Kings Prospects Finish Rookie Faceoff With Two Straight Wins
Los Angeles answered an 8-1 opening loss with wins over Anaheim and Utah before NHL training camp begins Thursday.
The Los Angeles Kings finished the 2026 Rookie Faceoff with a 2-1 record after rebounding from an 8-1 loss to San Jose with victories over Anaheim and Utah.
Los Angeles generated 49 shots in a 4-1 win over Anaheim. Hampton Slukynsky allowed one goal in his first appearance at the event after missing the previous three editions while playing in the USHL and at Western Michigan.
The Kings closed the tournament with a 4-0 win over Utah. Kenny Connors scored while shorthanded, Koehn Ziemmer and Jimmy Lombardi converted on the power play, and 18-year-old Yegor Rybkin stopped all 27 shots he faced.
The opening loss also gave the organization an early look at areas to correct. Five of San Jose's eight goals came on deflections, while the Kings' defense allowed repeated rush and slot chances.
Los Angeles used a more aggressive approach from its defensemen over the final two games. Jared Woolley joined attacks regularly, while Henry Brzustewicz and Michael Mastrodomenico handled the structure well.
Liam Lefebvre scored twice against Anaheim after standing up for teammate Jakub Dvorak in the opener. Ziemmer led the Kings with three goals across the tournament.
The Kings open NHL training camp Thursday at Toyota Sports Performance Center.
