RECAP: Takeaways From the 2025 Empire Classic

Carter George got the start for the home team while Ville Husso opposed him at the other end. Nikita Nesterenko got the scoring started early in the contest with a shot that pinballed off Kyle Burroughs and past George.

The Kings responded with a goal off their own, created by Brandt Clarke walking the line and carrying the puck low, feeding Alex Turcotte for an easy goal. Both netminders turned aside every shot in their direction, but a short-handed goal by Alex Laferriere and an insurance tally by Andre Lee (empty net) would propel the Kings to a 3-1 win. Turcotte had a goal and an assist.

Here are some takeaways from the preseason opener:

Hockey is back!

Wins or losses don’t matter in the preseason, especially in the opener. The important takeaway from this game is that the sport of hockey, the game we all love, is back. The Kings have six exhibition tune-ups, with half of them against the Ducks, before the regular season starts.

Glimpse of the future

The roster for the Kings in this game featured a mix of everyday players, those who will be in the AHL, and those part of the future plans for the organization. George, part of a stacked goalie pipeline for the Kings, made 26 saves on 27 shots in his first NHL preseason start. His best save came on a two-on-none breakaway opportunity for Anaheim in the middle frame. George may be 19 years old, but his poise and composure between the pipes stand out and should have Kings fans excited about his future.

Liam Greentree, LA’s number-one prospect, didn’t make much noise in this game, but did have two shots on goal. With Corey Perry’s injury being about 6-8, it’s possible Greentree could get a nine-game trial run if he has a strong camp and forces the hand of upper management and Jim Hiller.

Looking to make the roster

Andre Lee, Samuel Helenius, Jeff Malott, and Akil Thomas are fighting for a roster spot on opening night. All four had a decent game, and it should be a tough decision for Hiller on who will be in the lineup to replace Perry until the veteran is inserted back into the lineup.

Let Clarke be Clarke

See below.