Full Breakdown
LA Kings Maintain Preseason Dominance with Win Over Ducks
9/25/2025, 2:13:25 PM
Kings' Preseason Performance Overview
The Los Angeles Kings continued their strong start to the 2025 preseason with a decisive 3-0 victory against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on September 24. This win marked the Kings' third consecutive victory, improving their preseason record to 3-0-0. The Kings had previously defeated the Ducks 3-1 in their preseason opener just days earlier.
Key Moments from the Game
The Kings opened the scoring late in the first period when forward Martin Chromiak netted his first goal of the preseason, assisted by Jeff Malott. Following a scoreless second period, Malott scored again, extending the lead to 2-0 with a deflection from a shot by defenseman Kyle Burroughs. Kevin Fiala capped off the scoring with a goal in his preseason debut, assisted by Alex Laferriere, solidifying the Kings' victory.
Goaltender Darcy Kuemper played a pivotal role in the shutout, stopping all 14 shots he faced, while the Kings outshot the Ducks 12-4 in the first period alone.
Official Statements & Responses
Head Coach Jim Hiller praised the team's performance, particularly highlighting Malott's contributions and the overall defensive effort. "Malott put on about seven or eight pounds of muscle... he’s a strong guy to begin with, but he’s a little stronger, he’s got a lot of confidence and he’s playing really well," Hiller noted.
Ducks coach Joel Quenneville expressed disappointment in his team's performance, stating, "It was definitely not a good showing. We got outplayed off every faceoff and we didn’t come up with any 50-50 battles all night."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the Kings' success, the Ducks faced criticism for their lackluster performance. Quenneville emphasized the need for improvement, particularly in their power play and overall competitiveness. "Whether it was the power play or it was five-on-five, the puck wasn’t our friend tonight," he remarked.
What's Next for the Kings
The Kings will continue their preseason schedule with a focus on evaluating their roster depth and preparing for the regular season. With Anze Kopitar announcing that this will be his final season, the team is also looking to establish a new leadership core moving forward. The next matchup will be against the Ducks again, providing another opportunity for the Kings to solidify their preseason momentum.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s a strong guy to begin with, but he’s a little stronger, he’s got a lot of confidence and he’s playing really well.” — Jim Hiller, Head Coach, LA Kings
- “It was definitely not a good showing. We got outplayed off every faceoff and we didn’t come up with any 50-50 battles all night,” — Joel Quenneville, Head Coach, Anaheim Ducks
The Kings' strong preseason performance not only showcases their potential for the upcoming season but also sets the stage for a transition period as they prepare for life after Kopitar.
