Alex Laferriere Shines with a Hat Trick in the Kings’ Big Win Against the Ducks

In an exciting clash this past Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, the Kings triumphed over the Ducks with a resounding 6-1 win. This match marked a critical moment for both teams, who entered the game struggling through a challenging December.

The Kings emerged from a three-day holiday break having lost six of their last seven games, scoring a mere 11 goals during that stretch. Their performance in December had placed them among the lower ranks of Western Conference teams. Similarly, the Ducks faced their own difficulties, managing only two victories in seven games and ceding their top position in the Pacific Division.

Despite their recent woes, the Kings found a spark against the Ducks. The matchup quickly turned in favor of the Kings, who seized the lead with a four-goal first period, propelled by Alex Laferriere’s remarkable first career hat trick. “The game wasn’t as close as the final score indicated,” affirmed the Kings’ strategy, leading to a decisive victory.

Drew Doughty opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, skillfully redirecting a pass from Quinton Byfield past Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal. Trevor Moore quickly doubled the advantage, converting a pass from Brian Dumoulin in the left circle. Ducks coach Joel Quenneville responded by calling a timeout to regroup his team, but the momentum was firmly with the Kings. Laferriere blasted a one-timer from close range, followed by Byfield’s power-play goal at the end of the period, giving the Kings their first four-goal period of the season.

After receiving boos following their last match—a narrow 3-2 defeat to Seattle—the Kings were met with cheers as they exited the ice after the first intermission.

The Ducks managed to respond with a power-play goal from Mason McTavish midway through the second period, but their efforts were hindered by a significant shooting gap, having outshot the Kings 12-1 in that period and registering only one score.

Laferriere continued to shine, scoring again on a breakaway just under five minutes into the third period, achieving his third multi-goal game. He further enhanced his night with a one-timer at 13:15 in the final period, bringing his total to ten goals for the season. The Kings’ six goals matched their season high and stood in stark contrast to their recent struggles.

As the game unfolded, it was clear that the Kings had reclaimed their momentum, a much-needed boost as they navigate the challenges of the ongoing season.