Kings Edge Ducks 2-1 in Season Opener at Honda Center

Kings Take Early Lead in Rivalry Clash

The Los Angeles Kings secured a 2-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Honda Center. Joel Armia was the standout performer for the visitors, netting the game-winning goal in the first period to give the Kings the edge in a tightly contested affair.

The final score stood at 2-1 in favor of Los Angeles, with all scoring action concentrated in the opening twenty minutes. The Ducks failed to add to their tally after the first period, leaving them without a second-period or third-period goal to change the outcome.

First-Period Scoring Sequence

The game began with the home team taking an early advantage. In the first period, Ethan Procyszyn scored the first goal of the game for Anaheim, assisted by Judd Caulfield and Coulson Pitre. This tip-in put the Ducks up 1-0.

However, the Kings responded quickly. Alex Laferriere tied the game 1-1 with a backhand goal, assisted by Andre Lee. The lead changed hands once more before the period ended.

Joel Armia scored the decisive goal for Los Angeles via a snap shot, assisted by Drew Doughty and Brian Dumoulin. This put the Kings ahead 2-1, a lead they would maintain for the remainder of the contest.

No further goals were scored in the second or third periods, with the score remaining 2-1 for Los Angeles and 1-1 for Anaheim through the rest of the game.

Team Records and Attendance

Following the result, the Los Angeles Kings improved their record to 1 win, 2 losses, and 0 overtime losses, accumulating 2 points in their standings. The Anaheim Ducks finished the game with a record of 1 win, 1 loss, and 0 overtime losses, also holding 2 points. The match was played in front of a crowd of 14,696 fans at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

The Kings’ ability to respond immediately to the Ducks’ early goal proved crucial, as they managed to outscore the home team 2-1 in the first period and held the advantage for the rest of the game. Both teams will now look to build on their respective points totals as the season progresses, with the Kings taking a significant win over their divisional rivals.

Sources

ESPN