Kings Seek First Preseason Win Against Ducks as Roster Bubble Players Face Final Test

Key points

• The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT at Honda Center, with a rematch planned for Saturday in Los Angeles.
• Anaheim enters the game with a 1-0-0 record, highlighted by Beckett Sennecke's hat trick against San Jose.
• Los Angeles is 0-2-0, having lost 6-3 to Utah and 3-0 to Vegas, but has shown improved power play performance.
• The Kings are using this game to evaluate players like Erik Haula, Andre Lee, and Kenny Connors for potential roster spots.
• Drew Doughty is expected to wear the captain's 'C' for the first time in the preseason.

Background

The Kings hired Peter Laviolette as head coach in June, marking a significant change in leadership. The team is also navigating the first season in two decades without Anze Kopitar, who retired in April. Recent archive coverage indicates the Kings trimmed their camp by 21 players and are focusing on revamping their power play and special teams units. The Ducks, meanwhile, are in their second season under Joel Quenneville, who emphasized maintaining high expectations after a successful 2025-26 campaign.

How outlets are covering it

NHL.com highlights the Ducks' strong start, noting Sennecke's hat trick and Quenneville's focus on consistent performance. LA Kings Insider emphasizes the 'last chance' nature of the game for bubble players, detailing the competitive dynamic among forwards like Andre Lee and Taylor Ward. MayorsManor.com focuses on the Kings' strategic testing of new lines, particularly the potential pairing of Haula and Armia, and notes the positive signs from the power play unit featuring Brandt Clarke. While all sources agree on the importance of the game for roster decisions, NHL.com focuses on the Ducks' momentum, while the Kings-focused outlets emphasize the uncertainty and evaluation process within Los Angeles' roster.

Why it matters

This game is critical for determining the final rosters for both teams. For the Kings, it is the last opportunity for players to prove their worth before the team condenses its roster on Thursday or Friday. For the Ducks, it is a chance to build on their strong start and test their depth against a competitive opponent. The outcomes of these preseason games will directly impact the teams' regular season strategies and roster compositions.

What to watch

The Kings and Ducks will face off again on Saturday in Los Angeles for the preseason finale, where both teams are expected to use their full NHL lineups. The Kings are expected to make final roster decisions on Thursday or Friday, potentially involving waivers. The Ducks will continue their preseason slate, aiming to maintain their strong start and prepare for the regular season.