The Anaheim Ducks (4-2-1) pressured the Los Angeles Kings (5-2-0) late in clutch time in the third period in the preseason finale yesterday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 4. The Ducks scored four goals in a span of 10 minutes roughly in the final frame in the third period to tie the game up on the scoreboard with the Kings and send it into overtime.
Phillip Danault and Joel Armia help lead the Los Angeles Kings to a fifth preseason win in the new locker room at Crypto Arena on Saturday in the finale
Despite the Ducks erasing the Kings' four-goal lead late in the third period yesterday, winger Kevin Fiala bailed LA and head coach Jim Hiller out with a nice goal in overtime to claim the 5-4 win on home ice this weekend.
Phillip Danault scored two goals and three total points for a very impressive showing for the Kings' forward lines in the preseason finale yesterday. Danault, Warren Foegele, and Brandt Clarke all had multiple points and at least one assist in the Kings' close 5-4 win over the Ducks in the preseason finale on Saturday.
Danault and winger Joel Armia spoke to the media to give their postgame thoughts and reactions yesterday after the narrow one-goal win in overtime over the Ducks to end the preseason this fall.
Here's a look at everything Danault and Armia said to the media following the Kings' 5-4 overtime win over the Ducks in the preseason finale at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 4.
Phillip Danault
On how he felt playing with his line vs. the Ducks
"Line chemistry was there. Dumo made a great pass on second one. Got the puck on net, I was there at the net. We also played three games, four with tonight, so we’ve been better, and been playing the same way for the last four games, so at one point we get rewarded, and that was tonight."
On scoring the goal on the power play
"We were aggressive, we’re trying to attack the net right away. Our mentality was shot on that play, just like moving well, good entry as well. Yeah, it was a good PP all around."
On Kevin Fiala stepping up on both ends of the ice for the Kings
"I think before he came here he had like some 30 goals in Minnesota I think. He worked hard from last year like he really stepped up, and seems like he's already there this year. You can see it on the ice, you can feel it, he's hungry. He wants the puck, and he put it in the net."
On expectations and standards going into the upcoming regular season
"Two big challenges to start, two massive teams, good power plays, a good four lines all around with these, so big challenge for us. We definitely have to be better in third than the third period tonight, but we know what to expect though so there’s no surprises there."
On the new locker room at Crypto.com Arena for the preseason finale vs. the Ducks
"Yeah, really really nice. All around the gym, just to have the gym. We didn't have a gym really before, so it's just a great great space, and obviously they spent a little bit for us, and hopefully we reward them."
On Brandt Clarke contributing on both ends of the ice and on the power play
"He always joins the rush; he’s fast, quick thinking offensively. It’s always good to have a D activating in the o-zone, just like at the end with Dumoulin activating there and the pass. A lot of movement in the o-zone, and it seems like it’s a thing right now, our D are moving well, so we need that just to score some goals."
Joel Armia
On getting used to the Kings' special teams systems of play on the power play and the penalty kill
"I feel like they're all a little different, but the same at the same time. So, little tweaks. I feel like I'm learning pretty quick. And through all the games, it's been better and better so far."
On how his role has changed over time and with the Kings this fall
"Wherever I'm needed, I'll go there. So, whatever role they have for me, I'm up to the challenge."
On playing with different lines this fall in training camp and the preseason
"Awesome. They're both great players. So, uh, yeah, it was a fun night to play with those guys. They're really high-skilled. I feel like my kind of job was try to get the pucks for them and get out of the way."
On playing at Crypto Arena for the first time in the preseason finale
"I mean it's a great rink. I feel like I've always liked to play here even on the road. So, it's a great home rink. It was good to play here one game so not everything is new for the first game."
On playing the role of a specialist on special teams for the Kings this upcoming season
"No, as I said, wherever I'm needed, I'll be there. So, if it's power play, PK, whatever it is, I'll do my best."