The Anaheim Ducks staged a dramatic comeback on March 1, 2024, overcoming a two-goal deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 in a shootout at Crypto.com Arena. This victory not only marked the Ducks’ second consecutive win but also brought them within a point of the Kings in the standings, intensifying the competition for playoff positions.
After enduring a nine-game losing streak, this marked a significant turnaround for the Ducks, who now trail the San Jose Sharks by only two points for the final wild-card playoff berth. The Kings, on the other hand, find themselves in a slump, having lost five of their last six games and 15 of their past 22 contests, a troubling trend that has deepened over a quarter of the season.
Key Performances Drive the Ducks to Victory
Joel Armia shone for the Kings by scoring a goal and assisting Quinton Byfield‘s tally, while goaltender Darcy Kuemper made 26 saves. Despite a valiant effort, the Kings were unable to sustain their lead, suffering from the absence of key players including Corey Perry (personal reasons), Anže Kopitar (lower-body injury), and Trevor Moore (upper-body injury).
The Ducks responded with goals from Ryan Strome and Tim Washe, with Beckett Sennecke playing a pivotal role in both scoring plays. Goaltender Lukáš Dostal matched Kuemper’s output, stopping 26 shots to keep the Ducks in contention.
In the shootout, Sennecke and Mason McTavish executed crucial conversions, propelling the Ducks to victory. Sennecke’s deft backhander followed a well-timed forehand fake, while McTavish employed his signature hesitation move to score. This duo’s prowess at the shootout line proved decisive.
Game Highlights and Critical Moments
The game began with the Kings taking an early lead just 1:38 into the first period. A missed pass by Pavel Mintyukov allowed Armia to capitalize, setting up Byfield for a short-side wrist shot, marking his ninth goal of the season. The Kings, who struggle to score in the first period, found an unexpected advantage.
During the first power play, Armia and Mintyukov showcased their chemistry, creating a shorthanded breakaway that nearly resulted in another goal. Despite the Kings’ pressure, the Ducks managed to remain competitive, with Strome scoring his first goal since December 16, ending a personal drought.
As the second period progressed, the Kings extended their lead to 2-0 with Armia’s goal at 11:33. However, the Ducks responded just 39 seconds later, with Washe scoring his first NHL goal. He maneuvered past Drew Doughty to net the puck, igniting the Ducks’ offensive momentum.
Strome’s subsequent goal tied the game at 14:56 in the second period, showcasing a well-executed give-and-go with Jackson LaCombe. Sennecke facilitated both Ducks’ goals, demonstrating his playmaking abilities.
The final period ended scoreless, leading to a tense overtime. Despite opportunities from both teams, including chances from Clarke and Sennecke, neither could find the back of the net, setting the stage for the decisive shootout.
This win signifies a crucial moment for the Ducks as they aim to climb back into playoff contention. With injuries and absences affecting both teams, the dynamics of the Pacific Division remain fluid as the season progresses.
As the playoff race heats up, the Ducks will need to maintain their momentum, while the Kings seek to rectify their recent struggles. The excitement of the NHL season continues to unfold, with both teams facing pivotal matchups ahead.
