Kings Dominate Ducks in 6-2 Victory
Saturday, September 26, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · crypto.com Arena
Los Angeles Kings 6, Anaheim Ducks 2, final. Our NHL picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Anaheim Ducks vs Los Angeles Kings?
Los Angeles Kings beat Anaheim Ducks 6-2 at crypto.com Arena on September 26, 2026.
The Los Angeles Kings delivered a commanding performance against the Anaheim Ducks, securing a decisive 6-2 victory at the crypto.com Arena. This matchup was notable not only for the rivalry between the two teams but also for the Kings' ability to bounce back after a recent loss to the Ducks just two days prior. The Kings improved their home record to 3-2 with this win, while the Ducks fell to 1-4 in their last five games.
In terms of recent form, the Kings entered the game with a record of 2-2-0, while the Ducks struggled with a 1-3-0 record. The Kings had been averaging 3.1 goals scored per game and allowing 3.0, showcasing a relatively balanced offensive and defensive effort. In contrast, the Ducks had been averaging 2.8 goals scored and a troubling 4.2 goals allowed, indicating significant defensive issues.
The Kings' last five games reflected a challenging stretch, with a record of 1-4, but their recent victory against the Ducks likely provided a much-needed boost in confidence. The Ducks, on the other hand, had lost their last two games, including a staggering 0-10 defeat to the San Jose Sharks the day before facing the Kings, which highlighted their struggles.
When analyzing their home and away performances, the Kings had a solid home record of 4-2, while the Ducks were struggling with a 2-5 mark on the road. This disparity in performance likely contributed to the Kings' advantage in this matchup.
In terms of head-to-head meetings, the Kings improved their record against the Ducks to 3-2 over the last five encounters, with the most recent game on September 24 resulting in a 2-1 victory for the Kings. This win further established the Kings' dominance in recent matchups, particularly at home.
Injury concerns also played a significant role in the game. The Kings were missing several key players, including Corey Perry, Otto Salin, Jakub Dvorak, Jan Jenik, and Kevin Fiala, all of whom were unable to participate due to various injuries or personal reasons. The Ducks faced their own injury challenges, with Drew Helleson, A.J. Greer, Troy Terry, and Ian Moore all out for the game, impacting their lineup and overall performance.
The betting market reflected the Kings' favorable position heading into the game, with odds provided by an unnamed provider indicating a strong expectation for a Kings victory. The conditions at the crypto.com Arena were favorable for hockey, with a lively atmosphere that likely energized the home team.
Viewers were treated to an exciting display of hockey, with multiple scoring plays throughout the game. The Ducks initially took the lead with a goal from Nikita Nesterenko, but the Kings quickly responded with goals from Scott Laughton and Adrian Kempe, leveling the score at 2-2 by the end of the first period. The Kings then took control in the second and third periods, with Mats Zuccarello, Alex Turcotte, and Erik Haula all finding the back of the net, solidifying the Kings' victory.
Overall, the Kings' performance showcased their offensive capabilities and ability to capitalize on the Ducks' defensive weaknesses, while the Ducks will need to regroup and address their ongoing struggles as they move forward in the season.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks at the crypto.com Arena promises to be a compelling encounter as both teams look to improve their early-season records. Both the Kings and Ducks enter this game with identical records of 1-2-0, making this a crucial contest for both sides to gain momentum. The Kings recently faced the Ducks just two days prior, winning that contest 2-1, which adds an intriguing layer to this rivalry as they meet again so soon.
In their last five games, the Kings have struggled, recording a 1-4 streak. Their most recent results include losses to the Colorado Avalanche, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Utah Mammoth, with the only win coming against the Ducks. The Kings have averaged 2.2 goals scored and 3.6 goals allowed in their last five games, indicating defensive vulnerabilities that the Ducks may look to exploit.
On the other hand, the Ducks have also faced difficulties, with a record of 2-3 in their last five outings. Their recent performances include a significant loss to the San Jose Sharks, where they were defeated 10-0, and a narrow loss to the Kings. The Ducks have averaged 2.8 goals scored and 4.2 goals allowed in their last five games, suggesting that they too are struggling defensively.
When considering home and away performances, the Kings have a home record of 4-2 in their last six games, while the Ducks have a less favorable away record of 1-2. This could give the Kings a slight edge as they play in front of their home crowd. Historically, the Kings have won two of their last five meetings against the Ducks, with the most recent encounter resulting in a victory for the Kings.
In terms of injuries, the Kings will be without Otto Salin and Jakub Dvorak, both on injured reserve, and Mats Zuccarello and Corey Perry are listed as day-to-day. The Ducks will miss Drew Helleson, A.J. Greer, Troy Terry, and Ian Moore, all of whom are out due to various injuries. These absences could significantly impact both teams' strategies and lineups.
