Sat Jan 17 04:00:00 UTC 2026: # Kings Seek to Break Slump Against Ducks in Home-and-Home Series

The Story

The Los Angeles Kings are set to face off against the Anaheim Ducks in a home-and-home series, beginning tonight at Crypto.com Arena and concluding tomorrow at Honda Center. This matchup comes at a crucial time for the Kings, who are struggling to regain their footing after a string of losses. Despite competitive games, the team seeks to translate effort into wins, starting with this series against the Ducks. The Kings will be welcoming back forward Joel Armia into the lineup, a move expected to bolster both their five-on-five play and penalty-killing capabilities.

The Anaheim Ducks, fresh off snapping a nine-game losing streak with a win over the Dallas Stars, face injury challenges with Leo Carlsson out due to a lower-body injury. However, they anticipate the return of Troy Terry and Cutter Gauthier, which should provide a boost to their offensive capabilities. Both teams are entering this series with specific needs and adjustments, setting the stage for two intense contests.

Key Points

  • The Kings have relied on defensemen Brandt Clarke and Brian Dumoulin offensively against the Ducks.
  • Alex Laferriere scored his first career hat trick against the Ducks on December 27.
  • Darcy Kuemper is slated to start in goal for the Kings tonight, with Anton Forsberg expected to start tomorrow.
  • Joel Armia returns to the Kings lineup, playing alongside Quinton Byfield and Warren Foegele.
  • The Ducks will be without Leo Carlsson but expect the return of Troy Terry and Cutter Gauthier.
  • Kings players expressed frustration and anger after a recent loss, indicating a desire to improve.
  • The defensive pairing of Mikey Anderson and Drew Doughty is under scrutiny due to recent struggles.
  • Kevin Fiala has been the Kings’ most dangerous player recently, finding success with Turcotte and Kuzmenko.

Critical Analysis

The Kings management recognize the importance of the present games as they are critical in determining which players or pairings should be deployed in the future.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kings are under pressure to turn competitive play into tangible results, especially against teams outside the playoff picture.
  • Joel Armia’s return is viewed as a significant boost to the team’s penalty kill and overall defensive play.
  • The Kings’ defensive pairings, particularly Anderson and Doughty, are being evaluated for potential adjustments.
  • Kevin Fiala’s recent performance highlights the importance of finding effective line combinations.
  • The Ducks’ injury situation adds another layer of unpredictability to the series.

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