Kings vs. Ducks: A Freeway Faceoff With High Stakes and a Splash of Style
The LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks are set to square off in a back-to-back showdown this weekend, and while the playoff implications are plenty, fans will first notice something a little different - the jerseys.
Tonight’s tilt at Crypto.com Arena marks the Kings’ first “color rush” game in decades. LA will hit the ice in their classic black home kits, while the Ducks will be decked out in their bold all-orange alternates - a look typically reserved for home games in Anaheim.
Then, in Saturday’s rematch at Honda Center, the Kings will wear their black crown jerseys again, but this time as the road team. The Ducks, meanwhile, will sport their road whites - an unusual twist that adds some visual intrigue to this weekend’s Freeway Faceoff.
But beyond the uniforms, this series carries serious weight.
Pressure Mounting in LA
The Kings are coming off a frustrating overtime loss to the division-leading Golden Knights, and that word - frustrating - has been echoing through the locker room. Both Adrian Kempe and Mikey Anderson didn’t hold back postgame.
Kempe spoke at length about the team’s improved play over the past few weeks, but also acknowledged that moral victories don’t count in the standings. Anderson, usually calm and composed, showed visible signs of irritation - a telling sign of where this group is mentally.
The bottom line? The Kings need goals, and more importantly, they need wins.
The effort’s been there, but the results haven’t followed. That’s a dangerous spot to be in during the heart of the season.
A Golden Opportunity
Enter the Ducks - a team also in the thick of the playoff hunt and dealing with injury issues of their own. Anaheim was without Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Troy Terry in their last outing. Terry has been back at practice, but it’s unclear who will be ready to go tonight in LA.
The Kings, meanwhile, are missing some key pieces too. Anze Kopitar and Trevor Moore remain out, and Corey Perry is also sidelined.
That’s a lot of veteran leadership and scoring punch missing from the lineup. But it’s also a chance for others to step up - and some already have.
Rising Stars and Milestone Watches
Let’s start with Andre Lee. Since being called up from AHL Ontario, Lee has brought energy and production.
He led the Reign in goals (15), points (27), and power-play tallies (7) before his call-up, and he was just named to the AHL All-Star Game. But there’s a wrinkle: Lee has now played five NHL games, and once he hits 10, he’ll lose his waiver exemption.
That’s something to monitor as LA manages its roster over the next few weeks.
Then there’s Alex Laferriere, who notched his first career hat trick the last time these two teams met on December 27. That was also a big night for Brian Dumoulin, who picked up a pair of assists - one of just two multi-point games he’s had this season.
And keep an eye on Drew Doughty. The veteran defenseman is sitting on 699 career points (163 goals, 536 assists). One more, and he hits the 700 mark - a milestone worthy of celebration for one of the most consistent blueliners of his generation.
Projected Kings Lineup vs. Ducks
Forwards:
- Malott - Laferriere - Kempe
- Foegele - Byfield - Armia
- Fiala - Turcotte - Kuzmenko
- Lee - Helenius - Ward
Defense:
- Anderson - Doughty
- Edmundson - Clarke
- Dumoulin - Ceci
Goaltenders:
- Kuemper (starter)
- Forsberg
Scratches: None listed
Injured Reserve: Kopitar, Moore
Joel Armia is back in the lineup, and Darcy Kuemper is set to start in net for LA. If there are any late changes during warmups, they’ll be reflected closer to puck drop.
Ducks’ Latest Look
Anaheim is coming off a 3-1 win over Dallas and likely to roll with a similar lineup:
Forwards:
- Kreider - McTavish - Strome
- Killorn - Granlund - Sennecke
- Johnston - Poehling - Harkins
- Nesterenko - Washe -
Defense:
- LaCombe - Trouba
- Zellweger - Gudas
- Mintyukov - Helleson
Goaltender:
- Dostál
Game Info
Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be televised on FanDuel Sports. The Kings’ radio broadcast is also available via the ESPN LA app.
With the TV rights landscape in flux, especially with some teams opting out of existing contracts, LA’s broadcast situation is one to keep an eye on for the rest of the season.
A Bit of Kings History
On this day in 2001, the Kings pulled off one of the most memorable comebacks in franchise history, rallying from a four-goal deficit to beat the Ottawa Senators 7-6 in overtime. Luc Robitaille scored twice, and Bryan Smolinski capped off a hat trick with the game-winner. A reminder that in hockey, momentum can swing in an instant - something this current Kings squad is hoping to rediscover tonight.
Final Word
The Kings know the clock is ticking. The effort’s been there, the structure is improving, and the group believes in the room.
But belief only goes so far. Against a division rival, in back-to-back games, with playoff positioning on the line - this is the kind of weekend that can define a season.
The Freeway Faceoff is always intense. This time, it might be pivotal.