Anaheim Ducks Win Thriller in First of Freeway Face-Off Series
By Kayla Demint
@kaylademint
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
In an action-packed thriller last night, the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Los Angeles Kings 6-5 in a shootout. This is the Ducks’ third shootout in three games. The Kings gave up a two-goal lead twice, finally succumbing to the consistent pressure of the Ducks and losing in the shootout after both Jakob Silferberg and Ryan Kesler scored for Anaheim. Marian Gaborik scored once in the shootout for the Kings but Jason LaBarbera would stop both Jeff Carter and Anze Kopitar to seal the victory. LaBarbera replaced Frederik Andersen in the second period after Andersen allowed three goals on ten shots.
The win is great news for Anaheim who have recently struggled at home, losing their last four home games and last three games straight, including two shootout losses. This is Anaheim’s first win without superstar Corey Perry in the lineup — Perry been gone due to illness for the last four games. The win puts Anaheim back on top of the NHL with a league-leading 25 points.
Jakob Silferberg finally scored his first goal of the season after a 16-game scoreless streak. He would end up with one goal, one assist and a goal in the shootout in a spectacular game in which he come alive offensively. Ryan Kesler also had an outstanding game, which is great news for Anaheim – picking up Kesler was in large part to be able to compete well against a deep Kings team who have won two Stanley Cups in the last three years and knocked Anaheim out in the second round of the playoffs last season.
For the Kings, Jonathan Quick was stellar and without him, the score would have likely been a lot more lopsided. This was the first game of the season in the freeway face-off rivalry between the two southern California teams. The Ducks will face the Kings again on Saturday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. It’s still up for debate whether or not Corey Perry will be back in the lineup, although he has started skating again.
Kayla Demint is an Anaheim Ducks writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter, Like her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google.
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