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Ducks vs. Kings: Biggest Game in the Rivalries History?

March 3, 2012, 7:22 PM ET [16 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
San Jose Sharks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
If last nights game at Honda Center against the Flames was any indication of what tonights game in Los Angeles holds than we are in for a treat. The Ducks and Flames battled with playoff like fervency until Ryan Getzlaf decided to find his scoring touch in the final minute of the third period.

His first goal in 18 games gave Anaheim two big points and possibly even more importantly kept the game from going to overtime and giving Calgary at least a point.

I thought Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan and Corey Perry all had very good games but Ryan really stood out for me. No. 9 played just over 18 minutes with a goal on four shots but he skated with a purpose and could have had at least one more goal.

Perry and Getzlaf each had a goal and a assist.

Once again Hiller was solid in his 24th consecutive start - a new team record. I was impressed with his puck control, especially his ability to knock pucks out of harms way with his waffle-board. He made 27 saves while improving to 25-22-10 on the season.

The Ducks now trail the Flames by three points and the Kings by four but remain seven points back of the eighth-seeded Dallas Stars, who defeated Edmonton last night 3-1.

Tonight the Ducks head up the freeway to the Staples Center to take part in arguably the most import game they have ever played against the Los Angeles Kings.

It's no secret these teams don't like each other and from my short time here at HB I have noticed the fans don't play very well together either. Tonight their intense rivalry takes center stage as each team fights for a playoff birth.

The Ducks need this game just like they needed the game last night and all the games before and after this one BUT they are playing the freaking Kings. Not only does a win better the Ducks playoff chances, but it will also diminish LA's chances.

Los Angeles is 3-5-2 in their last ten games and it's been more than 20 years since the lowest-scoring team in the regular season qualified for the playoffs, and right now, the Kings and their 138 goals-for find themselves outside of the Western Conference playoff picture with 18 games remaining.

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What to watch for....

Anaheim Ducks (28-27-10) vs. Los Angeles Kings (29-23-12)

* You can't talk about the Kings without mentioning their All-Star goaltender Jonathan Quick. The 26-year-old is 25-18-11 with a 1.92 GAA and 7 shutouts.

* The Ducks will need to score first to have a shot at grabbing the "W." The Kings are 22-4-6 record when they score first, and a 13-1-2 when they lead after the first period.

* Anze Kopitar leads the Kings with 18 goals and 36 assists for 54 points. Despite LA's inept offense he would still rank second in scoring on the Ducks. Teemu Selanne leads Anaheim with 56 points (21g 35a).

* Corey Perry's next goal will give him 200 for his career after scoring his club-leading 31st against Calgary on Friday. Perry has nine goals and three helpers in his last 13 games and 17 goals in his last 28.

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