Knights drop finale to Ducks; 1st-round playoff opponent set

The Knights were more focused on fine-tuning their game heading into the playoffs. They just ran into a great performance from Anaheim’s potential goalie of the future.

Here are three takeaways from the loss:

1. Hill’s struggles continue

In what was his final audition to possibly be the Game 1 starter in net, Hill was doomed by the third period once again.

Hill dropped to 5-10-0 in his last 16 appearances — in one start he was pulled after giving up three goals in the first period — and has given up three goals or more in 14 of his last 16 appearances.

Coach Bruce Cassidy hasn’t committed to a playoff starter, but recent stretches of play would indicate Logan Thompson has the edge right now.

Hill was a big reason why the Knights won the Stanley Cup last season, but he has not looked comfortable since coming back from the All-Star break.

That’s not to say Hill won’t have an opportunity to earn the starter’s crease back, but the timing is not on his side.

2. Marchessault stays at 42

It wasn’t for a lack of trying. Jonathan Marchessault really tried to tie the Knights’ single-season goal record.

The right wing had seven shots on goal, but none of them could beat Dostal. Marchessault ends the season with a career-high 42 goals and 69 points.

Center William Karlsson’s record of 43, set in the Knights’ inaugural season, stays for another year.

It was still a memorable season for Marchessault, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner, in a contract year. What that means for his future is uncertain.

3. Knights getting healthy

Healthy bodies are trickling back on the ice with the postseason around the corner.

Left wing William Carrier was a non-contact participant at morning skate and could be nearing a return from an upper-body injury. He has not played since March 25.

Captain Mark Stone also continues to skate in a non-contact role as he continues recovery from a lacerated spleen, and could be an option for Game 1.