Full Breakdown
Ducks and Kings Clash in Preseason Showdown
9/25/2025, 10:18:12 PM
Preseason Matchup Overview
The Anaheim Ducks faced off against the Los Angeles Kings on September 24, 2025, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, marking the second of four preseason games between the two Pacific Division rivals. The Kings entered the match with a 2-0 record after previously defeating the Ducks 3-1 in their first encounter on September 21. The Ducks, coming off a 6-1 victory against the Utah Mammoth, aimed to build momentum in front of their home crowd.
Game Highlights and Performance
The Kings secured a decisive 3-0 victory over the Ducks, showcasing a strong performance throughout the game. Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper recorded a shutout, stopping all 14 shots he faced. The Kings took an early lead with a goal from Martin Chromiak and extended their advantage with two additional goals in the third period, one from Jeff Malott and another from Kevin Fiala. The Ducks struggled offensively, failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities, with head coach Joel Quenneville noting, “the puck wasn’t our friend tonight.”
Key Players and Contributions
For the Ducks, Lukas Dostal made his preseason debut, stopping 17 of 18 shots before being replaced by Calle Clang, who faced 12 shots. Despite the loss, Dostal's rebound control and ability to track pucks through traffic were highlighted as positives. On the Kings' side, Jeff Malott emerged as a standout player, contributing significantly to the offense and demonstrating his potential for a roster spot this season.
Official Statements & Responses
Kings head coach Jim Hiller praised his team's performance, stating, “I thought guys just went out and played like the young guy, they skated and did the right things.” He also noted Malott's impressive offseason conditioning, which has translated into his strong play. Conversely, Ducks coach Joel Quenneville emphasized the need for improvement in puck management and defensive execution, indicating that the team must adapt to the challenges presented by the Kings.
Criticism & Opposition
The Ducks faced criticism for their inability to generate offensive pressure, particularly in the early stages of the game. Quenneville acknowledged that the team struggled to establish control, which hindered their ability to create scoring chances. Players like Jacob Trouba, who had a difficult game defensively, were pointed out for needing to improve their performance as the preseason progresses.
What's Next
Following this matchup, the Ducks will have a brief hiatus before facing the Kings again on September 30 in Bakersfield. This upcoming game will be crucial for both teams as they finalize their rosters and strategies ahead of the regular season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ll tell you what, I thought the first two games, we have younger lineups and usually young guys are hungry and they’re out there skating. So tonight, with our top six forwards in, you get your top d-pair in, you worry that it’s preseason and you sag a little bit, but I thought guys just went out and played like the young guy, they skated and did the right things.” — Jim Hiller, Head Coach, Los Angeles Kings
- “Sometimes you have games where the puck sticks to your chest better than other games, but that’s been something that I’ve worked on this summer,” — Lukas Dostal, Goaltender, Anaheim Ducks
This preseason matchup highlighted the competitive nature of the Ducks and Kings, setting the stage for their upcoming encounters as both teams prepare for the regular season.
