Remember when the Los Angeles Kings looked like they were about to get swept right out of the NHL Playoffs? Well, they certainly do not and are currently on a hot streak in the second round as they lead the Anaheim Ducks by two games with the series shifting back to Los Angeles. Can the Kings keep up the work and escape with a sweep?
The Ducks are slumping at the wrong time. They have not looked like the team that owned the regular season and have lost four of their past six playoff games as a result. The games with the Kings have been close proving that Anaheim is headed in the right direction, but a crucial Game 3 puts the series on the line more so than the team wishes.
The Kings beat the Ducks just once in the regular season as Anaheim dominated finishing second in the league with 266 goals. Their defense responded the same way, shutting down every team in their path. However, in the playoff the Ducks have managed three goals against the Kings' goalie Jonathan Quick. They lost both games at home as Los Angeles has dominated in possession and penalties. Anaheim has to find their old form if there is going to be any chance of the team bouncing out of the hole.
Anaheim could have a boost coming their way. The team is hoping to put Kyle Palmieri back into the lineup in hopes that he spurs some offensive production. He scored a career-best 14 goals in the regular season along with having five points against the Detroit Red Wings in the first round.
Los Angeles played catchup against the San Jose Sharks after getting themselves into an 0-3 hole and would prefer to control things this time around much like they have in playoffs of the past. They are up 2-0 for the sixth playoff series in the past three seasons. However, seeing how easily they came back from the deficit in round one makes them realize the Ducks can do the same so there will be no letting up on production.
