Kings at Ducks
THE STORY:
Two teams on the outside of the Western Conference playoff picture face
off Friday as the Anaheim Ducks host the Los Angeles Kings. Anaheim is
clinging to very slim postseason hopes as it trails eighth-place
Colorado by 10 points with 11 games remaining. The Kings have a much
more realistic shot at the playoffs as they trail the Avalanche by three
points. Los Angeles has won five of its last seven contests overall and
four of five meetings with the Ducks.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, FS Prime Ticket (Kings), KDOC (Ducks)
ABOUT THE KINGS (33-25-12): Mike Richards' offensive struggles
continue as he has scored only one goal in 35 games. But coach Darryl
Sutter said Richards contributes much more than what's seen on the
scoresheet. "To me, he's the best two-way centerman in the NHL," Sutter
said. "If it's someone telling you that you're not scoring enough, or
doing this or that, that's now what your game is about. Your game is
about being on the right side of the puck and making plays." Captain
Dustin Brown enters with a career high-tying nine-game points streak
during which he has collected five goals.
ABOUT THE DUCKS (30-30-11):
Teemu Selanne became the third European-born player to reach the
1,400-point plateau, joining Stan Mikita and Jaromir Jagr. The "Finnish
Flash" needs one power-play goal to gain sole possession of third place
on the all-time list. Selanne is tied with Luc Robitaille at 247
man-advantage tallies. Jonas Hiller extended his franchise record by
starting his 30th career contest against Detroit on Wednesday. Reigning
Hart Trophy winner Corey Perry has missed two straight games with a
shoulder injury and is questionable for Friday.
OVERTIME:
1. The Kings have lost five of eight games on the road but have won three of their last five.
2. Anaheim has captured three straight at home and six of seven.
3. Los Angeles is 82-0-6 over its last 88 contests when ahead after two periods.