Ducks grab three-goal lead, fight off Kings rally for win

Hall of Fame and former Los Angeles Kings announcer Bob Miller looks on as a statue of him is unveiled prior to a NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Hall of Fame and former Los Angeles Kings announcer Bob Miller banner is hoisted prior to a NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Hall of Fame and former Los Angeles Kings announcer Bob Miller waves to he crowd prior to his banner being hoisted prior to a NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Kings fans look on as Hall of Fame and former Los Angeles Kings announcer Bob Miller statue is unveiled prior to a NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Hall of Fame and former Los Angeles Kings announcer Bob Miller its his statue as it is unveiled prior to a NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Hall of Fame and former Los Angeles Kings announcer Bob Miller with his wife Judy as his statue is unveiled prior to a NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Hall of Fame and former Los Angeles Kings announcer Bob Miller looks on as a statue of him is unveiled prior to a NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Kings fans look on as Hall of Fame and former Los Angeles Kings announcer Bob Miller statue is unveiled prior to a NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Hall of Fame and former Los Angeles Kings announcer Bob Miller looks on as a statue of him is unveiled prior to a NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Hall of Fame and former Los Angeles Kings announcer Bob Miller fans as a banner is hoisted prior to a NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Hall of Fame and former Los Angeles Kings announcer Bob Miller prior to a NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Hall of Fame and former Los Angeles Kings Luc Robitaille speaks about announce Bob Miller as a statue of him is unveiled prior to a NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Hall of Fame and former Los Angeles Kings announcer Bob Miller banner is hoisted prior to a NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Anaheim Ducks left wing Nick Ritchie (37) fights with Los Angeles Kings left wing Kyle Clifford (13) during the first period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Anaheim Ducks left wing Nick Ritchie (37) fights with Los Angeles Kings left wing Kyle Clifford (13) during the first period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler (17) scores the second goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Kings left wing Tanner Pearson (70) contours the puck against Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf (15) during the first period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler (not pictured) scores past Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick during the first period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler (17) high fives teammates after scoring against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick looks toward the score board after Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler (not pictured) scores the second goal during the first period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler (17) contorts the puck against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique (14) consoles the puck past Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) during the first period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) controls the puck against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (36) blocks a Los Angeles Kings shot on goal during the second period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Kings left wing Kyle Clifford (13) fights for the pub against Anaheim Ducks center Chris Wagner (21) and teammate center Antoine Vermette (50) during the second period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown (23) controls the puck against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Anaheim Ducks right wing Ondrej Kase (25) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. Anaheim Ducks won 4-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Kings center Nick Shore (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. Anaheim Ducks won 4-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Anaheim Ducks left wing Nick Ritchie reaches for the puck against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. Anaheim Ducks won 4-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Anaheim Ducks left wing Nick Ritchie (37) reaches for the puck against Los Angeles Kings defenseman Christian Folin (5) during the third period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. Anaheim Ducks won 4-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar looks on after the Anaheim Ducks scored a empty net goal during the third period of a NHL hockey game at Staples Center on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Los Angeles. Anaheim Ducks won 4-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

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LOS ANGELES – The message was laid out in simple terms from a team that is peering through the window at those who currently reside in the playoff positions within the Western Conference.

Hours in front of another tense, fight-filled Freeway Faceoff against the Kings, the Ducks’ Kevin Bieksa offered his to-the-point summation. “That’s a team that we need to catch,” the longtime defenseman said. “This is the best way to do it, by taking two points from them.”

Ah, if it were only that easy. Nothing is in this series that’s often decided by one goal and the Kings weren’t going to fade away at Staples Center on Saturday night, even when they stared at a three-goal deficit.

Nick Shore and Anze Kopitar gave them a look at a dramatic comeback in the third period but Corey Perry’s long-distance goal into an empty net secured a 4-2 win for the Ducks as the rivals kicked off another important stretch in their respective schedules following a bye week.

Ondrej Kase scored twice as part of his first career three-point game and Ryan Kesler also had a goal as the Ducks (20-15-9) took advantage of Kings goalie Jonathan Quick not showing the usual form that got him an All-Star nod. Quick made 18 saves and was outdone by John Gibson, his Ducks counterpart who had 23 stops.

