Game 70: Ducks Host Kings

By Julius Choi

Anaheim(27-33-9) vs Los Angeles(24-36-8)

Pregame Show: DucksNPucks Podcast

TV: 7:00 PM PT/10:00 PM ET, NBCSN

Radio: KLAA AM 830

Post Game Show: Duck Calls with Josh Brewster AM 830

Anaheim Outlook

The Anaheim Ducks embraced the role of spoiler in big fashion on Friday against the Montreal Canadiens. The 8-2 win by Anaheim delayed goaltender Carey Price‘s inevitable record for most wins in franchise history. Price currently sits tied with Jacques Plante with 314. Meanwhile, Cam Fowler became the all-time points by a defenseman leader to pass Scott Niedermayer.

Since being drafted by the Ducks in the first round (12th overall) in 2010, Fowler has scored 265 points in 607 games spread across nine seasons. After two games missed due to a knee injury, Devin Shore was inserted back into the lineup on Friday in the game against Montreal, adding a goal and an assist in just over 15 minutes of ice time.

Ryan Getzlaf lead the team in assists (28) and points (39) while Jakob Silfverberg has a team-leading 18 goals this season.

Injury Updates:

Ryan Kesler did not play in Friday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens due to a hip injury and is currently listed as day-to-day.

Roster Moves:

Kevin Roy and Sam Steel were reassigned to San Diego.

Projected Lineup

Offense:
Max Jones – Ryan Getzlaf – Daniel Sprong
Nick Ritchie – Devin Shore –  Jakob Silfverberg
Rickard Rakell – Adam Henrique – Troy Terry
Derek Grant – Carter Rowney – Corey Perry

Defense:
Hampus Lindholm – Josh Manson
Jacob Larsson – Cam Fowler
Jaycob Megna – Korbinian Holzer

In Net:
John Gibson 19-21-8, GAA 2.90, SV% .915 (Unconfirmed)

Los Angeles Outlook

To once being locks for the playoffs every single year and being the analytic darlings of the NHL for quite some time, the Los Angeles Kings are regressing and in prime position to land the No. 1 pick to select the coveted center Jack Hughes. As of today, Los Angeles has a 13.5 percent chance to get the top pick and a 38.8 percent chance of a top 3 selection according to Tankathon.

Since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014, the Kings are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the third time. This is due in large part to the Los Angeles’ aging core and being cash strapped to those said players. There are eight players over the age of 30 and their salaries in 2018-19 combine for $44.4 million of the team’s $73 million cap hit.

Anze Kopitar leads the Kings in points (48) and goals (19). Drew Doughty has served as the team’s top playmaker as he’s tallied 33 assists this season.

Projected Lineup

Offense:
Alex Iafallo – Anze Kopitar – Dustin Brown
Brendan Leipsic – Jeff Carter – Ilya Kovalchuk
Carl Grundstrom – Adrian Kempe – Tyler Toffoli
Kyle Clifford – Trevor Lewis – Jonny Brodzinski

Defense:
Derek Forbort – Drew Doughty
Alec Martinez – Sean Walker
Dion Phaneuf – Matt Roy

In Net:
Jonathan Quick 12-19-6, GAA 3.32. SV% .891 (Unconfirmed)

Become A DucksNPucks Patron!

If you enjoy our work, then consider supporting us at www.patreon.com/DucksNPucks.

Patrons are entered in monthly giveaways which include game tickets and gift cards!

Click below to listen to our podcast or visit us at iTunes, Podomatic, Spreaker, or YouTube.

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

March 10th, 2019