Kings set to finish preseason against Ducks with full lineup
The Los Angeles Kings will host the Anaheim Ducks in the final preseason game on Saturday, featuring a near-full roster and the possible debut of forward Mats Zuccarello.
Los Angeles will host the Anaheim Ducks at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Pacific for the fourth and final game of the 2026 NHL preseason. Both teams enter the matchup with identical 1-2-0 records after the Kings earned a 2-1 win over the Ducks on Wednesday, a game in which Alex Laferriere and Joel Armia scored for Los Angeles.
Coach Peter Laviolette said the focus remains on improving offensive flow and the power play, noting that the Kings’ attack “doesn’t seem as natural, as quick or as smooth as I’d like it to be.” He added that the team handled defensive rushes better in the previous exhibition, but still needs to tighten possession and positioning.
The Kings are expected to field a near-full NHL lineup, with forwards Alex Byfield, Evander Kane, and Filip Kempe projected on the top line, and a second line featuring Mats Zuccarello (if cleared to play), Alex Turcotte and Laferriere. Defense pairings likely include Drew Doughty with Brian Dumoulin, and other combinations such as Mikey Anderson with Brandt Clarke or Cody Ceci.
Zuccarello, the team’s marquee summer acquisition, progressed to full-contact practice on Tuesday and is hopeful to make his exhibition debut. Alex Turcotte described him as “a sick player, super smart, skilled,” and expressed excitement about building chemistry.
The Ducks are anticipated to roll out a heavier lineup than in earlier games, featuring recent signings Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, as well as defenseman Jackson LaCombe, according to Hockey News analyst Derek Lee.
Fans can watch the game live via a free stream on DAZN in the Los Angeles market. The preseason concludes with the Kings set to open the regular season on Wednesday against the Colorado Avalanche.