The Anaheim Ducks (39-25-13) host the hated ones in a game that could decide the fate of their playoff lives.
The Ducks really want to shake the stink of that ugly Vancouver loss off of them - think skunk spray and tomato sauce. A win, at home, versus your biggest rival will accomplish that in spades.
The L.A. Kings (43-28-7) are playing the second of a back-to-back. They doubled up the Coyotes at Staples Center last night and are 4-1-1 in the last six. With a regulation win, they can open up a four-point lead on the Ducks for third place in the Pacific.
This is the start of a crucial four-game home stand for ANA. Our fowl feathered friends maintain a one-point lead over Colorado and they are tied with the Blues in points. Each team is in action tonight. That fact alone magnifies the importance of this edition of the Freeway Face-off that much more.
The Ducks must set the tone early and never let up. Take advantage of a tired team and play a full 60 minutes. Don't let L.A. force overtime and don't put yourself in a situation where overtime is a best case scenario.
If Anaheim wins they will pull even with the Kings in points and also move back into third place in the division. I'm not exaggerating when I say the Ducks entire season may be on the line. If they lose in regulation they have all but lost any chance at finishing in the top 3 in the Pacific.
This rivalry is full of hate. The type of hate relegated to mortal enemies, i.e. Capulet's and Montague's. This season has been more of the same with tight, physical and chippy contests. Anaheim lead's the season series 2-0-2, but it's been close. The last two games needed extra time and in four games the Ducks scored 10 times and the Kings, 9. Close, very close.
We know what the stars bring to the table. Tonight's game will be won by the depth/role players - the bottom six guys. Anaheim must get production from the Jakob Silfverberg's and Nick Ritchie's of the world to have a chance.
I'm both very excited and very nervous for this game. When the Kings and Ducks meet you can expect to be entertained, but in a game of this magnitude the entertainment portion is scuttled by the nerves.
Enjoy the game, Steved