Ducks Downed By Kings 4-1

Photo: NHL

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks returned home to face the Los Angeles Kings. Pavel Mintyukov did not play due to feeling ill (food poisoning). Jackson LaCombe drew in as a result. Frank Vatrano returned to action after taking Friday off for the birth of his child. Lukas Dostal was in net against David Rittich.

Recap

There was no scoring in the first period. The Ducks had two power plays in the second half of the opening frame, but did not convert on either one.

In the second period, the Kings had two power plays and also did not cash in on either one. There was no scoring in the second period.

The Kings broke through in the opening minutes of the third period. Adrian Kempe got past LaCombe and scored five-hole to make it 1-0. About five minutes later LaCombe passed the puck right to Alex Laferriere in the slot, who wristed a shot past Dostal.

The Ducks would get one back with just under two minutes to go. Ryan Strome would score in close to get Anaheim back within one. The Ducks pulled their goalie to try to get the tying score, by LA would get not one, but two, empty net goals and go on to win 4-1.

Analysis:

The Ducks played an even opening period and outshot the Kings 6 to 5. The Kings built momentum in the middle frame outshooting the Ducks 13 to 4. They then poured it on in the third period posting 19 shots on goal. LA had 37 shots on goal to 15 for Anaheim when the game was all said and done. The Ducks posted a CF% of 35.63 and FF% of 33.87% at even strength.

The power play continues to be an issue for Anaheim. The Ducks had three chances with the extra man and did not cash in on any of them. Something needs to change whether it is strategy and/or personnel. Anaheim has yet to score on the power play this season. Buffalo is the only other team in the NHL to also not have a power play goal.

It was a rough night for LaCombe, who missed the first four games due to feeling ill. He isn’t going to feel good about this one as he let Kempe get past him for clear break to the net. He then followed that up giving Laferriere a gift by serving the puck on a silver platter in the slot for the Kings second goal.

The Ducks will look to regroup against San Jose on Tuesday, who Anaheim already beat 2-0 to start the season.

What’s Next?

Ducks host Sharks Tuesday at 7PM

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October 21st, 2024