Kings Fall Again in OT to Ducks, Despite Kempe’s Spark and Forsberg’s Heroics
Another chapter in the Freeway Faceoff, another overtime heartbreaker for the Los Angeles Kings.
In the second half of a back-to-back home-and-home set against the Anaheim Ducks, the Kings dropped a 2-1 decision in overtime on Saturday night. It marked the third time this season these two Pacific Division rivals have gone beyond regulation-and the third time the Kings have come up short in extra time.
Let’s break down what stood out in this one, and why it’s becoming a familiar, frustrating story for L.A.
Kempe Finds the Net, But Kings' Power Play Comes Up Short
Adrian Kempe gave the Kings a much-needed jolt in the second period. With a 5-on-3 advantage, Kempe ripped a shot past Ville Husso to tie the game 1-1. It was a textbook finish from a player who’s known for his ability to step up in crucial moments.
But that was the lone bright spot for a power play unit that struggled to capitalize. The Kings finished just 1-for-6 on the man advantage, squandering multiple opportunities to take control of the game. On the flip side, the penalty kill was flawless, going 3-for-3 and keeping Anaheim from doing the same damage.
Kempe had chances to be the hero again-one in the third and another in overtime. He found himself in prime scoring position more than once, but the puck either clanged off iron or was swallowed up by Husso.
The effort was there. The finish?
Just out of reach.
Forsberg Stands Tall in Relief Role
Anton Forsberg got the nod in net over Darcy Kuemper, and he made that decision look like a smart one. Forsberg turned aside over 30 shots, posting a .939 save percentage and giving the Kings every chance to steal two points on the road.
He was especially sharp late in regulation, making a pair of clutch stops during a penalty kill that could’ve tilted the game in Anaheim’s favor. His calm presence and sharp puck movement were noticeable, and head coach Jim Hiller acknowledged just how far Forsberg has come since joining the team.
“He’s played well for a while now,” Hiller said. “It took him a bit to settle in, but if you look at his last couple months, you have to be impressed. He just looked solid.”
The only blemish came in overtime, where a 3-on-3 rush led to Mikael Granlund burying the game-winner for Anaheim. It was a tough way to end a night where Forsberg did just about everything he could to keep the Kings in it.
Another Overtime, Another Missed Opportunity
With this game, the Kings tied an NHL record for the most overtime games played through the first 48 contests of a regular season-20 in total. That stat says a lot about the team’s ability to hang around in tight games, but also highlights a glaring issue: they’re not closing.
The Ducks, meanwhile, have now beaten the Kings three times in extra time this season. That stings a little more when you consider the playoff race in the Pacific is tightening up, and every point matters.
The Effort Is There-But So Is the Frustration
The Kings have now won just six of their last 20 games. Despite that, they’re still in the playoff mix-but barely. The margin for error is shrinking, and the pressure is mounting.
Forward Warren Foegele spoke candidly after the game, emphasizing the group’s unity and effort, even as results continue to fall short.
“This group, we compete every night for each other,” Foegele said. “Guys are frustrated, but we’re staying with it. The only way we’re going to get out of this is doing it together and playing the right way.”
He’s not wrong. The compete level has been there.
The goaltending has held up. But the Kings aren’t getting enough timely scoring, and the power play continues to be an inconsistent factor.
That’s a tough combination when you’re trying to claw your way up the standings.
What’s Next for L.A.?
The Kings don’t need to overhaul their identity-but they do need to find a way to finish games. Whether that means tweaking the lines, finding more consistency on special teams, or simply getting a few more bounces to go their way, something has to give.
There’s still time. The Kings are in the thick of the playoff race, and there’s enough talent in that room to turn things around. But as the calendar creeps toward February, the urgency has to match the effort.
Because in a division this tight, overtime losses-even hard-fought ones-can quietly become the difference between watching the playoffs and playing in them.