Royally Quacked: An LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks Hockey Podcast

Episode 96: Kings Banged Up, Ducks Spiraling, and Utah Goes Outdoor

Send us a textA brutal stretch for SoCal hockey turns into a candid therapy session and a scouting report rolled into one. We open with the Ducks’ eight-game slide and the growing nerves around Cutter Gauthier’s extension, then challenge the logic of chasing the wrong trade targets while scratching one of the few consistent forwards in Ryan Strome. Waivers for Nikita Nesterenko and a goalie shuffle with Mrazek to IR and Husso back up only added to the churn. The pattern is clear: Anaheim often strikes first, then drifts, and a fragile middle frame buries them.Across the freeway, the Kings somehow took two smart wins off the Wild before laying an egg in Winnipeg. Injuries to Kopitar and Trevor Moore forced call-ups and a reliance on structure over spark, but the special teams slide is becoming a weekly headline. The bright spots help—Brandt Clarke’s swagger, Alex Turcotte’s pop, and flashes from Kuzmenko—but Quinton Byfield’s offense remains the swing factor. He wins pucks and tracks like a center you trust; the finishing and usage need a nudge to unlock the ceiling everyone saw. We also break down a Zegras revenge night in Philly, a controversial goal reversal vs San Jose, and what slow-motion reviews get wrong about real-time intent.Around the league, we touch on fresh extensions, a poignant goodbye to Hall-of-Famer Glenn Hall and his impossible 502-game streak, and early Olympic roster reveals. Then it’s predictions and an invite: meet us at Noble Ale Works on Friday the 16th for a free, all-ages Ducks vs Kings watch party with vendors, giveaways, and a live stream. If you enjoyed this one, follow, subscribe, and leave a quick review—it helps more fans find the show. Which fix would you make first: shake up lines, change special teams, or pull the trade trigger?Support the show-Links to all our socials and where to find the podcast: https://linktr.ee/royallyquacked-Check out all ESEN shows and content here: https://linktr.ee/ESENetworkJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/MEx82G9 Iron+Steel Threads: Use code RQ10 to save 10% on your order.https://ironsteelthreads.com/?ref=rq Use Promo Code: RQ10 for 10 % off your order. Dubby - Clean Energy To Help You Be Better – Dubby Energy Use code ROYALLYQUACKED $20 off your first SeatGeek order:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/teamseatgeekPodcast Socials:Instagram: @royallyquacked Twitter: @RoyallyQuackedTikTok: RoyallyQuacked Our Socials:Cody SpinkInstagram: @spinko1221Twitter: @spinko1221 Gary SpinkInstagram: @garyspink21

Episode 95- Ducks Are Sinking, Kings Get Kuemper Olympic Rosters Revealed!

Send us a textA rivalry rout, a painful pattern, and a few bright sparks set the stage for one of our most candid shows yet. We open on the Kings’ 6–1 statement over the Ducks and the Sharks’ five-goals-on-13-shots stunner, then rewind the tape to ask why Anaheim keeps spotting teams the first goal and how that habit wrecks structure, special teams, and momentum. On the other side, we talk through the Kings’ identity tug-of-war: a reliable defensive base that still needs more bite on the power play and a stronger finishing mindset from their big bodies and young skill.From there we get into specifics. What does “start on time” actually look like shift by shift? Fewer high-risk breakouts, tighter neutral zone routes, and shots that create rebounds instead of finessed passes to nowhere. We make the case for pairing a true shutdown righty with a puck-moving lefty to calm the Ducks’ blue line, and we outline how LA’s penalty kill can tighten the slot without conceding the flanks. Quinton Byfield’s role comes up too: when he drives the net and shoots off the rush, the entire top six looks different. When he defers, the offense stalls.Then it’s Olympic roster fever. Canada’s forward core is terrifying, but the crease is a debate—Logan Thompson’s form versus Darcy Kuemper’s experience. Team USA chose balance over star scoring, leaving out Jason Robertson and stirring real questions about where clutch goals will come from in a short tournament. We highlight how international reps could unlock another level for Leo Carlsson and Lukas Dostal, and why Sweden’s goaltending tandem might be the quiet edge no one is talking about.We wrap with predictions, practical fixes, and your comments from live chat. Want more honest breakdowns and fewer clichés? Hit follow, subscribe on YouTube, and ring the bell so you never miss our live streams or bonus rants. Share the episode with a friend who loves SoCal hockey, and drop your take: what’s the one move your team must make this week?Support the show-Links to all our socials and where to find the podcast: https://linktr.ee/royallyquacked-Check out all ESEN shows and content here: https://linktr.ee/ESENetworkJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/MEx82G9 Iron+Steel Threads: Use code RQ10 to save 10% on your order.https://ironsteelthreads.com/?ref=rq Use Promo Code: RQ10 for 10 % off your order. Dubby - Clean Energy To Help You Be Better – Dubby Energy Use code ROYALLYQUACKED $20 off your first SeatGeek order:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/teamseatgeekPodcast Socials:Instagram: @royallyquacked Twitter: @RoyallyQuackedTikTok: RoyallyQuacked Our Socials:Cody SpinkInstagram: @spinko1221Twitter: @spinko1221 Gary SpinkInstagram: @garyspink21

