Kings Vs Panthers Game Preview: Kings Looking for 1st Win

The Los Angeles Kings host the Florida Panthers in their home opener of the 2026-27 season as they pursue their first win. Los Angeles enters the contest having dropped both opening games, suffering a regulation loss against the Colorado Avalanche and an overtime defeat against the San Jose Sharks. While the Kings have scored eight goals across those two matchups, they have also allowed 13 goals.

Goaltender Darcy Kuemper is projected to start for Los Angeles with an alignment featuring 11 forwards and seven defensemen. Florida is projected to start Jacob Markstrom in net and will be without Aleksander Barkov following an injury against San Jose, alongside Jonah Gadjovich, Aaron Ekblad, Sam Lafferty, and Alexander Petrovic.