The Ducks needed to stay within a large pack that’s vying for spots within the Pacific Division and the conference’s two wild-card berths. Eight teams are within four points of each other, with Anaheim pulling up to that margin behind the Pacific’s second-place Kings (24-14-5).

Before the game, Ducks coach Randy Carlyle laid it out. His group is all healthy for once. No longer does it have excuses for not making a move up the standings.

“We need points,” Carlyle said. “It’s as simple as that. Every game is very, very important. Against division foes and Western Conference foes, they’re doubly more important. Four-point games.

“We’re going to have to play a more consistent brand as we go forward. Hopefully we can do enough to give ourselves a chance.”

Kase’s second goal of the night gave the Ducks the cushion they would ultimately need in keeping a lead throughout. Nick Ritchie made the scoring play occur at 2:10 of the third as the big winger took the puck away from Quick, who went to play it behind his net.

Ritchie found his linemate, who had an empty to net to shoot at. The Ducks had a 3-0 lead early in the third and that was enough to withstand the Kings’ valiant attempt at a comeback. The Kings had won both prior meetings by a goal, the first in overtime and the other in a shootout.

“Obviously in that situation, it turns out that it’s monumental,” Carlyle said.

Shore and Kopitar delivered at the 8:32 and 13:46 marks of the third to give the Kings a look at it. The Ducks, led by some strong defensive work from their shutdown pair of Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson, tightened back up and got the insurance from Perry as he scored from the faceoff circle in the Anaheim zone.

It was too late in the estimation of Kings coach John Stevens, who didn’t think everyone was on board and voiced his dissatisfaction afterward.

“I thought we had a lot of guys that showed up ready for the physical challenge,” Stevens said. “We had some guys that didn’t and it cost us, so that’s a good lesson for us. We cannot win in a game like that unless we have everybody, and we needed more tonight.”

Before the puck drop, the Kings and Ducks sat on their benches and tapped their sticks for Bob Miller as the legendary Kings broadcaster was honored in a ceremony where a banner with his name raised to the Staples Center rafters. It came after a statue of Miller was unveiled in the plaza outside.

The pleasantries were officially dispersed with when Ducks winger Jared Boll, playing in his first game with them since Nov. 7, fought Kings defenseman Kurtis MacDermid right after a faceoff. The two were just the warm-up act on a full fight card.

On the ensuing faceoff, Kings forward Andy Andreoff looked for payback against Bieksa. It was Bieksa that landed an MMA-style “Superman” punch that dropped Andreoff when the teams last met on Nov. 25. There was no knockout this time as Andreoff more than held his own.

As the penalty boxes began to fill up, Ritchie and Kings forward Kyle Clifford took on each other in a third fight. Just four seconds were peeled from the clock. But this has become the norm between the teams.

“We know that coming in here, it’s not like they dress a bunch of shrinking violets over there either,” Carlyle said. “They still have a formidable team that plays tough and plays hard along the wall. We’ve got some guys that like to play that way. We’ve got to be prepared to match that intensity.

“Tonight, we just felt that it was necessary to have that element in our lineup and we play forward with it.”

Added Stevens: “To be honest, this series has been like that all year. I think it’s been a really spirited situation every time we’ve played these guys.”

Three fights also made up their previous matchup. More hockey eventually commenced but the enmity is real.

“It’s grown,” Bieksa said. “It’s grown over the years. It’s not just because of one season. That’s why you don’t see the same animosity with Vegas yet because they’re a new team. There’s not that familiarity. There aren’t those battles and the history. There’s obviously a lot of history here.”

The Ducks made the most of their few chances as Quick was not sharp at the outset. After they killed off an Andrew Cogliano interference penalty, Kase took the puck wide on the right side of the ice and slid a low shot along the ice that got through Quick, who didn’t have his left post completely sealed.

An otherwise very stoppable shot became Kase’s 10th goal of the season as the young Czech winger joined Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg as double figure goal scorers on the Ducks. The tightly-played contest stayed that way until late in the first.

With Kings defenseman Drew Doughty sitting for interference against Rakell, Kesler kept the puck alive in the offensive zone and then used Derek Forbort as a partial screen for a hard snap shot. Quick didn’t pick it up and the center had his second goal in seven games since recovering from hip surgery.

Ducks grab three-goal lead, fight off Kings rally for win

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