Full Breakdown
LA Kings Secure Overtime Win Against Anaheim Ducks in Preseason Finale
10/5/2025, 5:57:34 PM
Game Overview and Key Events
The Los Angeles Kings concluded their preseason with a 5-4 overtime victory against the Anaheim Ducks at Crypto.com Arena on October 4, 2025. The Kings, finishing with a 5-2-0 record, initially dominated the game, leading 4-0 before a late surge from the Ducks forced overtime. Quinton Byfield opened the scoring for the Kings with a power-play goal, followed by contributions from Phillip Danault and Warren Foegele, who helped establish a commanding lead in the first period.
The Kings maintained their advantage until the third period, when the Ducks began their comeback. Mikael Granlund scored the Ducks' first goal, followed by Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish, who tied the game with two quick goals, sending it into overtime.
Key Players and Contributions
Phillip Danault was a standout performer for the Kings, scoring two goals and assisting on another, while Kevin Fiala netted the game-winning goal in overtime. Carlsson was instrumental for the Ducks, contributing three points, including a goal and an assist during the comeback effort.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, Kings head coach Jim Hiller acknowledged the team's strong start but expressed concern over their inability to maintain the lead. He stated, “For 50 minutes, right? Then we saw... we got tight, and you see what happens really quickly.” Hiller emphasized the need for the team to learn from the experience, indicating that the late-game collapse was a critical area for improvement as they prepare for the regular season.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, the Kings faced criticism for their third-period performance. Analysts noted that allowing the Ducks to score four goals in a short span highlighted a recurring issue for the Kings, who struggled to close out games effectively last season. This late-game vulnerability could pose challenges in the upcoming regular season.
What's Next
The Kings are set to begin their regular season against the Colorado Avalanche on October 7, 2025. The team will need to address their late-game performance to ensure a more consistent showing as they aim for success in the Pacific Division.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Then we saw, you guys saw it too, then we got tight, and you see what happens really quickly.” — Jim Hiller, Head Coach, LA Kings
The Kings' ability to learn from this game will be crucial as they transition into the regular season, where maintaining leads and closing out games will be vital for their success.
