Kings best Ducks in preseason tune-up

Kings Defensemen Jack Johnson checks the Duck's Jason Blake Tuesday night at Staples Center (Getty Images)

In what may be the hottest rivalry in southern California, the Los Angeles Kings pummeled fellow south landers the Anaheim Ducks, 8-3 Tuesday night at the Staples Center.  Although the game was just a preseason exhibition, it may give So Cal fans a preview of what to expect in the upcoming National Hockey League season.

The Kings exploded out of the gates with the 4 goals in the first period, and carried over their power play domination from the playoffs last season with 4 power play goals. The Ducks defense had little to answer after the retirement of Scott Neidermayer in the off-season.  Duck's Center Saku Koivu called it, "A wake up call" and Coach Carlyle agreed that it will help him evaluate players struggling to make the final roster.

Are the Kings as good as advertised?  That remains to be seen, but we can expect some intense games this coming season.