Game 1 Preview: Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
The most anticipated series of the NHL playoffs will start tonight as the Anaheim Ducks face the Los Angeles Kings. The Ducks and Kings have NEVER played each other in the playoffs since the Ducks have played in the NHL for 20 years.
Game starts at 5:00 p.m. at Honda Center.
Season Series: 4-0-1
Last Match Up: 4-3 (Apr. 12)
The last time these two teams met was Apr. 12 in which the Ducks won in overtime. The teams battled back and forth to a tie 3-3 at the end of regulation. Both teams would go to a shootout with Devante Smith-Pelly netting the game winner to lead the Ducks over the Kings 4-3.
Keys to the Game:
1. Score Often: The Ducks are No. 1 in the league in goals per game and the Kings are 26th during the regular season. If the Ducks score early and often it will make life difficult for the Kings to come back.
2. Game Plan: The Ducks need to stay with their game plan. If they deviate from it like they did at times against the Stars, then the Kings have a good chance to win some games.
1. Physical: The Kings are the No. 1 team in the league with the least amount of goals allowed per game during the regular season. They need to play physical if they are going to slow down the Ducks’ high-powered offense.
2. Power Play: The Kings had six power play goals in the series against the Sharks. They are going to need to continue to have success if they think they can beat the Ducks in a seven game series.
Players to Watch:
1. Ryan Getzlaf had three goals and four assists against the Dallas Stars in the first round. Look for Getzlaf to lead this team in Round 2 against the Kings.
2. Corey Perry was invisible in the postseason last year, but he had two goals and five assists against the Stars. Look for Perry to rev it up against the Kings this series.
1. Anze Kopitar had four goals and six assists against the San Jose Sharks. Four of his 16 shots have found the back of the net. The Ducks need to shut him down.
2. Justin Williams had four goals and two assists in the last series against the Sharks. Williams led the Kings with 21 shots last series.
Starting Goalies:
Jonas Hiller: 1-0-0, 0.00 GAA, 1.000 SV% (Unconfirmed)
Jonathan Quick: 4-3-0, 3.10 GAA, .914 SV% (Unconfirmed)
The Ducks have had the advantage against the Kings during the regular season. However this is the playoffs and you have to throw all of that out of the window. The team that plays their game will win this series.
Follow us on Twitter: @PucksofaFeather
Like us on Facebook: Pucks of a Feather Facebook