It’s another date with the champs

If their 3-0 loss Tuesday night against the Detroit Red Wings wasn’t enough of a measuring stick, the Kings will get another chance to compare themselves to a Stanley Cup contender tonight when they play host to the Ducks at Staples Center.

“That should put some pressure on us,” Kings defenseman Brad Stuart said.

The Ducks weren’t playing much like defending champions the first 2 1/2 months of the season, but they have won 12 of their 18 games since star defenseman Scott Niedermayer returned from a three-month sabbatical on Dec. 16.

“He’s one of the best all-around players, at any position,” Kings defenseman Rob Blake said.

“He just fills that team and you know they’re focusing on a playoff run again.”

Even without Niedermayer, the Ducks have won four of five against the Kings -- another round of daggers for long-time Kings fans, who have waited 40 years for a Stanley Cup title, only to see an expansion team from down the freeway win one first.

“To see their success and our not-so-successful season, it has got to be hard for our fans,” said defenseman Jaroslav Modry, who previously played parts of eight seasons with the Kings before rejoining the team last February.

Coach Marc Crawford agreed with Modry’s assessment, but said now is not the time to be fretting about what other teams have accomplished.

“You worry about trying to make your team as good as you possibly can,” Crawford said. “We’ve always had good games against them and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t have a real spirited effort.”

Crawford thought some of his forwards should have had a stronger presence around the crease against Detroit.

The lack of bodies up front allowed goalie Chris Osgood a clear view of the puck and he stopped 27 shots to record his 46th career shutout.

Crawford specifically mentioned the play of Kyle Calder, Derek Armstrong and Patrick O’Sullivan.

“Those types of goals come on tip-ins and battles and all the confrontations that happen around the net,” Crawford said.

“I think we can get improved play there.”

Crawford thought the Kings’ best scoring opportunity came on the first shot, when Matt Moulson, playing in his first game since being recalled from the team’s American Hockey League affiliate in Manchester, N.H., took a cross pass from Michael Handzus after finding a seam in the defense, but Osgood made the stop.

“That was one of the better saves that Osgood made,” Crawford said.

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TONIGHT

vs. Ducks, 7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150, 830.

Records -- Kings 19-29-2, Ducks 27-19-6.

Record vs. Ducks -- 1-3-1.

Update -- This is the Kings’ last home game until Feb. 15 against Calgary.

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dan.arritt@latimes.com