Ducks Give L.A. Something to Shoot For

The Kings will try to end two losing streaks tonight when they play the Mighty Ducks at the Forum. Not only have they lost their first two games since the All-Star break, but counting a 7-4 loss to the Ducks on Nov. 8, the Kings have lost three consecutive games to their Southern California rival.

“Hopefully, we can stop [the losing streaks] now,” said King goalie Byron Dafoe, who dropped to 10-8-1 with the Kings’ 7-2 loss at San Jose on Wednesday. “We have to start winning again, and if you can’t get up for the Battle of L.A. kind of thing with the Ducks, then we have a problem.”

Defenseman Rob Blake will play tonight for the first time since he broke his right hand Dec. 26. The Kings went 4-6-1 with Blake sidelined.

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Defensemen John Slaney, who cleared waivers Friday, and Jaroslav Modry were assigned to the Phoenix Roadrunners, the Kings’ International Hockey League affiliate. . . . Right wing Kai Nurminen, who has been out because of a leg injury since the All-Star break, will play tonight. Defenseman Jan Vopat is questionable because of an ankle injury suffered against San Jose. . . . Defenseman Jan Nemecek was put on loan from Phoenix to Mississippi of the East Coast Hockey League.