is dangerous and can score from anywhere on the ice.
Starting Goalies:
Frederik Andersen: 19-5-0, 2.27 GAA, .924SV% (Unconfirmed)
Jonathan Quick: 27-17-3, 2.05 GAA, .916 SV% (Unconfirmed)
Team Stats:
52-18-8, 112 points (Last 10: 7-2-1)
46-28-7, 99 Points (Last 10: 6-3-1)
The Ducks have already clinched the Pacific Division title. If the Ducks can win tonight or get one point by going into overtime then they can take home the first seed in the Western Conference. It’s important the Ducks continue the momentum into the playoffs.
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