Episode 94: World Juniors Kick Off, Ducks Eye Trades & Kings Lose Bergevin to Buffalo

Send us a textSouthern California hockey brought big feelings this week: a front-office shakeup in LA, trade buzz in Anaheim, and a pair of games that showed how special teams and shot quality can flip a scoreboard. We start with community—holiday check-ins, shoutouts, and a push to hit our subscriber goal—then head straight into the real changes. Marc Bergevin heads to Buffalo for a bigger role, while Jim Hiller steps into direct power play control. It’s overdue, and the timing says it all: the Kings can’t keep living on one or two goals and expect deep spring hockey.Across the freeway, the Ducks have ambition. With OC Vibe construction in motion and the Wild Wing statue on the move, the bigger conversation is roster direction. We unpack why a move for Jordan Kyrou or Robert Thomas would rewire Anaheim’s forward core, slot cleanly behind Leo Carlsson, and stabilize the power play with speed and distribution. We also touch on Ryan Strome’s trade chatter and how center depth, cap planning, and term shape smart decisions.Game stories bring receipts. LA’s losses to Seattle highlighted a painful pattern—outshooting but failing to finish, ceding special teams momentum, and blocking too few shots. Anaheim outplayed the Kraken 5-on-5 and still got goalied by Philipp Grubauer, then edged Columbus with timely pushes and better net-front presence. We zoom in on how both teams can fix their power plays: more movement through the bumper, better weak-side seams, and a heavier screen game. Then it’s on to World Juniors, where names like Carter George, Liam Greentree, and multiple Ducks prospects flashed the future with composed transitions and sharp reads.We wrap with predictions, a nuanced Fantilli vs Carlsson snapshot, and a candid case for change in LA: let Byfield drive offense, modernize the system, and swap “safe” for “dangerous.” Anaheim’s path is about layers—keep the rush, add cycle pressure, and convert shot volume into goals. If you love honest SoCal hockey talk, you’ll feel right at home.Enjoy the episode, share it with a friend, and help us hit 100 subscribers. If you’re coming to the January 16 watch party at Noble Ale Works, say hi—we’ll have stickers and plenty to cheer about. Subscribe, rate, and drop your take: retool, rebuild, or rethink?Support the show-Links to all our socials and where to find the podcast: https://linktr.ee/royallyquacked-Check out all ESEN shows and content here: https://linktr.ee/ESENetworkJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/MEx82G9 Iron+Steel Threads: Use code RQ10 to save 10% on your order.https://ironsteelthreads.com/?ref=rq Use Promo Code: RQ10 for 10 % off your order. Dubby - Clean Energy To Help You Be Better – Dubby Energy Use code ROYALLYQUACKED $20 off your first SeatGeek order:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/teamseatgeekPodcast Socials:Instagram: @royallyquacked Twitter: @RoyallyQuackedTikTok: RoyallyQuacked Our Socials:Cody SpinkInstagram: @spinko1221Twitter: @spinko1221 Gary SpinkInstagram: @garyspink21

