Imagine being down 2-0 in a hockey game against a defensively stout team like the Los Angeles Kings, only to claw your way back and secure a thrilling shootout victory. That's exactly what the Anaheim Ducks did on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, and it’s a story of resilience that’s hard to ignore. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it sheer determination or a stroke of luck that turned the tide for the Ducks? Let’s dive into the details.
Beckett Sennecke played a pivotal role in the Ducks’ comeback, notching two assists and scoring in the shootout to seal the 3-2 win. Meanwhile, Lukas Dostal stood tall in net, making 26 saves to keep Anaheim in the game. The Ducks, who had just snapped a nine-game losing streak earlier in the week, now have two consecutive wins under their belt. And this is the part most people miss: Anaheim leads the NHL with six multigoal comeback wins this season, proving they’re no strangers to adversity.
Tim Washe scored his first NHL goal—a milestone moment that tied the game in the second period—while Ryan Strome also found the back of the net. For the Kings, Joel Armia returned from injury to contribute a goal and an assist, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Los Angeles from dropping their fifth game in six.
‘That was a great comeback win,’ said Ducks forward Mason McTavish, who scored the decisive shootout goal. ‘You never want to go down 2-0, especially in this rink. They play a really defensive style and they’re really good at it, so to come out of here with the win is awesome.’
The Kings struck first, with Quinton Byfield scoring just 1:38 into the game on a 3-on-1 rush. Despite several Grade A chances in the first period, including a short-handed breakaway by Armia and shots that hit the crossbar, the Kings couldn’t extend their lead. Here’s the bold question: Did the Kings lose the game, or did the Ducks steal it?
Armia made it 2-0 early in the second period, but Strome quickly responded 39 seconds later to cut the deficit. Washe’s goal at 14:56 tied the game, setting the stage for a dramatic shootout. ‘So special,’ Washe said of his first NHL goal. ‘The guys made it really awesome for me.’
Looking ahead, the two teams will face off again in Anaheim on Saturday. The Kings, now on a three-game losing streak, are searching for answers. ‘We’ve been on the wrong side of luck sometimes,’ Armia admitted. ‘It’s frustrating, but we’ve just got to stay cool and focus on the next game.’
Controversial interpretation alert: While the Ducks’ comeback is impressive, could the Kings’ recent struggles be a sign of deeper issues? Or is this just a temporary slump? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. One thing’s for sure: this rivalry is far from over.
