VIDEO: Miller’s Performance Helps Ducks Top Kings
By Michael Walters
The Anaheim Ducks took on the Los Angeles Kings in the third installment of the Freeway Face-Off. Ryan Miller was in net against Jonathan Quick.
The Ducks came out strong to start this contest. Max Jones would get Anaheim on the board first after he received a nice pass from Sam Steel who was behind the Kings’ net. Anaheim could have had a 2-0 lead when Cam Fowler ripped a shot off the post in the final minute.
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In the second period, the Ducks began to pull away from the Kings. Derek Grant would deflect a point shot early in the period to make it a 2-0 lead for Anaheim. Shortly after Jacob Larsson would rip a point shot and it would get past Quick who was screened on the play.
With Anaheim up 3-0, Nicolas Deslauriers and Kurtis MacDermid would renew their rivalry with another fight. The two had fought back on December 12th, 2019 at Honda Center.
The Kings would get a late goal in the period. The whistle was blown before the puck crossed the line, but then it was reviewed and deemed a good goal. Since it was a “continuous play” per rule 37.3, where the puck was going into the net regardless of the whistle, LA was awarded a goal. Ducks led 3-1 after two periods.
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Los Angeles carried over their momentum from the end of the second period into the third. The Kings made a big push registering 18 shots on goal in the period. The Ducks were able to hang on as Miller stopped everything that was thrown his way. LA pulled Quick with about three minutes to go but still couldn’t pull within one goal. Ducks went on to win 3-1.
Analysis
Despite having played and lost the night before, the Ducks came out strong at the start of this game. Anaheim was able to create numerous chances and build a 3-0 lead. A questionable goal by the Kings gave them life, but thanks to Miller’s outstanding play, Anaheim was able to win. The Ducks decided to play prevent defense on the eve of the Super Bowl for the final 20 minutes of the game. Fortunately for them, Miller played his best game of the season and nearly had a shutout.
Team News/Stats
Miller’s 46 saves were the most on the season for a single game.
Miller is one win away from tying Mike Vernon(385) for 15th place for all-time wins by an NHL goaltender.
Deslauriers leads the league with 11 fights.
What’s Next?
The Ducks play the Senators on Tuesday at 4:30 PM.
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February 2nd, 2020