The Los Angeles Kings are back at Crypto.com Arena to host the Florida Panthers in their home opener. According to a game preview NHL.com published on Oct. 6, 2026, Los Angeles is still looking for its first win of the 2026-27 season.
The Kings' top line powered the offense in Saturday's overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks. Artemi Panarin, Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfield each scored and finished with multiple points. Panarin tied the game late in the third period, and Kempe and Byfield both scored on the power play. Byfield had a goal and an assist, including the helper on Panarin's tying goal, and NHL.com lists him among six Kings players with multiple points through two games.
Erik Haula scored the other Los Angeles goal in San Jose, giving him a point in each of the first two games after he picked up an assist in Colorado. Haula has played more than 800 career NHL games and is expected to make his home debut with the Kings against Florida.
Defenseman Brandt Clarke also had multiple points against the Sharks. He led Kings defensemen in both ice time (20:44) and shots on goal (5) in the first game this season in which Los Angeles dressed seven defensemen.
Mats Zuccarello missed Monday's practice for what head coach Peter Laviolette called a "maintenance day." NHL.com reports that if Zuccarello is available, the Kings appear set to use the same lineup they had in San Jose, with 11 forwards and seven defensemen.
For Florida, Tkachuk was the team's headline offseason addition. The Panthers acquired him in a trade with the Ottawa Senators, which brings him together with his brother Matthew.