Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks Preview
By Ryan Cowley
Previewing the Los Angeles Kings’ 2012-13 season:
Game 17 vs. Anaheim, February 25, 2013, 7:30pm PST (10:30pm EST)
Currently on their biggest high of the season, the timing couldn’t be any more impeccable as the Los Angeles Kings host the hated Anaheim Ducks in hopes of making a huge statement with a win on Monday night. This is the continuation of the Freeway Faceoff as the Kings and Ducks meet for the second of four times this year.
December 22, 2011; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Matt Beleskey (39) engages in a fight against Los Angeles Kings center Colin Fraser (24) during the first period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Last time these two clubs meant was back on February 2 in Anaheim and it was a night to forget for the Kings who witnessed shaky outings by both of their netminders en route to being soundly beaten 7-4.
In that game, Jonathan Quick allowed two goals on the game’s first three shots resulting in him getting pulled for the first time since December 2011. Jonathan Bernier, who made his first appearance of the season fared little better allowing four goals on 21 shots.
While the Kings made things interesting scoring two quick goals to tie and responding to Anaheim’s next two tallies, they didn’t have nearly enough in the tank as the Ducks scored three times to pull away.
Nick Bonino scored a hat-trick that night and should the Kings hope to win on Monday night, they will need to contain him as well as Teemu Selanne, Ryan Getzlaf, Sheldon Souray and Kyle Palmieri who all scored for the Ducks back on the 2nd.
Another low point in said game was Los Angeles’ uncharacteristically terrible penalty-kill which surrendered three goals.
We already know about Los Angeles’ goaltending but Anaheim’s situation in net is just as impressive. While Jonas Hiller was the winning goaltender during the last meeting, rookie Viktor Fasth is turning a lot of heads as the 30-year-old is sporting a magnificent record of 8-0-1 with a 1.78 goals-against average and a .988 save-percentage.
A lot has changed in the last three weeks, though. While the Ducks sit second in the West with a staggering 12-2-1 record, this is a different-looking Kings team they must deal with who won six of their next nine contests since that dreadful night in Orange County.
Despite their injuries, the Kings are playing admirably and hoping to make it four straight wins as they play host to the loathsome Ducks. Staples Center will be rocking on Monday night and here’s hoping the Kings can send their fans home happy.
Enjoy the game!