Kings crown Ducks, 5-1

In Anaheim, the Ducks were grounded by the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night, 5-1.

Troy Grosenick got the start in net for the Kings, in his first NHL start in six years; he made 33 saves to get the win.

“He just wanted an opportunity, maybe get a game in here or there,” Kings head coach Todd McLellan said of Grosenick. “Tonight it presented itself and he took advantage of it, so really good for him.”

Sam Steel was the lone goal scorer for the Ducks.

“I don’t think we made it nearly as difficult on him as we could have,” the Ducks’ Cam Fowler said of Grosenick.

The Kings improved to 11-8-6.

“Just same old thing, you know. Just take the next shot as it comes, just take the next day as it comes,” Grosenick said. “If you’re prepared for anything, things don’t take you by surprise as much.”

Adrian Kempe struck for two goals for LA.

“A lot of times teams play with a goaltender or for a goaltender, and I think it’s more valuable when they play for a goaltender,” McLellan said. “I think, tonight, we played for him.”

Anze Kopitar also scored for the Kings to give them a 2-0 lead.

Andreas Athanasiou and Alex Iafallo scored in the third period for LA.

John Gibson made 32 saves in the loss.

“You have to have a short memory,” Fowler said. “At the same time, I think all of us have to take a look in the mirror tonight and think about what we did.”