VIDEO: Ducks Edge Kings; Cogliano Honored

Photo: AP/Alex Gallardo

By Adam Tenenbaum and Michael Walters

The Ducks continued their five-game homestand, as they played host to the Los Angeles Kings for their second meeting in the last 7 days. The Kings have dropped five in a row, including last night to the Penguins, and sit 24-16-5, good for 53 points. The Ducks come in winners of two of their last three and sit at 21-16-9, good for 51 points. The starting netminders for the contest were Jonathan Quick for the Kings and John Gibson for the Ducks.

Prior to the game fans showed their support for Andrew Cogliano, who returned from his two-game suspension. Fans made their own signs or held signs that said “#831” or “Suspend Parros” that were made by Brian Gilmore. The Anaheim Ducks organization also had a video tribute to Cogliano’s streak.

First Period:

In the first, the Ducks would get a power play chance as Marian Gaborik went to the box for hooking. Despite good pressure by the Ducks, they were unable to score as the game remained scoreless. Later in the period, the Ducks were called for a penalty as Brandon Montour was sent to the box for high-sticking. After the television timeout, the referee determined that Tyler Toffoli was clipped by his own teammate and waved off the penalty. Late in the period, Ducks captain, Ryan Getzlaf was tripped up and went to the locker room with an apparent knee injury. Score after one period of play was 0-0. Shots in the first were 17-5 in favor of Anaheim.

Second Period:

Despite a scare, Ryan Getzlaf returned to the ice to start the second period. Later in the period, the Kings would go on the penalty kill again, as Derek Forbort would be called for hooking. On the man advantage, the Ducks appear to score as Rickard Rakell’s shot beat Quick. However, on the replay, the puck hit both posts and stayed out as the game remained scoreless. The Kings would kill off the remaining penalty time to keep the game tied at zero. After the power play, the Ducks get another puck past Quick, but once again does not cross the line as Christian Folin saves a goal for the Kings. Late in the period, the post bails out the Ducks this time, as Alex Iaffallo rings one off the post at the end of the second of the period. The score would stay 0-0 after forty minutes of play. Shots in the second were 10-8 in favor of Los Angeles.

Third Period:

In the third, the Ducks would finally break the tie, as Adam Henrique scored his seventh goal as a Duck, to give the Ducks a 1-0 lead. The score would not last long as Alex Iaffallo would get to a loose rebound off Gibson and tie up the game at one. The Ducks would get some chances following the goal, as Quick denies Ryan Kesler in front and later a wide-open Nick Ritchie in the slot. The Kings would pressure the Ducks afterward, but the Ducks defense kept the game even a one. Then Ryan Kesler would tip home a point shot from Francois Beauchemin, past Quick to give the Ducks a 2-1 lead, with just over 8 minutes left in the game. Following the goal, the Kings would pressure in the Ducks end, and after a shot saved by Gibson, tempers would flare as players pushed and shoved each other behind the Anaheim net. No penalties were called as the game stayed at 5 on 5.  Late in the period, the Kings would pull their goalie as they attempted to even up the hockey game. The Ducks would clear the puck twice, missing an empty net before the Kings used their timeout with 24.6 left. Following the Kings timeout, the Kings would win the faceoff, but their shots would be blocked by diving Ducks, as the horn sounded giving the Ducks a 2-1 victory over their rivals. Shots in the third were 9 to 6 in favor of the Kings.

Analysis:

This contest didn’t have as much fighting as the meeting between the teams last week. The teams battled to a tie after forty minutes. The Ducks finally broke through in the third when Henrique was able to get the puck just past Quick. The Kings responded with a goal, but Ryan “The King Slayer” Kesler scored the game-winning goal later in the period. The Ducks made some mistakes in the game, but they weren’t costly fortunately for Anaheim.

Team Notes/Stats:

Cogliano has now played in 831 consecutive games in which he was eligible to play. He has not missed a game due to injury or illness.

The win puts the Ducks in a tie for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference at 53 points. Anaheim is also just one point out of second place in the Pacific Division.

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January 20th, 2018