Rink Royalty
Fansided

5 Questions with The Sporting Tribune’s Derek Lee ahead of Kings-Ducks matchup

By Cameron Franck

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 20: Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrates a goal with Anze Kopitar #11 and Kevin Fiala #22 against the Anaheim Ducks in the second period at Crypto.com Arena on December 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 20: Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrates a goal with Anze Kopitar #11 and Kevin Fiala #22 against the Anaheim Ducks in the second period at Crypto.com Arena on December 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next

Tonight is the regular season finale for the Los Angeles Kings and the National Hockey League as a whole. For the LA Kings and the Anaheim Ducks, specifically, who happen to square off tonight, their next few weeks look vastly different.

Los Angeles is headed to the playoffs and currently sit in the Top 3 of the Pacific Division, while Anaheim is headed for the offseason and currently sit at the bottom of the Pacific Division.

Ahead of tonight’s matchup, Rink Royalty caught up with The Sporting Tribune’s Derek Lee, who covers the Anaheim Ducks to see how Ducks fans are approaching the regular season finale. Check out his articles here.

Question No. 1: I saw a report saying a win for the Ducks and Blackhawks tonight could secure the last spot in the league for the Blue Jackets. Do Ducks fans want them to win tonight or are they battling for last place?

Frank Seravalli released an article today entitled “2023 NHL Draft Lottery Odds: Which teams have the best chance to select Connor Bedard?” And in his description about the report, he notes that if the Anaheim Ducks and the Chicago Blackhawks win tonight, then the Columbus Blue Jackets would solidify the best odds to land the highly-coveted prospect.

It was this report that led me to ask Derek Lee the aforementioned question, and this was his response:

"“I think the general consensus is a loss tonight would be a “win” for the franchise. Securing the best odds for the first overall pick could go a long way toward accelerating the rebuild. At worst, they would fall to third overall if they finish dead last, so a top talent would still be available to select in that case.”"

Los Angeles really needs this win, if they do not want to face the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, that possibility is also contingent on whether or not Seattle and Edmonton win tonight. So, a lot would have to go right for that scenario to come to fruition. But, from the Ducks’ perspective and the Kings’ perspective, it would be better for both teams if the Kings come home with a win tonight.

Home/Kings News