Game Preview - LAK vs. FLA

The LA Kings have returned to Crypto.com Arena and are set for tonight's home opener. Here's what you need to know ahead of the regular-season opener against the Florida Panthers -

When: Tuesday, October 6 @ 7:00 PM PST
Where: Crypto.com Arena - Los Angeles, CA

Watch: ESPN
Listen: ESPN LA 710, 830 AM KLAA, ESPN LA App, LA Kings App

5️⃣ Things To Know For Tonight's Game

1. The LA Kings are back on home ice, as they host the Florida Panthers this evening, in search of their first victory of the 2026-27 season. 
2. The top forward line of Artemi Panarin, Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfield led the way in San Jose, as each player scored a goal and collected multiple points against the Sharks. Panarin buried the game-tying goal late in the third period, while Kempe and Byfield both scored on the man advantage. 
3. Forward Erik Haula scored the additional Los Angeles goal, giving him points in back-to-back games to begin the season, after an assist in Colorado on Wednesday. Haula, a veteran of more than 800 career NHL games, is in line to make his home debut with the Kings tonight at Crypto.com Arena. 
4. The Kings also got multiple points from defenseman Brandt Clarke against the Sharks. Clarke led all Los Angeles defensemen in time on ice (20:44) and shots on goal (5), as the Kings opted to dress seven blueliners for the first time in the young season. 
5. In terms of tonight's lineup, forward Mats Zuccarello missed yesterday's practice for a "maintenance day" per Head Coach Peter Laviolette. Assuming Zuccarello is good to go, all signs point towards an unchanged lineup from San Jose, with 11 forwards and seven defensemen.

🎟 For Tonight's Game 👇

Last Game's 👑 Lineup ⬇️

Players to Watch

Kings - Quinton Byfield: Byfield collected two points (1-1-2) in Saturday's overtime defeat against San Jose, including an assist on the game-tying goal late in regulation. Byfield is one of six Kings players with multiple points through two games, including a power-play goal in the second period to open his account for the 2026-27 season. 

Panthers - Brady Tkachuk: Tkachuk was Florida's marquee offseason addition, as he was acquired via trade from the Ottawa Senators, joining his brother Matthew in the Sunshine State. Tkachuk has at least 20 goals and 50 points over the last five seasons, all with the Ottawa organization. 

For a full game preview of today's action, as well as coverage of the 2026-27 regular season, visit LAKingsInsider.com.