2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Western Conference Semifinals Picks: Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks Odds and Predictions

2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Western Conference Semifinals Picks: Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks Odds and Predictions: When the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks meet in the Western Conference semifinals, it will mark the first time the in-state rivals have faced one another in the postseason. The series will also be a matchup of the top-ranked offense and top-ranked defense in the NHL so it will truly be a battle of strength versus strength. Needless to say, this rivalry is about to be taken to the next level with the winner advancing on to the conference finals.

Los Angeles rolls into the series coming off a historic comeback in the first round. Down 3-0 in their series against San Jose, the Kings reeled off four straight wins to become just the fourth team in NHL history to rally from a 3-0 deficit in the postseason. Not surprisingly, the comeback was fueled largely by the Kings’ ability to recapture the physical, defensive-minded style that helped them allow the fewest goals in the league this year. Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams were the offensive stars for Los Angeles in the series, netting four goals each. Meanwhile, goalie Jonathan Quick recovered from an abysmal start to hold the Sharks to just two total goals in the final three games of the series.

For the Ducks, a powerful offense had led the way all season, and at times, carried the team. In fact, Anaheim led the NHL in scoring this year. The trend continued in the opening round of the playoffs as the Ducks scored a combined 18 goals in their four wins against Dallas and combined for just two goals in their two defeats. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry led the team in scoring during the year with 87 and 82 points, respectively. The duo also led the team in the first round with seven points each. On the flip side, Anaheim’s goaltending has regressed a bit in the playoffs as Frederik Andersen posted a 3.40 goals against average in the first round. Jonas Hiller is also available, but he was average at best down the stretch in the regular season, which is why Andersen has been starting in the first place.

The Kings Win If:

If the Kings are going to advance, they have to be able to dictate the pace with their defense and physicality. Plain and simple, they don’t have the firepower to keep up with Anaheim if the Ducks get their offense rolling. In net, Quick has to play at an elite level because just a good series for Quick won’t be enough. He has to be the guy that carried the Kings to a Stanley Cup a couple of years ago in order to make up for the disparity in offensive weapons between the two teams. Last but not least, Los Angeles needs one or two players to step up offensively. A few strong individual performances here and there along with stellar defense and goaltending should be enough to allow the Kings to win the series.

The Ducks Win If:

For the Ducks to win the series, they have to put pressure on the Kings’ below average offense early and often. Scoring early in games and getting out to leads will eventually force Los Angeles to abandon its defensive-minded strategy and get a little more aggressive offensively. If the Kings are able to keep the games close and low scoring, they are going to be able to play their conservative style and spend most of their time punishing Anaheim with physical play. In net, the Ducks’ goalies don’t have to out-play Quick, but they do have to make the routine saves so the Kings have to work for their goals. If Anaheim can establish a decent offensive rhythm in this series and force Los Angeles to try to keep pace, the Kings aren’t going to have the weapons to keep up.

Bottom Line:

While there is little doubt that Anaheim is the more balanced team overall and is by far the superior offensive team, goaltending can trump all else in the NHL. After it appeared the Kings were headed to an early exit, Quick suddenly recaptured his typically amazing playoff form and quieted a San Jose offense that ranked sixth in scoring during the regular season. As a result, Los Angeles looks like they have rediscovered their defensive mentality just in time for the semifinals. Meanwhile, the Ducks head into the semifinals without a definitive option in net since neither goalie has been on top of their game. With that in mind, I like the chances of Quick and the Kings to grind out the series and pull off the upset.

Prediction: Los Angeles Kings Win in 7 Games

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