Ducks Can’t Slow Down The Kings

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks traveled up the 5 freeway to LA to face the Kings. Lukas Dostal was in net against Darcy Kuemper.

Recap

The Kings went on the power play in the opening minutes of the contest. Quinton Byfield scored on a one-timer from the slot.

The Ducks had two power play chances, but could not convert. They went on a power play at the end of the first period, which carried over to the second. The Kings held a 1-0 led.

Anaheim didn’t score on the remaining power play time, but shortly after that Cutter Gauthier scored to tie the game. Leo Carlsson found him in the right circle and he one-timed the puck past Kuemper. It was a similar play to the game winning goal he scored the night before against Calgary.

Los Angeles then answered with two quick goals. Anze Kopitar scored about 30 seconds later and then Kevin Fiala scored on the power play.

Some controversial occurred towards the end of the period when the Kings scored to make it a 4-1 contest. Alex Laferriere played the puck high in the air, knocking it down to ice and then scoring from the slot. The Ducks challenged the play for being played with a high stick, but the officials reviewed the play and the goal counted. The Kings held a three goal lead after two periods.

The Kings scored on the power play in the opening minute of the third. Fiala scored his second of the game. Jordan Spence added another goal halfway through the third. LA cruised the rest of the way to a 6-1 win.

Analysis:

After winning a thrilling come from behind contest against Calgary, the Ducks then laid a big fat egg against the Kings the following night. Anaheim played a decent opening period outshooting Los Angeles 8 to 4 and were only down 1-0. Gauthier tied the game up early in the second, but then it was all Kings after that. They scored three times in the middle frame and never looked back after that.

Special teams played a big factor in this contest. The Kings scored on their first power play in the opening minutes and ended up going 3-for-6 on the night. Anaheim had been better on the penalty kill lately, but not tonight. The Ducks also had four power play chances, but couldn’t do anything with the man advantage.

There has been discussions about how much have the Ducks really improved this season and turned the corner. Jacob Trouba had this to say about it to the media last night, “It’s a pretty far back corner if that’s the corner we’re trying to turn. I think there’s a lot more to be had and a lot more that we can strive for.”

Team Notes/Stats:

Gauthier scored his 20th goal of the season. The Ducks now have five 20 goals scorers; Frank Vatrano (21), Mason McTavish (21), Troy Terry (20), and Leo Carlsson (20).

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Avalanche on Sunday at 7PM.

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April 11th, 2025