Kings-Ducks final score 2014: 3 things learned from Anaheim’s 6-5 shootout win

It wasn't a playoff game, but it sure played like one. The Anaheim Ducks came back from two-goal deficits three times to beat the Los Angeles Kings 6-5 in the shootout at Honda Center on Wednesday night.

Ryan Kesler and Jakob Silfverberg led the way for Anaheim as both players beat Kings goalie Jonathan Quick in the shootout to earn the win. They were both outstanding in regulation as well. Kesler had two goals and an assist and Silfverberg had a goal and an assist to help key the Ducks multiple comebacks.

The Ducks fell behind the Kings 2-0 after the first period when Cam Fowler scored 7:07 into the second to cut the lead in half. They were down 3-1 in the second period when Trevor Lewis restored the two-goal bulge and led to the Ducks pulling Frederik Andersen in favor of Jason LaBarbera. After that, another Ducks rally started when Silfverberg scored midway through the second and Kesler scored his first goal early in the third to tie it 3-3.

The Kings went ahead again by two when Marian Gaborik and Justin Williams scored, but Kesler's second made it 5-4 with 5:40 left in the third and Devante Smith-Pelly tied it with 1:39 to go.

1. Anze Kopitar's talent is something to behold. By now if you're not on the bandwagon in appreciating his game, you're either not staying up to watch enough Kings games or you're a Sharks or Ducks fan. Kopitar had a penalty shot goal in the first period after he exploded through the zone past Sami Vatanen who hooked him to get the call. He scores a ton, he matches up against everyone's top line - Kopitar for President.

2. Even without Corey Perry (DNP - mumps) the Ducks have a frightening attack. Ryan Getzlaf showed why he's becoming a routine finalist for the Hart Trophy and it's clear Kesler being added to the lineup makes them a much better team. The Ducks young defensemen were strong as Fowler had a goal and Vatanen and Hampus Lindholm had two assists each. Whether you like it or not, the Ducks are outstanding.

3. Bruce Boudreau sure does have fun with his goalies, doesn't he? Andersen was pulled after Lewis scored on a soft shot in the second period. Andersen faced 10 shots before being lifted for LaBarbera. Coincidentally enough (or not?), LaBarbera's arrival into the game came as the Ducks turned things around. Seeing LaBarbera stop both Kopitar and Jeff Carter in the shootout is impressive. Then again, this is yet another game that would've been better served by more overtime.