Kings Edge Ducks in Preseason Finale, 5-4 in Overtime
EL SEGUNDO, CA – October 4, 2023 – The Los Angeles Kings concluded their preseason schedule with a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory over the anaheim Ducks on Wednesday, finishing with an overall exhibition record of 5-2-0. A late Ducks rally forced the extra frame, where kevin Fiala secured the win for Los Angeles.
The Kings jumped out to a dominant early lead. Quinton Byfield opened the scoring within the first five minutes, capitalizing on a power play with a shot that fooled Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal. Brandt Clarke and Phillip Danault connected for the Kings’ second goal midway through the period; danault skillfully redirected a rebound after Dostal initially stopped a shot from Joel Edmundson.
Before the first intermission, the Kings extended their advantage to 3-0. Danault fed Clarke, who then found warren Foegele for an easy tap-in goal.
Los Angeles continued their offensive pressure in the third period, making it 4-0 early on. A slick passing play involving Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin culminated in dumoulin setting up Danault for his second goal of the game – a one-timer from the center point.
Anaheim began to mount a comeback midway through the final frame. Mikael Granlund scored on a wraparound attempt, initially waved off but later confirmed by video review.Leo carlsson quickly followed with a goal, cutting the Kings’ lead to 4-2 with just under eight minutes remaining.
The Ducks then stunned the Kings with two goals in just 27 seconds. Carlsson scored to make it 4-3, and then deflected a shot from the slot past Darcy Kuemper, tying the game at four. Carlsson finished the night with three points.
After successfully killing off a penalty in overtime, the Kings sealed the victory thanks to a give-and-go between Fiala and Foegele, with fiala finishing on a one-timer to secure the 5-4 win.
For post-game reactions from phillip Danault, Joel Armia, and Head coach Jim Hiller, visit LAKingsInsider.com.
