Game one of the Kings-Ducks rivalry was a one goal game back in December 1993, a night that began with the two teams tied in the standings.
Fast forward more than 15 years and game #100 ended 2-1 (in overtime) and the clubs were separated by just three points in the standings.
They’re also now tied in the season series 2-2, with the winner to be determined over the final weekend of the season when they meet in a home-and-home series.
Here are a few post-game notes, followed by the video highlights…
* Who else, but Corey Perry, scored the game winning goal. The man voted by fans as their Least Favorite Player in the NHL gave yet another reason to dislike him.
* For those concerned with the Kings recent home record (0-2-2) and/or the possible lack of offense, perhaps the shot totals will cheer you up a bit. The Kings put 32 shots on (former Flyer) Ray Emery. It was the fist time in nine games they surpassed 30 shots.
* To be fair though, the power play was dry again – going 0-for-6 against a less than potent Ducks penalty killing unit.
* For much of the season Dustin Brown had been leading the Kings in goals. Recently, however, Anze Kopitar jumped ahead with 25 goals. Last night though, #23 netted #23 – putting two off the lead with 10 games to go.
* Wayne Simmonds scored a goal that should have counted. It didn’t though. So, he continues to sit at 13 goals for the season.
* Ryan Smyth, who has carried the Kings at times over the last two seasons, well…when I asked coach Terry Murray about his play of late he said “This is the critical time of the year. Everything is on the line, and this is where you need your veteran players to shoulder a big part of the responsibility.” Translation – the Kings need a goal or big play from Rhyno…and soon.
* With the win, the Penner Cup goes to the Ducks. If you missed Dustin Penner’s story on that, click here.
* Ducks’ rookie defenseman Cam Fowler again played a role in the outcome (earlier in the year he scored a goal against the Kings). Here, he headed to the box at 8:56 of the third period (delay of game, puck over the glass) and Brown’s game tying goal came just as the penalty expired. Then, Fowler assisted on Perry’s overtime winner.
* My tweet during the game last night (regarding the Kings inability to score) – Maybe it’s the line combinations. They’ve been too consistent the last few games. (Then, as if on cue, Murray changes the second line centers at practice today. Michal Handzus to the second line, Jarret Stoll to the third line).
* Bobby Ryan’s tweet after the game – Great win, great atmosphere! Thanks road ducks fans! Also, hate to say it but the kings fans can rock. Loud arena tonight.
NOTE: MayorsManor will have a special poll of the top-10 Kings-Ducks games leading up to the final series of the regular season. Please submit your favorite game (or two) to be considered in the poll. Simply send over an email using the ‘contact’ tab near the top right corner of this page.
Video highlights…
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