Ducks Edge Kings in Shootout Thriller, Set for Another Battle Tonight
The Anaheim Ducks showed some serious resilience last night, clawing back from a 2-0 deficit to take down the rival Los Angeles Kings in a shootout, 3-2. After falling behind midway through the second period, Anaheim stormed back with two quick goals to even things up before the final frame.
From there, it was a defensive grind through the third and overtime before Beckett Sennecke and Mason McTavish sealed it in the shootout. With that win, the Ducks move to 2-1-0 in the season series against the Kings.
Tonight, the two teams run it back-Anaheim will be in their road whites, while the Kings go with their sharp black crown third jerseys. Puck drop is set for 7 PM on Victory+ and Ducks Stream.
Ducks Trending Up Despite Injuries
Anaheim is navigating a tough stretch health-wise, but last night’s comeback win speaks volumes about the team’s depth and grit. Cutter Gauthier continues to lead the way offensively with 20 goals on the season, and he’s been a steady presence on the top line alongside McTavish and Ryan Strome. That trio has become the heartbeat of the Ducks’ attack.
The team made a move yesterday, acquiring forward Jeffrey Viel from Boston in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick. Viel brings a physical edge and could slot into the bottom-six rotation soon. Anaheim also recalled Sam Colangelo from San Diego, and he immediately jumped into the lineup last night, skating on the third line with Jansen Harkins and Ryan Poehling.
Injury-wise, the Ducks are dealing with some key absences. Troy Terry is on injured reserve with an upper-body issue, retroactive to January 6.
Meanwhile, Leo Carlsson underwent a procedure in Los Angeles to treat a Morel-Lavallée lesion in his left thigh-he’s expected to miss 3-5 weeks. Chris Kreider was a late scratch last night due to illness, and goaltender Petr Mrazek remains on IR and hasn’t returned to practice.
With Ville Husso likely getting the nod in net again tonight, Anaheim will be looking for another solid outing from the veteran. He’s 5-4-1 on the season with a 3.33 GAA and .884 save percentage.
By The Numbers - Anaheim Ducks
- Goals For: 3.21 per game
- Goals Against: 3.64 per game
- Power Play: 16.6%
- Penalty Kill: 78.1%
- Corsi For % (Even Strength): 52.47%
- Fenwick For % (Even Strength): 52.39%
The Ducks are generating more chances than they’re giving up at even strength, which is a good sign for a team trying to build consistency. Special teams still need work, especially the power play, but there’s offensive talent here to turn that around.
Projected Ducks Lineup (Last Game)
Forwards:
Cutter Gauthier - Mason McTavish - Ryan Strome
Alex Killorn - Mikael Granlund - Beckett Sennecke
Jansen Harkins - Ryan Poehling - Sam Colangelo
Ross Johnston - Tim Washe - Ian Moore
Defense:
Olen Zellweger - Radko Gudas
Jackson LaCombe - Jacob Trouba
Pavel Mintyukov - Drew Helleson
Goaltender:
Ville Husso (Probable)
Kings Looking to Bounce Back
The Kings had control for most of last night’s game, building a 2-0 lead before Anaheim flipped the script. Brandt Clarke scored in the shootout, but it wasn’t enough as the Ducks buried two of their attempts to steal the win.
Despite the loss, LA is 1-0-2 against Anaheim this season, so they’ve picked up points in all three matchups. Kevin Fiala continues to pace the Kings with 17 goals, and he’s been a consistent threat no matter who he’s skating with.
Anton Forsberg is the projected starter again tonight. He’s put together a solid campaign with a 7-6-3 record, 2.65 GAA, and a .901 save percentage.
By The Numbers - Los Angeles Kings
- Goals For: 2.57 per game
- Goals Against: 2.72 per game
- Power Play: 15.8%
- Penalty Kill: 76.8%
- Corsi For % (Even Strength): 52.82%
- Fenwick For % (Even Strength): 52.15%
The Kings are a team that thrives on structure and possession, and the numbers back that up. They’re limiting chances and controlling play at even strength, but the offensive output hasn’t quite matched the effort. Their power play has also struggled to find rhythm.
Projected Kings Lineup (Last Game)
Forwards:
Jeff Malott - Alex Laferriere - Adrian Kempe
Warren Foegele - Quinton Byfield - Joel Armia
Kevin Fiala - Alex Turcotte - Andrei Kuzmenko
Andre Lee - Samuel Helenius - Taylor Ward
Defense:
Michael Anderson - Drew Doughty
Joel Edmundson - Brandt Clarke
Brian Dumoulin - Cody Ceci
Goaltender:
Anton Forsberg (Probable)
Final Thought
Last night’s win was a statement for the Ducks-a team that’s been hit hard by injuries but continues to battle. With young stars like Gauthier, McTavish, and Sennecke stepping up, Anaheim is building something. Tonight’s rematch gives them a chance to keep the momentum rolling and take another step in a season that’s been full of growth and grit.
It’s Ducks-Kings again. Buckle up.