Game Preview - LAK @ SJS

The LA Kings are back on the road, as they travel to Northern California for their first divisional matchup of the 2026-27 season. Here's what you need to know ahead of the regular-season opener against the San Jose Sharks -

When: Saturday, October 2 @ 7:00 PM PST
Where: SAP Center - San Jose, CA

Watch: ABTV, DAZN
Listen: ESPN LA App, LA Kings App

5️⃣ Things To Know For Today's Game

1. The LA Kings will look for a bounce-back performance in Game 2, as they travel to San Jose after a 8-4 defeat in Denver against the Colorado Avalanche in Wednesday's season opener. 
2. Forward Alex Laferriere led the Kings on Opening Night in Colorado with two assists in the defeat against Colorado. Laferriere also led all Kings skaters in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with four points (0-4-4) in four games played, after he scored a career-high 21 goals during the 2025-26 season. 
3. The Kings got four points from their defensemen in Colorado, led by the first goal of the season from Brian Dumoulin. Blueliners Mikey Anderson, Cody Ceci and Drew Doughty each collected an assist in the game. The Kings ranked 30th in the NHL in points from their defensemen last season, a point of emphasis to improve this time around. 
4. The Kings scored two shorthanded goals in Colorado, with forwards Joel Armia and Trevor Moore each finding the back of the net. Since 2019, Armia and Moore rank inside the NHL's Top-10 in shorthanded goals scored, with Kings forward Adrian Kempe also among the players in that group.
5. Despite the shorthanded goals for, special teams are among the biggest focal points for the Kings heading into San Jose. Colorado scored four power-play goals against the Kings on Wednesday, while Los Angeles went 0-for-5 on its own man advantage. Coming off a disappointing season in that area, improvements will be important, especially early in the year.

Last Game's 👑 Lineup ⬇️

Players to Watch

Kings - Artemi Panarin : Panarin was among the goalscorers on Opening Night in Colorado on Wednesday, coming in his first full season with the Kings. Panarin has 23 career points (13-10-23) against San Jose, his highest goal total against any team in the Western Conference.

Sharks - Will Smith: The fourth-overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft led the way for San Jose in the season-opening victory over Florida, as he scored twice and added an assist in the 4-3 win. Smith ranked second on the Sharks last season in goals (24) and points (59), his second full campaign in the NHL. 

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