Kings Defeated Ducks in Preseason Action
The Los Angeles Kings secured a 2-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Hockey
The Los Angeles Kings earned their first win of the 2026 preseason by defeating the Anaheim Ducks 2-1. The game took place at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
Why it matters
The matchup provided a critical opportunity for the Kings to evaluate roster performance and tactical execution during early preseason competition. It also allowed both coaching staffs to test combinations against a regional rival.
Alex Laferriere scored with 64 seconds remaining in the first period, while Joel Armia netted the winning goal just 41 seconds later. These two quick tallies provided the necessary offensive momentum to secure the lead.
The players
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in California that competes in the National Hockey League.
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey franchise based in Anaheim that plays at the Honda Center.
Drew Doughty
Drew Doughty is a veteran defenseman for the Los Angeles Kings known for his elite puck-moving abilities.
Anton Forsberg
Anton Forsberg is a professional goaltender currently playing for the Los Angeles Kings organization.
Alex Laferriere
Alex Laferriere is a forward for the Los Angeles Kings who contributed to the team's first preseason victory.
The details
Alex Laferriere ignited the scoring for Los Angeles following a 2-on-1 rush set up by Andre Lee, while Joel Armia clinched the victory after receiving a precise stretch pass from Drew Doughty. For Anaheim, Ethan Procyzsyn provided the team's lone goal, while goaltender Anton Forsberg defended the crease for the Kings.
Timeline
The game took place on September 23, 2026.
The Big Picture
This game followed the standard NHL preseason training camp framework by prioritizing experimental lineup combinations over regular-season point accumulation.
The victory marks the first preseason win for the Kings, shifting their momentum as they finalize the roster ahead of the regular season. This game highlights the effectiveness of the defensive-to-offensive transition play that Los Angeles is testing this year.
The takeaway
Early preseason results demonstrate how quickly defensive transitions can translate into offensive opportunities in a fast-paced game. Fans should monitor roster cuts and lineup adjustments over the coming weeks as teams narrow down their final squads.
Further reading
For more on the latest team developments, visit the Hockey section.
