NHL · January 17, 2026
Los Angeles Kings @ Anaheim Ducks
Free LineCrush game report for Los Angeles Kings @ Anaheim Ducks on January 17, 2026, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
Ducks' Injury Crisis: Carlsson Out 3-5 Weeks
The Anaheim Ducks will be without their leading center Leo Carlsson for approximately three to five weeks after undergoing a procedure on Friday to treat a Morel-Lavallee lesion in his left thigh. This is a significant blow as Carlsson leads the team with 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) in 44 games and plays a critical role on the top line and power play. Despite the absence, the Ducks have shown resilience with back-to-back victories, including Friday's 3-2 shootout win over the Kings that ended a nine-game losing streak.
Kings' Lineup Disruptions: Multiple Key Players Out
The Los Angeles Kings continue to deal with injuries to captain Anze Kopitar (upper body), Trevor Moore (upper body), and Corey Perry (personal), limiting their depth. However, forward Joel Armia returned to action on Friday after missing five games and contributed a goal and assist with six shots on goal, providing a boost to the Kings' consistency and depth.
Momentum Mismatch: Back-to-Back Shootout Results
This marks the third matchup of a home-and-home series between these division rivals, with the Ducks winning both previous contests in shootouts (3-2 on Friday, 5-4 on November 28). The Kings are searching for immediate redemption after falling to 19-16-12 and extending their struggles to five defeats in their last six games, while the Ducks have found unexpected offensive production beyond Carlsson.
Goaltending Matchup: Anton Forsberg vs. Ville Husso
Anton Forsberg is expected to start for the Kings after Darcy Kuemper made 26 saves on Friday. Forsberg has a 1-4-0 record against Anaheim in his career with a 3.18 goals-against average. The Ducks will likely counter with Ville Husso after Lukas Dostal made 26 saves Friday. Husso is 3-1-1 against the Kings in his career but has dropped his past three starts overall.
Depth Players Step Up for Ducks
With multiple top-six forwards unavailable, Anaheim has deployed unconventional lineups including defenseman Ian Moore playing on the forward line. Rookie Beckett Sennecke led Friday's offense with two assists and has four points in the season series against Los Angeles, ranking second among first-year players with 37 points total.
Pick Ideas
Ducks Moneyline
Anaheim has won both previous matchups against Los Angeles this season including Friday's shootout victory, and maintains home-ice advantage while the Kings struggle through their fifth loss in six games.
Under on Total Goals
Both teams have shown defensive stability in recent matchups, with Friday's game finishing 3-2 and strong goaltending performances from both sides suggesting a lower-scoring affair may be more likely.
Kings to Win in Regulation
Los Angeles has lost the previous two shootouts to Anaheim this season and needs to break this pattern; focusing on regulation time eliminates shootout variance and rewards a decisive performance.