The Anaheim Ducks are in big trouble after falling down two games to none in their battle for So Cal seven game series with the Los Angeles Kings.
The Kings grabbed both games on enemy ice after skating out of Honda Center with a 3-1 win last night. Los Angeles goalie Jonathan Quick was the story of the game and could be the reason why this much anticipated series might be over before it ever gets started.
Quick is back to being the unbeatable force he was a couple of seasons ago and it has me a bit scared for the Ducks.
Quick made 36 saves, several of them spectacular. While a few of them appeared to be "lucky," I won't call them that. The 28-year-old has been defying the laws of physics since he debuted in the NHL and last night was more of the same. The guy has sixth sense about him and he appears to be unbeatable. I felt the same way during the New Jersey Devils six game loss in the 2011-12 Stanley Cup Finals. To me, this series has that same vibe. The Devils fell down 0-3 before eventually succumbing in six games.
I believe the Ducks are generating enough offense. They just aren't generating the right kind of offense. They need bodies in front. It was no coincidence that Anaheim's only goal came with traffic in front.
Patrick Maroon's second goal of the playoff and the Ducks only goal of the game was deflected in off a skate when he threw it to the front. The Ducks need more of that if they plan to get back in this series.
On the bright side? It was a power play goal!
And can somebody please keep track of Marion Gaborik? His third goal of the series came just 34 seconds into the game and was exactly what the defensive minded Kings needed to grab a stranglehold on the game and series. Gaborik already has three goals in the first two games of the series and now leads the NHL in playoff goal scoring with six.
The series now shifts to Staples Center. I can only hope there are as many Ducks fans in attendance as there were in Anaheim. It was tough watching Honda Center erupt when L.A. scored. The Ducks are going to need a little extra boost to turn this thing around.
I like what I'm seeing from the Ducks, but they need they need to find another gear and fast. It hasn't been all bad for the Ducks. They have has a few bright spot sin this series.
I think Devante Smith-Pelly brings a lot of energy to whatever line he is on. The guy can generate offense and he throws his body around.
Maroon continues to be an ever present force around the next and he's not afraid to shoot when he has a chance.
Corey Perry, despite being keyed in on, is trying to make things happen. He was in front on Maroon's goal and had another four hits in the game.
Ryan Getzlaf picked up an assist for his 10th point of the playoffs. (3g 7a). He is the Ducks franchise leader in playoff points and he leads the team this spring.
Jonas Hiller has come in a played well. Not much he could have done on both the goals against his last night. However, he needs to channel Quick's inner Jedi and steal a game or two in this series, especially in L.A..
Game three is not until Thursday. Anaheim needs to few extra days to regroup. This little break couldn't have come at a better time.
***
On a side note: How cool must this be for Emerson Etem? The roller hockey player from Long Beach participating in the first Anaheim/Los Angeles Playoff series?
I'm happy for him. He earned this chance and I hope he makes the most of it.
***
Thanks for reading!