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Anaheim Ducks stay patient, look for chances to beat Quick in high-stakes Game 3 vs. LA Kings

Associated Press
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Anaheim Ducks left wing Patrick Maroon, left, scores on Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick during the first period in Game 2 of an NHL hockey second-round Stanley Cup playoff series, Monday, May 5, 2014, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Mark Fistric, left, and Los Angeles Kings center Trevor Lewis, center, battle for the puck in front of goalie Jonas Hiller, of Switzerland, during the first period in Game 2 of an NHL hockey second-round Stanley Cup playoff series, Monday, May 5, 2014, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Although the Anaheim Ducks are running short on chances to prove they're more than just a regular-season power, they didn't seem daunted before they headed out on a 30-mile road trip that could define their year.

After the best regular season in franchise history, the Ducks have lost four of their past six playoff games heading into a critical Game 3 at Los Angeles on Thursday night.

It's barely a slump, and it includes a near-victory that got away with 7 seconds left in regulation in the second-round opener.

Yet the Ducks realize what hangs on their latest trip to Staples Center, and they're comfortable with the risk.