The Kings and Ducks are deep into youth movements, infusing fresh legs and skill into rosters that had become stale and unproductive. The process has sometimes been ugly, but youth is inarguably their only way forward as they accumulate talent and try to transform kids’ potential into points and wins.
With that in mind, it was noteworthy that 19-year-old Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev scored his first NHL goal Tuesday in his debut, a performance that hinted he will soon make an impact. But it was noteworthy, too, that 36-year-old Ducks forward David Backes made the biggest mark in the rival teams’ first meeting this season by scoring a goal, winning 12 of 19 faceoffs and continuing to display remarkable grace in difficult circumstances.