The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Los Angeles Kings in the preseason this fall for the first time on Saturday afternoon (Sep. 27) by multiple goals in the third period. The Kings couldn't hang onto a one-goal early third period lead against the Ducks in a matchup at Dignity Health Arena in Bakersfield, CA, last night.
Trevor Moore and the Los Angeles Kings lose in the third period to the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday
Here's a look at what Kings' players said following the two-goal loss to the Ducks in Bakersfield on Sep. 27.
Trevor Moore
On how he felt and played vs. the Ducks
"It was an alright game. It was a little sloppy out there, but it was fun coming to this building. It’s about the process right now, and I thought we were pretty solid."
Moore on getting the team ready for the regular season
"Yeah, that's important. Training camp can kind of get long and kind of a grind. So we're excited to get the regular season going and do everything we can to be ready."
On getting to play more with the special teams
"A lot of penalties in the preseason, but it kind of sucks for the young guys who you want to get into a rhythm and get some action out there for them, but good for our special teams, give us some looks. I thought the PK did a pretty good job, and the power play had a lot of good looks too."
On getting the early-third period goal for the Kings
"I saw a guy that fell down, got lucky. Then the goalie, I think, was just kind of cheating over towards Phil, so it just gave me a lane."
On any players who have impressed this fall in training camp and the preseason for the Kings
"I'd hate to single anyone out. I think that everyone's done such a good job. I think that there's so much skill in the organization, and then you see Big Sammy and Leezy out there, you know, standing up for guys, and there's so much uh so much good young depth. Give a shout out to my DU guy Ryder. Ryder. He's been great. I think he's been flying all over the ice. So I'm happy for him."
Erik Portillo
On returning to action tonight for the Kings in the preseason
"It felt really good. I mean, battling through this injury has been a journey, and I’ve learned a lot on during the road here. So, it was really good to be back and playing hockey again."
On how he's felt in training camp this fall
"I think hockey-wise, I feel good. I feel ready for the season. I’m excited to be back. Obviously, today wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but in general, I feel good, and I feel like my game has improved."
On playing in a venue he's familiar with in Bakersfield
"Yea as you said, I've played here before, so it was nice."
On the offseason and rehab after suffering an injury this past year
"The road was up and down the entire way, but it was slowly, slowly better and better, I think. But it was setbacks along the way, and that’s just the way it is with these types of injuries. You don’t really know the timeline. We were battling hard every single day to get the core stronger, get it to heal, and all the things along the way. It’s definitely been a long journey."
On the competition with the goalies in training camp and the preseason this fall
"I think it’s good for everyone. It’s good competition. We push each other, and I think that’s good for everybody."
On playing the full game vs. the Ducks
"Yea I think it's a little nicer than, especially if you come in the second half, it's tough to just come in cold. I think playing one full game is better."
On his focus going into the regular season
"I think just trying to get back into the tempo. I feel pretty good and I think things like rebound control and stuff have improved. Just keep working to get into the NHL speed."