ONTARIO –– Both Southern California NHL franchises began their preseasons on Sunday in the I.E., with the Kings topping the Ducks, 3-1, in the Empire Classic at Toyota Arena.

Alex Turcotte scored a goal and assisted on a shorthanded tally by Alex Laferriere. Andre Lee tacked on an empty-net goal, 1:26 before the final horn. Carter George was calm and collected, denying 27 bids.

Nikita Nesterenko opened the scoring in the game with the Ducks’ solitary goal. Ville Husso made 31 of 33 saves.

The final frame effectively ended with Lee’s empty-netter and began with the Ducks on their first of three unsuccessful power plays. Their first opportunity came and went with a whimper, and their second gave the Kings their first lead of the afternoon off Laferriere’s undermanned marker with 13:49 rem

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