VIDEO: Kings Down Ducks 4-1

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks traveled to Los Angles to play the Kings for one game. Anthony Stolarz got the start in net against Calvin Petersen.

The Kings had fans at Staples Center for the first time since March 11, 2020. There were about 2,000 in attendance, who either had to show proof of vaccination or a negative test as a condition of entry.

First Period

The Kings got on the board first on a weird goal by Carl Grundstrom. Andreas Athanasiou took a shot that hit Grundstrom and then deflected behind Stolarz into the net. The Ducks started off the period slow, but then picked up their play for the rest of the period out shooting LA 9-6. Kings held a 1-0 advantage after 20 minutes of play.

Second Period

The Ducks got a power play to start the second period, but couldn’t convert. The Kings would then would score two goals. Anze Kopitar would score five-hole and then Athanasiou would find an open net on a cross ice pass from Olli Maatta. In just over two minutes, the Kings built a 3-0 lead. The period ended with the Ducks on a power play.

Third Period

Anaheim started the period with the extra man, but couldn’t convert. Halfway through the period, the Kings would extended their lead to 4-0 on a goal by Blake Lizotte. Later in the period, Josh Manson and Brendan Lemieux got tangled up by the net and decided to drop the gloves.

Cam Fowler did score to ruin the shutout bid by Petersen, but eventually the Ducks dropped this one 4-1.

Analysis:

The Ducks played a decent opening period and would have been tied if not for a lucky bounce for LA. After the opening frame however, it was all LA in this one. Anaheim had a difficult time creating quality chances in the second period until the final seconds. In the third, the Kings put the game out of a reach and even Manson got his bell rung in his fight. Overall, nothing seemed to go right for the Anaheim. The Ducks will be off until Saturday when they face Vegas for the final time this season.

What’s Next?

Ducks host the Golden Knights Saturday the 24th at 7 PM PT.

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April 21st, 2021