LA Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks Preview: Key Points, Projected Lines, and More

The final Freeway Faceoff matchup of the year as the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks conclude the season series tonight in downtown LA.

Look Back at the Last Meeting:

The Ducks picked up the win in the last matchup, a 2-1 shootout victory in what was LA's final game before the Four Nations break. LA put up 45 shots but were unable to beat Dostal more than once. Adrian Kempe scored the lone LA goal, while David Rittich stopped 25 of 26 prior to the shootout.

Key Points Against the Anaheim Ducks:

1. Defensive Depth

With Drew Doughty and Joel Edmundson appearing set to miss a second straight game, the Kings will be relying on some other names to log some big minutes tonight against the Ducks.

On Monday against Seattle, Jordan Spence led all Kings defensemen with 24:35 of time on ice, while Brandt Clarke played over 21 minutes, a substantial minutes boost for the two young right-handed defensemen with Doughty out. When looking at the guys who came into the lineup, their minutes were not high, but they were able to factor in on the scoresheet, with Kyle Burroughs collecting a primary assist on Quinton Byfield's highlight-reel goal.

Expect LA to lean on their two young defensemen tonight if Doughty and Edmundson are once again unavailable.

2. Contain Cutter and Carlsson

Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier are red hot over their last ten games and leading the charge offensively for Anaheim.

Paired together on the top line with veteran Alex Killorn, Carlsson and Gauthier have a combined 18 points over their last 10 games, while both players sit with a rating of +7. Gauthier comes into this one with four goals over his last two games, with three of those four goals being assisted by Carlsson. When looking at the goals they are scoring, they are coming in clutch moments.

Just last night against Calgary, Gauthier tied the game late before eventually winning it in overtime. In the previous game against Edmonton, Gauthier scored to tie the game and give Anaheim the lead later on. On the Carlsson side, on top of assisting on most of Gauthier's goals, his five game-winning goals lead all Anaheim skaters.

LA will need to be sharp when Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier are on the ice for Anaheim tonight.

3. Matching Last Year and Chasing Down Kings History

With a win tonight, the Kings can match their season point total from a season ago.

Two points tonight would put LA at the 99-point mark, solidifying a season of 99 points or better for the fourth straight season, something that has never been done in franchise history. When looking at the overall win total, tonight would mark win number 45, a number that has only been reached seven times prior. The Kings franchise record in wins is 48 and the franchise high in points is 105. Both still remain in play this season. A true testament to the work this group has put in throughout the season.

In a season filled with broken records and new franchise bests, the Kings are closing in on the opportunity to yet again snap two long-standing franchise records.

Los Angeles Lineup Notes:

As mentioned above, both Drew Doughty and Joel Edmundson appear to be out tonight after not skating yesterday at practice. There is also no word on the availability of new dad Adrian Kempe at the moment. A huge congratulations to Adrian and his wife Sian.

Let's flip and talk about potential lineup additions now. Alex Turcotte was out of the red non-contact jersey yesterday and may be an option tonight after skating on the top line at practice. Should find out more closer to puck drop.

Here is how LA looked at practice yesterday:

Look Across the Ice at the Anaheim Ducks:

The Ducks picked up an OT win last night against Calgary after erasing a late 3-1 deficit and sit 6-4-0 over their last 10. Here is how they lined up against the Flames:

The Ducks are led offensively up front by Troy Terry, who sits at 53 points on the season. The Ducks have received solid secondary scoring from the aforementioned Gauthier and Carlsson, as well as Mason McTavish, Ryan Strome, and Frank Vatrano. On the defensive side, Jack LaCombe has had a fantastic season, with 43 points, including 14 goals.

Lukas Dostal will start for Anaheim tonight. Dostal is 23-21-6 with a .905 save percentage and 3.05 goals against average.

The Ducks are without Jacob Trouba and John Gibson, while forwards Robby Fabbri and Ross Johnston have been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

How to Tune In:

Tonight's puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST and 10:30 p.m. EST and is available to watch on ESPN+, Hulu, or Disney+. An audio-only feed is available on the ESPN LA app. Go Kings Go!