Kings hold off rival Ducks 2-1, close in on division title

Los Angeles Kings left wing Kyle Clifford, left, and Anaheim Ducks right wing Chris Stewart scuffle during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

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Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry, left, and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jake Muzzin scuffle during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Clayton Stoner, right, pushes over Los Angeles Kings center Jeff Carter during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Milan Lucic and Kris Versteeg scored 93 seconds apart in the second period, and the Los Angeles Kings closed in on just their second division title in franchise history with a 2-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night.

Jonathan Quick made 19 saves for the Kings, who opened a two-point lead on the Ducks atop the Pacific Division by snapping their three-game losing streak in the Freeway Faceoff rivalry series.

The three-time defending Pacific champion Ducks still have a game in hand, but the Kings would clinch their first division title since the 1990-91 Smythe Division crown with a home victory over Winnipeg on Saturday in their regular-season finale.

Ryan Kesler scored an early goal and John Gibson stopped 27 shots for the Ducks, who have lost three of four.

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/kings-hold-off-rival-ducks-2-1-close-in-on-division-title