Pacific Division Final
(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (P3) Los Angeles Kings
Season series: Anaheim won 4-0-1
They have a history: The hockey world has been waiting a long, long time for this. Twenty-one years after the Ducks entered the picture, the Battle of Southern California — separated by just 30 miles along the majestic Pacific Coast — is about to be broadcast for the first time on the post-season stage. The Ducks owned the regular-season series, defeating the Kings four times while suffering only a marathon shootout loss in five meetings.
For the Ducks to win: With former Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Quick staring down at the other end — at a time when he’s heating up, his play staunchly reminiscent of his post-season MVP nod back in 2012 — the Ducks will need an equally strong performance from either Jonas Hiller or Frederik Andersen between the pipes. Andersen had a rough ride in the opening round, posting a 3.40 goals-against average and .892 save percentage before being pulled in Game 6, when Hiller recorded 12 saves in more than 40 minutes of work in relief, clinching the series with a 5-4 overtime victory.
Offensively, the Ducks live and die by the production of Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. Playing some of the best hockey of their careers, the duo — indebted to the contributions of 26-year-old winger Nick Bonino — had an exceptional opening-round series versus Dallas, combining for 14 points (five goals, nine assists). With all due respect to the Stars, they’re not the Kings, who are fuelled by elite personnel, spotless goaltending and the savvy defensive acumen pioneered by the Darryl Sutterled teams of the modern era. Overcoming that, scoring early and winning the one-on-one matchups will be critical to the Ducks’ success in this series.
Best Ducks storyline: Bruce Boudreau has a decision to make in advance of Game 1: Does he go back to Andersen, offering the opportunity for redemption after an otherwise impeccable rookie season, or does he stick with Hiller after closing out the Stars, albeit in limited action? Simply put, the Ducks can’t afford a carousel against their hot-handed California neighbours. The Kings, fresh off erasing a 3-0 series deficit to the San Jose Sharks, are too strong a team not to capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes or indecision. Without one of their top defencemen, Stephane Robidas (broken leg), the Ducks need one guy to emerge — to grab the reins, bear down and provide their team with a badly needed lift in that position.
Leading scorer: Ryan Getzlaf, seven points (three goals, four assists)
Game 1 (probable) starter: Jonas Hiller, 1-0-0, 0.00 goals-against average, 1.000 save percentage (13 mins. played)
For the Kings to win: Let’s be honest here: With Jonathan Quick in the game, it isn’t really fair — and it certainly wasn’t in games 4 through 7 for the Sharks in Round 1. After a slow start, the 28-year-old rounded into championship form and was the reason for the Kings’ improbable series win. Despite the goaltender’s ongoing heroics against the highly skilled Sharks, there was more to the process than quick feet and a rapier-like glove hand. When they needed them most, the Kings’ best players rose to the occasion. Selke nominee Anze Kopitar, in particular, was exceptional, quelling the production of crafty second-line pivot Logan Couture, all the while stirring the drink offensively, leading the Kings in goals (four), assists (six) and points (10) in only six games.
It doesn’t get any easier with the likes of Getzlaf, Perry and Bonino entering the picture, but Kopitar appears up to the task. The same can be said of defenceman Drew Doughty, who’s far and away the Kings’ leader in average ice time, carving the sheet for more than 26 minutes per game in these playoffs. It’s an elite group, and if they play anywhere near the level they’re capable of, it could be a shorter series than many expect.
Best Kings storyline: The Kings are soaring after knocking off the Sharks, winning four straight and becoming just the fourth team in NHL history to rally back from a 3-0 series deficit. Momentum may not be trackable by the tangible standards of the NHL scoring system, but they have it — lots of it — and will be tough to bring down after an emotional ride like that. Facing another talented opponent, we’re about to learn if the Kings of games 4 through 7 are as real — and as dominant — as they appeared.
Leading scorer: Anze Kopitar, 10 points (four goals, six assists)
Game 1 starter: Jonathan Quick, 4-3-0, 3.10 goals-against average, .914 save percentage
Matchup to watch: Since when did the Kings become an offensive powerhouse? Hyperbole aside, timely goal scoring was a big reason for their success against San Jose, and a lot of it came on the power play, where they scored six goals on 24 attempts for a 25 per cent success rate. Good, but not quite to the level of their opponent. The Ducks’ power play operated at a staggering 42.8 per cent clip, scoring six times on only 14 attempts — mind you, four of those goals came in one game. For the defensively minded Kings, strong special teams could be the difference in the series.
Big question: Expect to hear plenty about line matching in this series. Can Quick, Doughty and Kopitar silence the likes of Getzlaf, Perry and Bonino?
Best bet: Kings in six.
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