A thrilling Freeway Faceoff saw the Anaheim Ducks triumph over the Los Angeles Kings in a 2-1 overtime victory, marking a weekend sweep! This game, played on January 18, 2026, was a nail-biter, showcasing the intensity of the rivalry. Let's dive into the details.
Mikael Granlund was the hero of the night, scoring the game-winning goal at just 4:02 into overtime. But the play that set up the winning goal was a thing of beauty. Rookie Beckett Sennecke, demonstrating impressive hustle, backchecked and stole the puck from Kevin Fiala, leading to a breakaway opportunity. Sennecke then passed the puck directly to Granlund, who sealed the deal with his ninth goal of the season.
Earlier in the game, Mason McTavish got the Ducks on the scoreboard with the first goal, while Ville Husso put in a solid performance in goal, making 17 saves. This win marked the Ducks' third straight victory, a welcome change after a tough nine-game losing streak.
For the Kings, Adrian Kempe managed to score a power-play goal, and Anton Forsberg, the backup goalie, put up a strong fight, stopping 30 shots. The Kings, however, are struggling, having lost six of their last seven games.
Sennecke's impact was felt throughout the weekend. He also played a key role the previous night, contributing to the Ducks' 3-2 victory in Los Angeles. This game went into overtime for the third time in their four meetings this season. McTavish's fourth shootout goal of the season secured the win for the Ducks in LA.
Here's where things get interesting: Kempe's goal in the second period tied the game, and he followed it up with a gesture shushing the crowd, adding a touch of drama to the rivalry. The Kings had a significant advantage in power plays early in the game, but the Ducks managed to control the play for long stretches at even strength. After a scoreless third period, the Kings found themselves in overtime for the 20th time this season.
Adding to the story, Jeffrey Viel made his debut for the Ducks, having been acquired in a trade. In a display of old-school hockey, Viel even dropped the gloves with Samuel Helenius in the first period.
What are your thoughts on this exciting game? Did you agree with the officiating? Let me know in the comments below!
Up Next:
* Kings: Host the New York Rangers on Tuesday night.
* Ducks: Host the Rangers on Monday night.
