from Lisa Dillman of the LA Times,
How can these teams possibly survive a playoff series against each other? And will anyone be able to walk? For the second time in less than a week, the Ducks beat the Kings in another compelling, hard-fought contest and grabbed possession of first place in the Pacific Division, having won a franchise-record 11 straight games.
Anaheim won, 3-2, on Saturday afternoon at Staples Center, sparked by power-plays goals by David Perron and Jakob Silfverberg and an even-strength offering from Ryan Kesler. The official switch at the top of the Pacific Division also coincided with the 400th NHL victory for Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau.
First place in the division had belonged to the Kings since Nov. 23. They entered this game tied with the Ducks in points but were still ahead on the first tiebreaker.
The Ducks climbed over the Kings with a two-pronged attack: continued special-team excellence and an ability to adapt tactically, going toe-to-toe in a fight-filled first period as the teams combined for 68 penalty minutes in that period.
“It was a men’s game out there today,” said Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen, who faced 34 shots.
Watch the game highligths below...
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