Kings Face Ducks Before Break, Aim to Maintain Momentum

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — The Los Angeles Kings will face the Anaheim Ducks tonight at Crypto.com Arena in their final game before the 4 Nations break. The Kings, who have won both previous meetings against the Ducks this season, aim to maintain their momentum despite injury challenges and a demanding schedule.

Forward Alex Laferriere leads the Kings with two goals and three points against the Ducks this season. Alex Turcotte and Adrian Kempe have also contributed significantly, with Kempe tied for the most goals against Anaheim over the last five seasons.

The Kings will play without goaltender Darcy Kuemper due to personal reasons. In his absence, the team has recalled Pheonix Copley from the AHL’s Ontario Reign. Goaltender David Rittich, who played in last night’s shootout win over Dallas, is expected to start, given his strong record against Anaheim.

Defenseman Mikey Anderson will miss the game with an upper-body injury, leaving the Kings with a shortened bench. Despite these challenges, the team remains focused on securing two crucial points before the break. “We’ve got to make sure that all hands are on deck,” said Anze Kopitar, emphasizing the need for focus.

The Ducks, meanwhile, are on a hot streak, winning five of their last six games. Forward Ryan Strome has scored both Anaheim goals against the Kings this season, with Troy Terry assisting on both tallies. Terry leads the Ducks in scoring against Los Angeles over the past four seasons.

Tonight’s game also marks a milestone for forward Trevor Lewis, who will be honored for reaching 1,000 career NHL games. Lewis, known for his defensive skills and penalty-killing expertise, has been a consistent presence for the Kings.

Head Coach Jim Hiller also reached a milestone, becoming the fastest coach in franchise history to reach 50 wins. His home record this season stands at an impressive 17-3-1, contributing to the Kings’ strong performance.

The game begins at 7:30 PM, with the Kings aiming to extend their winning streak and head into the break on a high note. Despite physical and mental challenges, the team is determined to secure another victory.