The Anaheim Ducks return from the holiday break to face divisional rivals the Los Angeles Kings in their second meeting this season. Both teams are coming off recent losses to the Seattle Kraken, with the Ducks seeking to maintain their position atop the Pacific Division. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. PT in Los Angeles.
The Anaheim Ducks (21-14-2) hit the road for a quick trip to face the Los Angeles Kings (15-12-9) on December 27, 2025, marking their second matchup of the season. Anaheim dropped a 3-1 decision to the Kraken on Monday, with Mikael Granlund scoring the lone goal and extending his streak to four games. "We didn't get the job done," Granlund said. "Obviously, we were getting some shots, creating some chances, but it didn’t go in tonight."
Despite the loss, the Ducks remain tied for first in the Pacific Division with the Vegas Golden Knights at 44 points. Head coach Joel Quenneville emphasized the importance of divisional games: "I think everybody’s aware of the standings... The two points is huge as far as the implications every night."
The holiday break provided a timely reset for Anaheim. "I thought everybody came in refreshed and with a good attitude," Quenneville noted. Forward Leo Carlsson returns to the lineup after missing Monday's game with a lower-body injury, calling this "a perfect game to get back on the horse."
The Kings fell 3-2 to the Kraken on Tuesday, with Adrian Kempe leading the team in points (30) and assists (17), tied with Kevin Fiala for most goals (13). To counter Los Angeles' strong defense, Ducks forward Ryan Poehling stressed discipline: "They play great defensively and they capitalize on mistakes... For us to stay disciplined and work for our offense... will be big for us."
The teams last met in late November, where Anaheim edged out a 5-4 shootout victory. Lukáš Dostál will start in net for the Ducks, while Anton Forsberg is projected for the Kings. Quenneville previewed the challenge: "They’re stingy, probably top team in the league (in) defending their rush and in their zone."
