Kings to meet Ducks, and D'Antoni gone from Lakers

The LA Kings made a bit of NHL history night, coming back from three games down to win four straight and eliminate the San Jose Sharks from the Stanley Cup playoffs. Only three hockey teams had done that before, and it's rare in any sport — lose the first three games, then win the next four facing elimination each time. This sets up the first-ever playoff meeting between the Kings and the Anaheim Ducks. Expect a fierce, even brutal series. Whichever team survives has a real chance to win the Stanley Cup. The Ducks had the best record in the Western Conference during the season. Te series begins Saturday and Monday in Anaheim, then moves to Staples Center Thursday and next Saturday. The Kings announced tickets will go on sale for the LA games on Sunday at 10 a.m.

Also on Wednesday, Mike D'Antoni resigned as coach of the Lakers after the team did not act to add a year to his contract. The Lakers announced his exit. "The Lakers and D'Antoni agreed on a settlement that will pay him more than half of the $4 million he was owed for next season," ESPN LA reported, based on "a source with knowledge of the situation." It was never going to work for D'Antoni in Kobe's LA — Magic Johnson said he was glad to see D'Antoni go.