Kings 4 - 2 Ducks
Final
  for this game

Playoff-hopeful Kings battle Ducks

Mar 16, 2012 - 2:56 PM (Sports Network) - While the Kings are still in the postseason hunt, the Ducks have become a long shot to extend their schedule beyond the regular season. Los Angeles will look to deal another blow to Anaheim's playoff chances this evening with a third straight victory.

The Kings enter play 11th overall in the Western Conference with 78 points, three back of the Coyotes and Avalanche for the final two playoff spots in the conference. They also sit five behind the first-place Stars in the Pacific Division.

Things are more dire for the Ducks, who are 12th overall in the West, seven points behind the Kings with 11 games to play.

Los Angeles won for the fifth time in seven games on Tuesday, recording a 5-2 win over Detroit. Drew Doughty notched the game-winner, while Justin Williams, Jeff Carter and Anze Kopitar all ended with a goal and an assist.

The Kings improved to 7-0-0 this season when they scored five goals and 16-0-2 when they net at least four tallies.

"Our special team were good tonight," Kings head coach Darryl Sutter said. "We had a good first period and weathered the storm in the second. With a little bit of luck, you win the game."

Dustin Brown had a pair of assists, extending his point streak to a career high-tying nine straight games. Los Angeles' captain has five goals and nine assists over that span, while Carter has five goals and two helpers in nine games since being acquired from the Blue Jackets.

Jonathan Quick made 22 saves for the Kings, who have won four of five over the Ducks this year. That includes a split of two games in Anaheim.

The Ducks snapped a three-game slide with Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Red Wings. Anaheim moved to 11-6-4 in its past 21 games.

Jonas Hiller made 23 saves in his fourth shutout of the season, while Teemu Selanne scored to post the 1,400th point of his career.

"We played well tonight and we were rewarded with a win," said Hiller following his 15th career shutout.

Kyle Palmieri scored twice and Bobby Ryan also had a goal as the Ducks won the opener of a three-game homestand. They have won three in a row while posting a 12-2-1 mark over their past 15 at home.

Anaheim played a second straight game without Corey Perry due to a right shoulder ailment. The forward leads the Ducks with 34 goals.






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