Key play: Jakob Silfverberg’s power-play goal early in the third period propelled the Ducks to a 3-2 victory Saturday over the Kings at Staples Center, breaking a first-place tie in the Pacific Division. The victory extended the Ducks’ winning streak to 11 consecutive games, a club record.
Pivotal performer: Ducks center Rickard Rakell came within a goal of his first Gordie Howe hat trick in NHL. In addition to his assist on Silfverberg’s power-play strike, he got into a first-period fight only 6:58 into the game. He also played a strong all-around game.
Dropping the gloves: Rakell scored a decisive victory over the Kings’ Kris Versteeg to cap a first-period melee between the teams. Rakell landed several right hands to Versteeg’s face and head during his first fight in the NHL.
Quote, unquote: “I’m usually a pretty nice guy,” Rakell said.
Injury update: Versteeg suffered what the Kings called an upper-body injury and was said to be questionable to return to the game. He played only 2:10, all in the first period, in his second game since the Kings acquired him last Sunday from the Carolina Hurricanes.
Milestone moment: Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau recorded his 400th career coaching victory in his 663th game in the NHL, the fastest in league history. Overall, he is 400-186-77 during his coaching career with the Ducks and the Washington Capitals.
Illness update: Ducks defenseman Simon Despres returned to the Ducks’ lineup after sitting out Thursday’s victory at Arizona and Wednesday’s shootout win over the Montreal Canadiens. Clayton Stoner was scratched after filling in for Despres the last two games.
Between the pipes: Jonathan Quick made his 52 appearance in goal for the Kings. Frederik Andersen returned to the Ducks’ net after he was in goal for a 5-1 victory Thursday over the Arizona Coyotes as Boudreau stuck to his recent two games on, two games off game plan.
Special teams: The Ducks’ power-play unit clicked for the 11th consecutive game, with David Perron extending the streak with a man-advantage goal that made it 2-1 late in the second period. The Ducks were 17 for 17 on the power play in their past three games before Saturday.