Preseason hockey returned to Toyota Arena on Saturday afternoon, as the LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks squared off in the third annual Empire Classic. Playing the first of two games in three days against each other, the crosstown rivals put on a rather spirited contest in front of a large, passionate crowd.
LA coach Jim Hiller debuted his all-new top line of Anze Kopitar, Adrian Kempe, and Alex Laferriere for the first time in exhibition action, and it proved to be rather productive.
Early in period one, Laferriere put his team on the board with a power play goal, converting a rebound in the crease off a passing play between Kopitar and Kempe. Throughout training camp, the 22-year-old sophomore has been stationed on the first PP unit playing in a net-front position. Saturday’s goal was Laferriere’s second marker with the man-advantage in as many games.
Anaheim answered back later in the first period with a 1-1 power play goal of their own.
Nearly six minutes into the second period, though, Kopitar one-timed a shorthanded tally off a two-on-one rush with Kempe to put LA back on top 2-1. After an opening frame that was full of action between and after whistles, this proved to be the only real highlight during the middle frame.
Laferriere scored his second of the game only 35 seconds into the third period when he slammed home a centering pass from Kopitar to make it 3-1.
The Ducks made things interesting late in the third period, getting a goal via a fortunate bounce off a skate that snuck by Kings starting goaltender David Rittich.
Attempting to hold a 3-2 lead late in the game was something Hiller wasn’t all too disappointed in watching.
Rittich finished with 17 saves in the winning effort, as LA locked things down over the final five minutes and held on for the victory. The Kings also extended their preseason record to 2-0-1 while outshooting Anaheim 33-19.
The two teams will rematch this Monday at Honda Center.
Veterans Lead the Way: It was a multi-point effort for everyone on the top line. Laferriere (2G), Kopitar (1G, 1A), and Kempe (2A) all chipped in two points in what served as the preseason debut of the latter pair.
Extra Element of Physicality: Right from the opening draw, it didn’t take long for the feud between both teams to boil over. Throughout the first period alone, there were numerous scrums post-whistle and an Andreas Englund fight. It was even infectious enough to bring talented scorers like Kempe and Sammy Fagemo into the fray, as they got physical a few times each.
Clarke Returns to The Garage: The last time Brandt Clarke skated at Toyota Arena, it was mid-May as he laced up for the final game of his first professional postseason run with the Ontario Reign. In eight playoffs games, the 21-year-old defender scored six assists and faced opponents’ top-end talents every night. In his return to the Inland Empire, Clarke picked up an assist, led all defenders with four shots on goal, and contributed on a late-game penalty kill to secure the win.
Shoot!: For those looking to observe any changes in playing style from prior seasons, one trend remains consistent through three games of LA’s preseason. The Kings have led all games in shots on goal and boast a combined advantage of 92-66 over their opponents
Praise for the Youth: In his media availability, Hiller complimented the efforts of two young individuals looking to make a mark with the Kings. While new players often have a hard time finding and accepting their roles on a team, Sammy Helenius is viewed by his coach as a guy who, “finishes his checks, is winning his face-offs, penalty kills, and does it every shift.” Hiller went on to credit the player and also the coaching staff in Ontario for having him ‘locked in’ to his role and playing it well.
The Kings bench boss also shared accolades for Fagemo and his play in Saturday, describing him as “dangerous,” not only on the power play with his booming shot, but also on the rush. The Swedish scorer finished second on the team with five credited shots on goal.
RELATED CONTENT:
Follow @mayorNHL
//
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-522840723937225840-1’); });
Continue reading...
