Weekend Could Prove Pivotal

The Mighty Ducks’ slim playoff chances probably will play out this weekend in a home-and-home series with the Kings.

“We haven’t played well against L.A. this season,” Coach Mike Babcock said. “They play us more physical. We haven’t been able to handle that. We have to respond.”

The Kings have two victories (one in overtime) and a tie against the Ducks this season. The teams play Saturday at Staples Center and Sunday at the Arrowhead Pond.

The Ducks, nine points out of eighth place, need a sweep to be considered a serious contender. Even then, the odds are against them.

The Ducks have been able to act like playoff contenders, with a 5-2-1-1 record since the All-Star break. In the last week, however, they twice failed to gain ground in games with legitimate playoff contenders, losing in overtime to Nashville and getting routed by Dallas. Of the Ducks’ remaining 18 games, 10 are against teams above them in the standings.

If the Kings, currently the eighth-place team, win 10 of their last 19 games, the Ducks would have to win 15 of their last 18 games to pass them.

“The points are out there,” captain Steve Rucchin said. “We just have to go get them.”

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Forward Mike Leclerc, who has played nine games since returning from off-season knee surgery, may be lost again, as he left Wednesday’s game against Edmonton because of a strained hip. He did not practice Thursday and said he would try to skate today to see whether he can play Saturday.

Forwards Rob Niedermayer (strained groin) and Michael Holmqvist (torn abdominal muscle) practiced Thursday, but neither was ready to commit to playing this weekend.

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The Ducks entered Wednesday’s game scoreless on their last 22 power plays. They proceeded to score two power-play goals in the 4-2 victory.

“When you get a power play and you’re hot, everybody is jumping on the ice and everyone is excited about it,” Babcock said. “The other thing that happens is they’re talking to each other before the faceoff. When it’s not going good, no one says a word to each other.”