The Anaheim Ducks are happy with their recent performance in the standings. They have a chance to improve even more before the two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off when they play the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.
Anaheim has won five of its last six games, bringing them within nine points of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
The Ducks, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2018, were just seven points behind a playoff spot after beating the Dallas Stars 2-1 on Tuesday.
After a day off on Wednesday, the Ducks had two days of practice to prepare for Los Angeles, who won 5-4 in a shootout against the Dallas Stars on Friday for their third straight win.
“Our team hasn’t really been in a spot to feel that type of added enthusiasm, or emphasis on those games,” said Ducks forward Ryan Strome about the playoff race. “Now we’re in a position where these games are all going to be a little bit more impactful, a little more meaningful. And, with saying that, we kind of have to take a step together and be ready for that challenge.”
The Ducks have struggled against the Kings, going 2-10-1 in their past 13 matchups, and losing the first two games between the teams this season. However, they’ve been stronger against top teams recently.
Anaheim has won both games against the Winnipeg Jets, who lead the Central Division, since their last loss to the Kings. They’ve also split games with the Pacific Division-leading Edmonton Oilers and defeated teams like the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, and Tampa Bay Lightning, all of which are higher in the standings than Anaheim.
“I think there’s been a lot of confidence with the group,” said Ducks coach Greg Cronin. “I think it started back when we beat Winnipeg a month and a half ago at home. We had that road trip where we got a little bit sloppy, but I think we got back on the rails pretty quickly. When you win, it builds belief into what you’re doing.”
Los Angeles Kings players react after a goal in the 2nd periodThe Kings have been tough to beat at home, winning 12 of their last 13 games, with a 17-3-1 record at home this season.
Los Angeles is third in the Pacific Division, but they were only three points ahead of the Vancouver Canucks and five points in front of the Calgary Flames. The Ducks are 12 points behind the Kings.
Kings coach Jim Hiller respected the Ducks’ offense enough to save starting goalie Darcy Kuemper for their game against Anaheim, choosing to start David Rittich against the Stars on Friday.
“Obviously, we’ve got to play hard,” said Kings forward Phillip Danault, who had two assists against the Stars. “It’s always a hard game against the Ducks. Get the crowd going again and get the two points and go for a little trip on the road.”
Kevin Fiala has been on fire for the Kings, scoring five goals in the past three games, with all three being multipoint games.
Adrian Kempe leads the Kings with 24 goals and is tied with Anze Kopitar for the most points (45). Kempe had been Los Angeles’ top scorer at other points this season but went six games without a point before collecting an assist against the Stars.
