Just a typical Kings-Ducks game.
Despite Anaheim being one of the worst teams in the NHL this season, it’s often been said — records don’t matter when these two clubs face each other. That was never more true than Friday night at the Honda Center. Sure, the Kings left town with a 6-3 victory, yet it’s what happened over 60 minutes that really tells the story.
Let’s see, where do we begin?
Phoenix Copley started in net for LA. He was eventually thrown out of the game after receiving the first match penalty to be handed out to an NHL goaltender since… Garth Snow in 2002. At that time, it was a 3-1 game and Jonathan Quick took over between the pipes. He went on to earn the win, as he was the goaltender of record when the game winning goal (LA’s fourth) was scored.
Gabe Vilardi returned to action after missing several weeks. He played on the fourth line.
Adrian Kempe keeps on producing; recorded his team-leading 28th goal. It also gives him a modest four game goal-scoring streak. Plus, it pushed his point streak against the Ducks to seven games (5G, 5A).
Anze Kopitar had a multi-point effort, running his career total to 83 points against the Ducks, tying Mike Modano for the most career points against Anaheim in league history.
Viktor Arvidsson potted two goals.
Overall, it marked the Kings fifth straight victory over the Ducks. Per NHL PR, this matches LA’s longest head-to-head regular-season winning streak against Anaheim (5-0-0, Jan. 8, 2009 – Feb. 4, 2010).
Three Stats of The Game:
With 17 penalty minutes tonight, Pheonix Copley tied Dan Cloutier, Felix Potvin, and Bob Janecyk for most penalty minutes recorded by an @LAKings' goaltender in a regular season game.#LAKings #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/LNVNFfG79e
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) February 18, 2023
The Kings have now scored 5 or more goals in 3 straight games
Last time they accomplished that was in October of the 2009 season@alex_faust @DooleyLAK
— Blake Warye (@bwaryeofblake) February 18, 2023
On the other side of the coin, the Ducks are the first team in the NHL this season to allow 6 or more goals in 4 consecutive games
Last time that happened to the Ducks was in December 1995 (3rd season of the franchise)@icemancometh
— Blake Warye (@bwaryeofblake) February 18, 2023
Video Highlights:
Additional Post-Game Notes:
https://twitter.com/sammisilber/status/1274332414530158595
https://twitter.com/mayorNHL/status/1626827667101351936
Update:
Kopitar scores against the Ducks again
4-2 LA lead mid P3 https://t.co/RhxgWR7h3R
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) February 18, 2023
As captured by @aloimages pic.twitter.com/vH4Z46nn5m
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) February 18, 2023
He elbowed Copley a little earlier, before the fight sequence pic.twitter.com/n2p1cfs9BU
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) February 18, 2023
https://twitter.com/mayorNHL/status/1626762222063222784
Lead photo via ALo Images
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