The Anaheim Ducks finally showed signs of life in their second round playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings. The team went on the road and got the Game 3 win and will look to carry their momentum into Game 4. However, injuries could severely hurt that effort as the team could easily be down three players heading into the Saturday matchup which might give way to another Kings win.
The Ducks are hurting, literally. Mathieu Perreault, Matt Beleskey and goalie Frederik Andersen could all be unavailable for Game 4, leaving huge holes in the Anaheim roster. The Ducks have reserves, but not at that talent level. Anaheim still has star power in players like Corey Perry and Teemu Selanne, but could find themselves relying veterans like Andrew Cogliano and Daniel Winnik for help if all three players are unable to go.
Head coach Bruce Boudreau remained quiet on the lineup changes for Game 4, not revealing which players would be able to go and which would be scratched. Jonas Hiller could be forced to start. He played the final 9:58 of the Game 3 after Andersen hurt his leg. The Ducks also recalled John Gibson, giving further indication that rookie Andersen would not be playing. Gibson is one of the more impressive goaltending prospects in the AHL. He won three games for the team earlier in the season.
Anaheim has urgency. After being the best team in the Western Conference, they have been inconsistent at best in the postseason. Getting in the 0-2 hole did not help, but the Game 3 win added some confidence back into the players that could go a long way.
The Kings still have home ice, a place they normally thrive in despite the loss. They have not trailed after a first period during their six-game win streak in the postseason, but they broke that in Game 3, getting behind early and failing to catchup. The Kings will have to push the Anaheim defensive front in order to get their scoring momentum back if they want to keep the series lead.
