Ducks Overcome Kings in Thrilling 5-4 Shootout Victory

The Anaheim Ducks claimed a dramatic victory over the Los Angeles Kings, winning 5-4 in a shootout on March 15, 2024, at Honda Center. Despite never leading until the final horn, the Ducks managed to secure the first Freeway Faceoff of the season, maintaining their position at the top of the Pacific Division. This victory marks their fourth win in the last six games, with each of those victories coming by a single goal.

Leo Carlsson was instrumental in the Ducks’ comeback, scoring a late equalizer and registering two assists. Other contributors included Chris Kreider, Olen Zellweger, and Pavel Mintyukov, each adding a goal to the Ducks’ tally. In goal, Ville Husso had a challenging season debut, stopping 23 of 27 shots faced.

The Kings, on the other hand, struggled for consistency, suffering their fourth loss in five games. They had previously played a series of closely contested matches, with each of their last seven games decided by just one goal. Scorers for the Kings included Alex Laferriere, Kevin Fiala, Alex Turcotte, and Joel Edmundson, while Darcy Kuemper made 27 saves, although it was not a standout performance by his usual standards.

Turning Point in the Third Period

The match intensified in the third period, where the Kings regained the lead after Turcotte scored his first goal of the season, redirecting a pass from Brandt Clarke at the 3:23 mark. This goal put the Kings ahead momentarily, but the Ducks quickly retaliated.

At 9:18, Mintyukov scored his first goal of the season, lifting a shot from the slot to tie the game once again. The Ducks’ resilience shone through as they maintained pressure throughout the period. The pivotal moment came with just 1:31 remaining when Carlsson scored on a six-on-five advantage, leveling the score at 4-4 after receiving a pass from Jackson LaCombe.

While both teams entered overtime without further scoring, Husso’s crucial save on Adrian Kempe late in the extra period kept the Ducks in contention.

Shootout Showdown

In the shootout, the Ducks found their rhythm. Troy Terry started strong, scoring the first goal in the shootout. Mason McTavish then sealed the victory with a skillful deke that beat Kuemper, ensuring the Ducks’ triumph.

The Ducks’ victory not only showcased their ability to rally under pressure but also highlighted the tight competition in the Pacific Division, with each team battling for crucial points as the season progresses.

As the Ducks continue to build momentum, they look ahead to upcoming matches, hoping to extend their winning streak. The Kings, facing a challenging stretch, will need to regroup quickly to improve their fortunes on the ice.