from Eric Stephens of the OC Register,

In the biggest game to date for both the Kings and Ducks in their respective grinding, challenging seasons, Rickard Rakell became Mr. Big Shot.

To cap a taut, thrilling Freeway Faceoff that was the most meaningful one played between Southern California’s two hockey teams since the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs, Rakell lifted the Ducks to a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Kings on Friday night at Honda Center.

Trapped in a bit of a slump over the last nine games, Rakell got the puck from Brandon Montour in overtime and drove up the ice. Measuring Kings defenseman Alec Martinez, the Ducks’ goal-scoring star took a rising shot that soared past Kings goalie Jonathan Quick toward the top left corner of the net with 19 seconds left.

It was Rakell’s team-leading 32nd and this one carried more importance than any other. His plan was to build up speed and see what the defense was going to give him.

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Watch the game highlights below...