May 8, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Teemu Selanne (8) scores a goal past Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) and defenseman Alec Martinez (27) during the second period in game three of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
The Anaheim Ducks needed this one badly, and it wasn’t easy but they got the job done and avoided falling into a 3-0 deficit by downing the Los Angeles Kings 3-2.
Frederik Andersen got the start for the Ducks after Jonas Hiller lost the first two games at home, but an injury to the rookie forced Hiller back into service in the third period and he ended up getting the win.
Corey Perry opened up the scoring on a Ducks first period power play, taking a pass from Patrick Maroon in the slot and firing it past Jonathan Quick.
Jeff Carter tied it up for the Kings less than 5 minutes into the second on a power play of their own, on a nearly identical play after being set up by Marian Gaborik and Anze Kopitar. For Kopitar, it extended his points streak to 10 games, or every game so far this playoff season.
The Anaheim Ducks re-established the lead just over 10 minutes later, on yet another man advantage. Nick Bonino and Teemu Selanne drove in on a 2 on 1, with Selanne re-directing the pass behind Quick.
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Ben Lovejoy‘s wrist shot that eluded Quick with less than 3 minutes left in the third gave the Ducks a two goal lead. It was fortunate for them, because they would need that goal because Mike Richards batted a puck past Hiller with 30 seconds left to get the Kings back within one. That goal came moments after Perry’s try on an open net failed because his stick broke mid-shot.
The Anaheim Ducks’ win gets them back in the series, now trailing just 2-1 with game 4 set to go Saturday night in Los Angeles. They will try to even the series and get home ice advantage back, while the Kings will be trying to put the Ducks’ backs against the wall and force them to the brink of elimination.