This rivalry – known as the Freeway Face-Off – dates back to December 2, 1993, with the LA Kings holding an all-time record of 83-61-11-7 against the Anaheim Ducks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/]. This will be the third-of-four meetings between these clubs, this season. LA picked up wins in the first two games in Anaheim. Over their last ten meetings, the Kings are 9-1-0 against the Ducks, with a combined score of 36-19. In their last three contests, LA has held Anaheim to just one goal per game. This is the second game of a back-to-back for the Kings who are 5-2-0 this season, in game two. The Ducks enter this contest with wins in five of their last six games. ALEXISONFIRE In the first two games against the Ducks this season, Kings Forwards Alex Turcotte and Alex Laferriere both found their way onto the scoresheet in each contest – Turcotte with a goal and an assist, Laferriere with two goals and an assist. The duo has played together (alongside Forward Warren Foegele) for fifty minutes TOI over the span of six games with four goals for, one goal against. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9CtiMFhx9M[/embed] Side note: Yes, I know it’s Alexis on Fire not Alex is on Fire. BLEED AMERICAN On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Ducks Goaltender John Gibson played in his five hundredth career NHL Regular Season game (526 including the Playoffs). Despite being just the eleventh American-born Goaltender to reach the five hundred NHL game mark, Gibson was not selected to represent Team U.S.A. at the NHL’s 2025 4 Nations Face-Off tournament beginning next week. The Pittsburgh native has been a fixture of Team U.S.A. in the past, winning gold at the 2010 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, 2011 IIHF World U18 Championships, and 2013 IIHF U20 World Championships – named the Best Goaltender in 2011 and 2013, and Most Valuable Player in 2013. Bill Guerin, Team U.S.A.’s General Manager for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, said, “whoever gives (Team U.S.A.) the best chance to win will get the net.” Given his resume on the international stage, Gibson would've certainly fit that criterion. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h87_P3K9vew[/embed] STICK STICKLY Before today’s game, the Kings will present Forward Trevor Lewis with a silver stick, who played in his one thousandth NHL game on January 4, 2025. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Lewis and the Kings host the Utah Hockey Club on February 22, 2025, the first game back from the season break. That was my guess for when this celebration would occur. However, doing it today sends the team into the break on a high note and, when they return, it’s all business down the stretch. For those planning to attend today’s game, be sure to get there early to witness and celebrate the event. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDzt6yI3Dw8[/embed] Puck drop is slated for 7:35 PM PST. You can watch the game on television via the FanDuel Sports Network or listen live with the ESPN LA app. Related Videos: LA Kings Weekly Preview THNLAKWeeklyFeb2ndKeithFries
