Armia’s Snap Shot Lifts Kings Past Ducks in 2-1 Thriller

A Narrow Victory for the Visitors

The Los Angeles Kings secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Honda Center. Despite facing a home crowd of 14,696, the visiting Kings managed to outlast their in-state rivals in a tightly contested affair that was decided entirely in the opening period.

First Period Scoring Action

The Ducks struck first, taking an early lead with a tip-in goal by Ethan Procyszyn. The play was assisted by Judd Caulfield and Coulson Pitre, giving Anaheim a 1-0 advantage. However, the momentum shifted quickly as Alex Laferriere tied the game for Los Angeles. Laferriere’s backhand shot, assisted by Andre Lee, leveled the score at 1-1.

The period concluded with the Kings taking the lead, thanks to a snap shot by Joel Armia. Drew Doughty and Brian Dumoulin provided the assists on the goal that proved to be the difference-maker. The final tally of the first period stood at 2-1 in favor of Los Angeles.

Shutout Defense Secures Win

With the score tied briefly before Armia’s goal, both teams entered the second and third periods with high stakes. However, no additional goals were scored after the initial flurry of action. The Ducks’ defense held firm to keep the game within one goal, while the Kings’ goaltending remained impenetrable for the remainder of the contest.

Ethan Procyszyn was the standout performer for Anaheim, recording a goal and an assist in the loss. For Los Angeles, Alex Laferriere and Joel Armia each contributed a goal, with Andre Lee adding an assist. Armia’s point total included his game-winning marker.

Records After the Game

The win improved the Kings’ record to 1-2-0, earning them two points in the standings. The loss dropped the Ducks to 1-1-0, also with two points. Both teams remain close in the early stages of their campaigns, with the Kings holding the edge due to this narrow victory.

Sources

ESPN