2026 Preseason Preview - Game 2, LAK vs. UTA

The LA Kings continue their 2026 preseason schedule tonight at Crypto.com Arena, as they return home for the first time since Game 4 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here's what you need to know ahead of preseason Game 2 against the Utah Mammoth -

When: Tuesday, September 22 @ 7:00 PM PST
Where: Crypto.com Arena - Los Angeles, CA

Watch: SLVR, LAKings.com
Listen: 710 ESPN LA, ESPN LA App

5️⃣ Things To Know For Today's Game

1. The LA Kings will play the first of two preseason games on home ice, as they host the Utah Mammoth this evening at Crypto.com Arena. 
2. The Kings are expected to dress several veteran players in tonight's lineup, with 12 players featuring in the 2026 preseason for the first time. Included in that group are alternate captains Mikey Anderson, Adrian Kempe and Artemi Panarin, who are all expected to wear a letter in tonight's game with team captain Drew Doughty not expected to play. 
3. Panarin is set to appear in his first preseason game as a member of the Kings organization. Panarin was acquired via trade back in February and collected 27 points from 26 games played last season, leading the Kings with 18 assists during that time. He is expected to play on a line with Kempe and center Quinton Byfield in tonight's contest.
4. Look for goaltender Darcy Kuemper to make his first start of the preseason tonight, coming on home ice. Kuemper was a finalist for the 2025 Vezina Trophy after a stellar season with the Kings and is looking to bounce back with a similar season in 2026-27.
5. Following an impressive start to training camp, 2026 second-round draft pick Liam Lefebvre is expected to be in tonight's lineup for what would be his NHL preseason debut. Lefebvre scored two goals in three games played at the 2026 Rookie Faceoff in San Jose, one of two Kings at the event with multiple goals. 

Today's Projected 👑 Game Group ⬇️

Forwards (12) – Quinton Byfield, Martin Chromiak, Kenny Connors, Samuel Helenius, Adrian Kempe, Andre Lee, Liam Lefebvre, Artemi Panarin, Francesco Pinelli, Taylor Ward, Jared Wright, Koehn Ziemmer

Defensemen (6) – Mikey Anderson, Cody Ceci, Brandt Clarke,  Joel Edmundson, Kirill Kirsanov, Jared Woolley

Goaltenders (2) – Darcy Kuemper, Erik Portill

Players to Watch

Kings - Adrian Kempe: Kempe is set to make his preseason debut tonight for the Kings. Kempe led the Kings with 36 goals last season and surpassed 70 points for the third consecutive season. In 2025-26, the Swede collected four points (2-2-4) in three games played against Utah. 

Mammoth - Mikhail Sergachev: Sergachev is one of several Utah veterans who are expected to make their preseason debuts in tonight's game in Los Angeles. Sergachev led all Utah skaters last season with six assists in three games versus the Kings, which also led all NHL defensemen in the 2025-26 season. 

For a full game preview of today's action, as well as coverage of the 2026 Rookie Faceoff, visit LAKingsInsider.com.