Kings take down Ducks in Game 7, advance to Western Conference final
The Los Angeles Kings jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period of Game 7 Friday against the Ducks and never looked back, adding two more goals (chasing rookie goaltender John Gibson in the process) before Anaheim even got on the board.
The Ducks quacked back with two goals of their own and attempted to make things interesting with a late push, but the Kings added a sixth goal in the final frame and ended the Ducks' season - and Teemu Selanne's career - with a relatively easy 6-2 win.
The Kings advance to the Western Conference final for the third straight year with the win, where they will meet the Chicago Blackhawks in a rematch of the 2013 Stanley Cup semifinals.
The series begins Sunday. View the full schedule here.
Star Performer
There must be something special in Justin Williams' water bottle prior to Game 7s. Entering Friday's game in Anaheim, he had give goals and give assists in five career Game 7s, and he kept up his two-points-per-game pace with another goal and a helper this time around.
Williams registered four shots on goal in 16:37 of ice time, and got the Kings' attack rolling by opening the scoring 4:30 into the game.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
Turning Point
The Ducks had a golden opportunity to keep the game close early on, as Corey Perry was awarded a penalty shot when it appeared as though Drew Doughty broke his stick with a slash on the back check. It was clear on the replay that Perry's stick was already broken, but it didn't matter because his attempt was certainly not one for the ages.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
Mike Richards scored shortly after to give Los Angeles a 3-0 lead, a goal that proved to be the game winner.
Highlight Reel
Jeff Carter looked like a man among boys on this individual effort for the game's second goal, muscling past Hampus Lindholm and dropping a nice move on Gibson for the breakaway tally.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
Marian Gaborik continued his playoff tear, scoring his ninth goal by finishing off a lovely passing play with the Kings on the man advantage.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
Quote of the Night
The Kings have won back-to-back series in seven games, with both deciding games played in hostile California territory. They're unflappable. Because they're on a mission:
Does anything bother the Kings? Justin Williams: "It will bother us if we don’t win the Cup this year."
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) May 17, 2014
Williams, Mr. Game 7, knows though that a stiff test is on tap against the Blackhawks:
#LAKings Justin Williams just quoted Ric Flair when asked about the #Blackhawks - 'To be the man, you have to beat the man.'
— The Mayor John Hoven (@mayorNHL) May 17, 2014
Series Recap
Game 1: Kings 3, Ducks 2 (OT) (Kings lead 1-0)
Game 2: Kings 2, Ducks 1 (Kings lead 2-0)
Game 3: Ducks 3, Kings 2 (Kings lead 2-1)
Game 4: Ducks 2, Kings 0 (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: Ducks 4, Kings 3 (Ducks lead 3-2)
Game 6: Kings 2, Ducks 1 (Series tied 3-3)
Game 7: Kings 6, Ducks 2 (Kings win 4-3)