Freeway Faceoff Preview: Perry Returns Against Ducks, Foegele vs. Turcotte
The Los Angeles Kings will face off against the Anaheim Ducks in a highly anticipated NHL matchup on Friday, November 28, 2025. This game marks their first encounter of the season and is set to take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, starting at 1:00 PM Pacific Time.
Matchup Overview
This game features two Southern California rivals currently in a tight race for supremacy in the Pacific Division. The Kings enter with a record of 11 wins, 6 losses, and 6 overtime losses, while the Ducks boast a strong record of 14 wins, 8 losses, and 1 overtime loss.
Key Players
- Adrian Kempe: Leading the Kings with impressive performances in Anaheim, Kempe has scored 13 goals in his last 12 games at this venue. He holds the league record for points scored (18) during this period, demonstrating his prowess with both power-play goals and even-strength points.
- Warren Foegele: The Kings are uncertain about Foegele’s status for the game due to an early practice exit. His participation remains in question pending further updates.
- Cutter Gauthier: The Ducks’ forward ranks third in the NHL with 14 goals this season, showcasing his offensive capabilities.
Goaltending Situation
The Kings may rotate their goaltenders, with Darcy Kuemper holding an all-time record of 10 wins against the Ducks. Meanwhile, Anton Forsberg seeks his first victory against Anaheim after four attempts. In the Ducks’ crease, either Petr Mrazek or Ville Husso is expected to start, with starter Lukas Dostal sidelined due to injury.
Division Implications
This contest is crucial in the context of the Pacific Division standings. A regulation win for the Kings would catapult them to the top of the division table. In contrast, a victory for the Ducks would extend their lead, while an overtime win could leave both teams tied but favoring Anaheim based on tiebreakers.
The Rivalry Angle
Corey Perry, a veteran forward for the Kings, returns to Anaheim, where he once achieved significant success. Perry highlighted the evolution of the rivalry, noting both teams’ strong start this season and the notable absence of meaningful matches in recent years. The excitement surrounding this game harkens back to the intense playoff battles of yesteryear.
What to Watch For
- Foegele’s Status: Monitor updates regarding Foegele’s participation to gauge the Kings’ lineup flexibility.
- Turcotte’s Return: Expect Alex Turcotte to play a significant role, whether replacing Foegele or switching positions to provide depth and versatility.
- Energy Levels: Both teams face a busy schedule, making today’s early game pivotal in managing fatigue for the upcoming matches.
As the Kings and Ducks prepare for this intense division clash, fans eagerly anticipate an exciting contest with possible playoff implications. Both teams have much to gain, and the stakes are higher than they have been in recent matchups.
