The Anaheim Ducks played their second preseason game of 2026 at the Honda Center, facing off against their rivals, the Los Angeles Kings. This match marked the midpoint of the NHL’s abbreviated preseason, with Anaheim showcasing a more balanced roster compared to their opener against the San Jose Sharks, which featured mostly NHL veterans.
While the Ducks initially fielded a lineup heavily composed of seasoned NHL players, this game revealed a more varied group, including prospects and younger talent. A notable player was 18-year-old Jayden Kurtz, just three months after being drafted, who was entrusted with a top-pairing role alongside Pavel Mintyukov for his debut.
The Ducks’ lineup for the game included forwards like Vatrano, Poehling, and Sidorov; defensemen such as Mintyukov, Kurtz, Warren, and others; and Lukas Dostal in goal, who made 17 saves on 19 shots. Conversely, Anton Forsberg stopped 24 of 25 shots for the Kings. The game itself was somewhat sloppy, with both teams failing to capitalize on power-play opportunities—going 0 for 11 combined—and a lack of precision in finishing. Forsberg’s key saves kept the game tight at times.
A standout for the Ducks was defenseman Tristan Luneau, who led the team in total ice time at even strength, power play, and penalty kill, demonstrating a well-rounded game that could suggest a bright future. Luneau showcased strong puck retrieval, smart puck management, and physicality, hinting at his potential at the NHL level. Meanwhile, Kurtz showed promise in his first preseason appearance—his instincts and puck management appeared mature for a rookie, hinting at further development potential.
The game also highlighted some offensive progression, with successful cycle plays involving forwards like Vatrano, Nesternko, and Sidorov, which created scoring chances by forcing the Kings’ defense to activate and open lanes. Defensive prospect Noah Warren made strides in his mobility and confidence, though his puck skills and decision-making under pressure still need refinement for NHL readiness.
Looking ahead, the Ducks are set to play against the Sharks in their next preseason game. Recent developments include signing Tim Washe to a four-year extension, while early training camp has seen several injuries, prompting comments from GM Pat Verbeek about the team’s prospects and challenges.
Fan Take: This game is crucial as it reveals the Ducks’ emerging core and prospects who could shape the team’s future. It’s exciting to see young talents like Kurtz and Luneau step up, fueling optimism among fans for the team’s upcoming season and the broader growth of the sport at the NHL level.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
