Detailed notes on Saturday's game between the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings
Detailed notes on Saturday's game between the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings
The Anaheim Ducks traveled 30 miles North to take on the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night. The Ducks were looking to clean things up on the defensive side of the puck after the last three games saw them surrender a total of 19 goals. The Kings enter this game as winners in five of their seven games since Jim Hiller took over behind their bench.
Game #57: Ducks vs. Kings Gameday Preview
John Gibson got the nod for the Ducks in this game. He’s coming off an outing where he allowed six goals on 26 shots. In the opposite crease, David Rittich got the start for the Kings. This was Rittich’s second straight start after allowing two goals on 19 shots on Thursday against the Nashville Predators. Here are my thoughts on this game:
Cycle: There was an emphasis on movement high in the offensive zone. The Kings play a man-to-man D zone coverage, so shifts and weaves allow space to open up. Defensemen were decisive and active switching with a forward moving up the wall with possession. The Ducks still kept two forwards in the low-slot area and maybe could have benefitted from one of them sliding out higher as a passing option when the puck was moving down the wall.
Jackson LaCombe: Once LaCombe is completely adjusted and comfortable with the speed and space allowed in the NHL, he has the potential to be an automatic breakout. He dissects the oncoming F1 with ease.
Leo Carlsson: Carlsson’s timing and anticipation skills were on display in this game. He generated so much speed and power through the neutral zone and it led to several chances. He’s learning the critical playmaking and shot-creating aspects of his game off the rush. He can be extremely dangerous when he gets a full grasp of those areas.
Breakout/Regroups: The Ducks did a phenomenal job of moving pucks up ice as quickly and efficiently as they could to negate the Kings’ 1-3-1 set neutral zone forecheck. Los Angeles surrendered rush opportunities they typically don’t afford opposing teams.
Troy Terry: Terry is adding a layer to his attacking strategies. He’s opening up his hips to freeze the attacker in front of him to gain a little extra time and space to make a play.
Penalty Kill: Communication between defensemen on the penalty kill over who needs to box out the net-front attacker seemed lacking in this game. It led directly to both of Los Angeles’ goals.
Pavel Mintyukov: When he has support, Mintyukov already excels at eliminating the entire left side of the ice when opposing teams are looking for an outlet or a lane for easy entry into the offensive zone.
The Ducks return to Honda Center on the Nashville Predators on Sunday at 5 pm PST.
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