The betting market reflects this closely contested matchup, with odds provided by an unnamed source indicating a competitive environment. As both teams look to break their losing streaks, viewers should watch for how the Kings' home advantage plays into their performance, and whether the Ducks can rebound from their recent heavy defeat. With both teams eager to secure a win, this game is set to be a critical early-season clash.
Injury report
- Corey PerryOutPersonalLos Angeles Kings
- Otto SalinOutUndisclosedLos Angeles Kings
- Jakub DvorakInjured ReserveUpper BodyLos Angeles Kings
- Jan JenikInjured ReserveUndisclosedLos Angeles Kings
- Kevin FialaInjured ReserveLower LegLos Angeles Kings
- Drew HellesonOutLower BodyAnaheim Ducks
- A.J. GreerOutUpper BodyAnaheim Ducks
- Troy TerryOutHipAnaheim Ducks
- Ian MooreOutLower BodyAnaheim Ducks
Leaders
- GoalsAlex Turcotte2Los Angeles Kings
- AssistsDrew Doughty3Los Angeles Kings
- PointsAlex Turcotte3Los Angeles Kings
- GoalsNikita Nesterenko1Anaheim Ducks
- AssistsJudd Caulfield1Anaheim Ducks
- PointsNikita Nesterenko1Anaheim Ducks
Recent form
Los Angeles Kings
Last 10: 6-4Streak W13.1 scored · 3 allowed per game4-2 at home
- W2-1at Anaheim DucksSep 24
- L3-6vs Utah MammothSep 23
- L2-4vs Vegas Golden KnightsSep 20
- L1-3at Calgary FlamesApr 17
- L3-4at Vancouver CanucksApr 15
- W5-3at Seattle KrakenApr 14
- W1-0vs Edmonton OilersApr 11
- W4-1vs Vancouver CanucksApr 10
- W3-2vs Nashville PredatorsApr 7
- W7-6vs Toronto Maple LeafsApr 4
Anaheim Ducks
Last 10: 3-7Streak L22.8 scored · 4.2 allowed per game1-2 away
- L0-10at San Jose SharksSep 25
- L1-2vs Los Angeles KingsSep 24
- W6-2vs San Jose SharksSep 20
- W5-4at Nashville PredatorsApr 17
- L2-3at Minnesota WildApr 15
- L3-4vs Vancouver CanucksApr 13
- W6-1vs San Jose SharksApr 10
- L0-5vs Nashville PredatorsApr 8
- L3-5vs Calgary FlamesApr 5
- L2-6vs St. Louis BluesApr 4
Standings
| Team | Ot losses | Lost | Points | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
| Seattle | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
| Vegas | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
| Los Angeles | 0 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| San Jose | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Calgary | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Anaheim | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Vancouver | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Anaheim Ducks | Los Angeles Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked shots | 7 | 17 |
| Hits | 34 | 31 |
| Takeaways | 2 | 6 |
| Shots total | 19 | 20 |
| Power play goals | 1 | 2 |
| Power play opportunities | 2 | 4 |
| Power play pct | 50.0 | 50.0 |
| Short handed goals | 0 | 0 |
| Shootout goals | 0 | 0 |
| Faceoffs won | 34 | 22 |
| Faceoff percent | 60.7 | 39.3 |
| Giveaways | 15 | 10 |
| Penalties | 6 | 4 |
| Penalty minutes | 20 | 16 |
How the scoring went
- 1st1-0Nikita Nesterenko Goal (1) Snap Shot, assists: Tim Washe (1), Judd Caulfield (2)
- 1st1-1Scott Laughton Goal (1) Snap Shot, assists: Erik Haula (1), Cody Ceci (1)
- 1st2-1Beckett Sennecke Goal (4) Snap Shot, assists: Leo Carlsson (2), Cutter Gauthier (2)
- 1st2-2Adrian Kempe Goal (1) Wrist Shot, assists: Brian Dumoulin (2), Drew Doughty (2)
- 2nd2-3Mats Zuccarello Goal (1) Wrist Shot, assists: Artemi Panarin (1), Adrian Kempe (2)
- 3rd2-4Alex Turcotte Goal (1) Tip-In, assists: Drew Doughty (3), Mats Zuccarello (1)
- 3rd2-5Alex Turcotte Goal (2) Wrist Shot, assists: Mats Zuccarello (2)
- 3rd2-6Erik Haula Goal (1) Wrist Shot, assists: Alex Turcotte (1), Drew Doughty (4)
Venue
- crypto.com ArenaLos Angeles, CA
- Attendance12995
- OfficialsTravis Gawryletz, Trevor Hanson, Jonathan Deschamps, Graedy Hamilton
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