If it feels like Groundhog Day already, that’s because it is. For the second time in a few days — and the second time in four games this preseason — the Kings and Ducks will meet up for an exhibition game on Wednesday night. After coach Jim Hiller saw his team skate to a 3-1 win in the Empire Classic at Toyota Arena previously, the two longtime rivals are taking their fun to Honda Center for tonight’s rematch.
Much of the pregame chatter will be about two veterans and a rookie. Captain Anze Kopitar will making his final NHL preseason debut, coming off of his recent announcement this will be his last season. On defense, longtime teammate Drew Doughty will also be getting into his first game since training camp started last week. The 35-year-old rearguard had a second surgery over the summer and is said to be in some of the best shape of his life now. In a conversation with Mayor’s Manor editor John Hoven over the weekend, Doughty shared some rather candid comments about his expectations for this year’s Kings team and his own personal situation.
On the prospect front, Henry Brzustewicz and Jared Woolley both stayed up on the camp roster while a few other prospects were returned to junior hockey on Monday. Brzustewicz skated in his second straight game last night in Vegas, while Woolley was a healthy scratch. We’re expecting that scenario to flip tonight, in what could be their last run with the Kings this month. Another round of roster cuts is likely to come tomorrow. Thus far, Brzustewicz has turned quite a few heads with his stellar play. He’s looked pretty, pretty good — especially for an 18-year-old defenseman.
Suggested Pre-Game Reading
— Meet Phil Danault: Mr. Greenthumb and Possible Snake Charmer LINK
— VIDEO: Preseason Highlights from Vegas, Kings def. Golden Knights 3-1 LINK
— Looking Back at Kopitar’s Career in LA, Some Stats to Ponder LINK
— Kings Begin 2025-26 Season with Five College Prospects in Top 10 LINK
— The List: Kings Could Lose These Players to Waivers During Training Camp LINK
Kings Projected Lineup vs. Ducks
The following players have been confirmed for the trip to Anaheim. We’ve initially aligned most of them using some of what Hiller has been showing during camp thus far. However, this alignment is purely a guesstimate. The article will be updated during pregame warmups, as needed.
Kuzmenko – Kopitar – Kempe
Fiala – Byfield – Laferriere
Jamsen – Helenius – Thomas
Malott – Connors – Chromiak
Anderson – Doughty
Edmundson – Clarke
Woolley – Burroughs
Kuemper
Portillo
Likely scratches: (F) Pinelli, (D) Brzustewicz, and (G) Saville
For those wondering why guys like Danault and Moore aren’t playing, keep in mind most veterans play around 2-3 preseason games. The Kings have seven total on their schedule. Also, the NHL uses a preseason rule where teams only need to suit up a minimum of eight veterans (defined as players who skated in 30+ NHL games last season or 100+ career NHL games). For some odd reason, players who were first round draft picks the prior year also qualify. This rule is intended to allow teams some flexibility in roster assembly — allowing them to look at prospects, etc. — while also providing fans the opportunity to see some known stars, as well.
How to Watch the Game
Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm Pacific Time and will be available via SLVR on Samsung TV Plus and multiple streams (i.e. Victory+, and on LAKings.com). Additionally, a Kings radio feed is available on the ESPN LA app.
Following tonight, LA will have four preseason games remaining and all can be viewed on TV. For a quick overview of each game and where to watch them, see this article here.
Across the Ice
Here is how Anaheim lined up for Sunday’s game vs. the Kings:
Gauthier – Poehling – Sennecke
Nesterenko – Harkins – Colangelo
Sidorov – Washe – Bailey
Myatovic – Gaucher – Pastujov
Solberg – Warren
Mintyukov – Luneau
K. Smith – Moore
Husso
Clang
On This Day in Kings History
Follow @mayorNHL
Continue reading...