Ducks vs Kings PREVIEW: Battle for Territory

Game 16

Date: Tuesday, November 6th 2018

Time: 7 PT / 10 ET

Location: Staples Center

TV: FS-W, PRIME

Radio: AM830

The Anaheim Ducks finally snapped their seven-game losing skid with an overtime victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. It may have taken a hat trick from Cam Fowler after the Ducks blew a 2-1 lead with only 30 seconds to go in regulation, but dammit, a win is a win.

The Los Angeles Kings have not fared much better than the Ducks in recent times and broke a losing streak of their own with a win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night. Both teams have been fighting uphill battles in games more often than not, and the standings have reflected their struggles aptly.

The Kings currently sit at the bottom of the NHL with only nine points through their first 13 games of the season. The Ducks are not too far ahead, sitting in 21st in the league with 15 points in 15 games.

The game is important for both teams, as are all matchups between the two. However, it feels more like a battle of Southern California hockey for pride than it does for points. The Kings just fired their head coach and there has been a lot of talk about how the Ducks will respond to that news, and if a change of their own is perhaps in the cards for the near future.

Player to Watch

The player that I will be keeping my focus on in this game is Ryan Getzlaf. Getzlaf missed the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets with an upper-body injury and the offense seemed to be unable to find the scoring touch without him. Without Cam Fowler’s offensive production on Sunday night, the Ducks would not have found the back of the net, and given the number of power play opportunities they had (this would be five), it would have been rather disappointing. I am going to be looking for Getzlaf to direct more pucks toward the net and try to create chaos around Jack Campbell, as Jonathan Quick will still be out indefinitely after having knee surgery.

Keys to the Game

Special Teams - The Ducks went 0-5 on the power play against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but were 6-6 on the penalty kill. Staying out of the penalty box is a must against the Los Angeles Kings, as these games are bound to be physical and test tempers.

Jack Campbell - I’m not saying that Campbell is a bad goaltender, but he certainly is not Jonathan Quick. The Ducks need to pressure him and get in front of the net to block his vision. If they can take his eyes away, they will score goals. It’s that simple.

Quiet the Crowd - Even with both teams dwelling near the bottom of the Pacific Division, the crowd is bound to be rowdy for the Freeway Faceoff rivalry that has blossomed over the last five years. If the Ducks can take the crowd out of the game early with a quick goal in the first period, they should be able to ride that momentum to two more points.