’Twas the Night Before Christmas — Royally Quacked Edition

Send us a text’Twas the Night Before Christmas — Royally Quacked EditionA Ducks vs. Kings Holiday Tale’Twas the night before Christmas across Southern CA,Where two hockey worlds lived just a freeway away.The bright lights of Los Angeles shimmered with pride,While Orange County glowed softly with coastline beside.The sweaters were hung in the locker rooms with care,In hopes that a rivalry showdown soon would be there.The Ducks were nestled in Anaheim, snug in their beds,While visions of breakaways danced in their heads.Carlsson with his mitts, and Dostal in net,Dreamed of highlight‑reel moments they hadn’t pulled off yet.McTavish was ready, his shot sharp and true,Terry imagined the magic he’d soon skate into.Mintyukov and Zellweger, blue‑line youth on the rise,Brought speed and creativity that dazzled the eyes.Gauthier’s fierce stride, Gudas’s tough tone,And LaCombe, steady‑skating in a style of his own.All guided by Coach Q, with his confident plan,Shaping a Ducks squad with belief in each man.Up north in L.A., the Kings rested too,Plotting crisp zone entries and a forecheck or two.Kopitar’s leadership, Byfield’s long stride,And Clarke’s booming slapshot filled them with pride.Kempe dreamed of snipes, Fiala of flair,While Kuemper stood ready with a calm, steady stare.Moore brought the hustle, Turcotte brought the speed,And Anderson defended with toughness the Kings always need.All sharpened by Coach Jim Hiller’s guiding mind,Steering the Kings toward the goals they’d designed.When out on the ice there arose such a clatter,Both teams hit the rink to see what was the matter.The Zamboni lights glowed, the arena hummed low,And two familiar figures glided out in the snow.It was Bailey, mane flowing, with a mischievous grin,Strutting to center ice like he knew he would win.And Wild Wing, descending from the rafters on a zip line so clean,Landing in style like the star of the scene.Together they hollered with unfiltered delight,“Royally Quacked fans, gather ’round for the night!”They spoke of a season both fierce and electric,Of overtime thrillers and goals so poetic.Of Ducks youth rising and Kings veterans strong,Of battles that felt like they lasted all season long.They told of a NeSupport the show-Links to all our socials and where to find the podcast: https://linktr.ee/royallyquacked-Check out all ESEN shows and content here: https://linktr.ee/ESENetworkJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/MEx82G9 Iron+Steel Threads: Use code RQ10 to save 10% on your order.https://ironsteelthreads.com/?ref=rq Use Promo Code: RQ10 for 10 % off your order. Dubby - Clean Energy To Help You Be Better – Dubby Energy Use code ROYALLYQUACKED $20 off your first SeatGeek order:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/teamseatgeekPodcast Socials:Instagram: @royallyquacked Twitter: @RoyallyQuackedTikTok: RoyallyQuacked Our Socials:Cody SpinkInstagram: @spinko1221Twitter: @spinko1221 Gary SpinkInstagram: @garyspink21

Episode 93: The Return, The Injury, The Trade and Christmas Wishes!

Send us a textHockey rarely grants tidy weeks, and this one came wrapped in chaos. We kick off with festive energy and a spotlight on creators keeping SoCal fans informed before diving straight into the turbulence: Anaheim’s goalie shuffle as Petr Mrazek returns and Lukas Dostal reclaims the net, Leo Carlson’s tear that evokes Teemu-era memories, and a hard-but-fair fine for Frank Vatrano after a dust-up with Jason Robertson. Then we celebrate a franchise voice—Steve Carroll’s 2,000th Ducks call—because some milestones deserve a loud cheer.Over in LA, the tone shifts. Darcy Kuemper hits IR, Phoenix Copley returns on emergency, and a salary-clearing Philip Deneault trade hints at a bigger swing post-roster freeze. We take inventory of the Kings’ pipeline across the OHL, WHL, and NCAA, from Carter George’s resilience to Liam Greentree’s steady punch to Denver’s assembly line of contributors. There’s even a number-nerd detour: Adrian Kempe chose nine for Fernando Torres, a reminder that sports loyalties cross oceans.Game stories carry the week’s weight. The Ducks stumble in Newark, stun the Rangers at MSG, claw back to OT in Columbus before Adam Fantilli walks off three-on-one, and absorb an eight-goal reality check from Dallas despite equal shots. The Kings ride a familiar rollercoaster: overtime heartbreak vs Calgary, a tough loss in Dallas, a tight setback vs Florida, and a cathartic 2–1 win in Tampa behind an Adrian Kempe brace and a fortress of shot blocks. Along the way, we hit broader NHL notes—Pittsburgh sale talks, roster freeze timing, injury timelines, and pick-shuffling trades—plus a bright piece of theater: Kings–Ducks in full color rush, a look the league should greenlight more often.We close with solutions, not sighs. LA needs goals beyond Kempe and a sharper power play; a coaching philosophy that unlocks Fiala and Byfield might be the fastest lever. Anaheim needs a true top-four defensive stopper to steady Zellweger and Lacombe and lift special teams back to respectable. Predictions are set, wish lists sent, and the holiday spirit stays intact. If you’re traveling, queue this up, share it with a fellow fan, and tell us your one move to fix your team. Subscribe, leave a review, and drop your Ducks or Kings wish list—we’ll read our favorites on the show.Support the show-Links to all our socials and where to find the podcast: https://linktr.ee/royallyquacked-Check out all ESEN shows and content here: https://linktr.ee/ESENetworkJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/MEx82G9 Iron+Steel Threads: Use code RQ10 to save 10% on your order.https://ironsteelthreads.com/?ref=rq Use Promo Code: RQ10 for 10 % off your order. Dubby - Clean Energy To Help You Be Better – Dubby Energy Use code ROYALLYQUACKED $20 off your first SeatGeek order:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/teamseatgeekPodcast Socials:Instagram: @royallyquacked Twitter: @RoyallyQuackedTikTok: RoyallyQuacked Our Socials:Cody SpinkInstagram: @spinko1221Twitter: @spinko1221 Gary SpinkInstagram: @garyspink21