Anaheim fell in their final battle of the season with the Kings on Saturday by the score of 3-1.
For the Ducks their lone scorer was Trevor Zegras. Zegras is on a four game point streak that includes three assists and two goals during that span. Olen Zellweger and Cam Fowler picked up an assist each. Fowler’s being his 33rd the second most by a Duck this season and the most of any Duck’s defenseman. Lukas Dostal picked up the loss in net.
For Los Angeles, David Rittich picked up the win with 28 saves. Matt Roy and Kevin Fiala each scored a goal. Pierre-Luc Dubois had a power play goal.
It was a tough matchup Saturday night at Crypto.com arena. A classic Southern California hockey game.
The first period saw a lot of shots with the Ducks playing the aggressor with 11, then Kings added eight shots on net of their own. However, each goalie was able to turn away everything they faced. There would be no score after the first period.
However, it would take just 2:45 for the game’s first goal to be scored. After an Olen Zellweger penalty the league’s 31’st ranked penalty kill unit would come onto the ice and give up a goal.
A scrum in front of the net and a number of bodies led to a wide open wrist shot for Pierre-Luc Dubois. Duck’s goalie Lukas appeared to not see where the puck was located and Dubois was able to sneak it left of him.
10:33 into the period the Kings would double their lead. Blake Lizotte would send the puck to Matt Roy at the blue line. He sent a raging wrist shot clear through the zone and passed Lukas Dostal for a 2-0 lead.
After two periods the Kings lead by a 2-0 score.
It would take over 11 minutes of play in the third period before either team would find the net again. Trevor Zegras’ sixth goal of the season would bring the team back within a goal. Zegras scored on a three man rush with Cam Fowler and Olen Zellweger. Zellweger was able to connect with Zegras who then beat Kings’ goaltender David Rittich.
With just 2:58 left to play however, Kevin Fiala would deliver the dagger. Fiala would pick up a wraparound goal after a volley of Kings shots down low in front of Lukas Dostal.
Los Angeles clinches the season series against the Ducks 3-1 as well as a playoff spot proving to be the top team in Southern California this season.
Anaheim will play in their final match up of the season on Thursday, Puck drop is 10:00 P.M. EDT and &:00 P.M. PDT and you can view the game on BSSC, BSSD, SCRIPPS and NHL PowerPlay on ESPN+
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