Brief

Kings fall 2-1 to Panthers in home opener, coach Laviolette winless in first three games

The Kings' 60th‑anniversary home debut ended in a 2-1 defeat, marking coach Peter Laviolette's first three-game winless streak since 1987.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 07 Oct 2026 16:52:05 GMT

Los Angeles Kings opened their season with a 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena, remaining winless in their first three games for the first time since 2020, according to the Los Angeles Times.

What happened

The Kings took an early lead when Alex Laferriere scored on a rebound before the first intermission, his first goal of the season. Florida responded 3:49 into the second period when defenseman Seth Jones scored on a rush. Late in the third period, Matthew Tkachuk capitalized on a turnover at center ice, scoring the go‑ahead goal with 8:40 remaining to secure the Panthers' win.

What the reports add

The article notes that the Kings honored their past by unveiling a modest Hall of Fame on the arena concourse before the game. It also highlights that the Panthers played without injured captain Aleksander Barkov, who is expected to miss six to eight weeks. Additionally, Brad Marchand left the game after a high‑stick from Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke caused a left‑leg injury, though he did not return.

What was said

Coach Peter Laviolette said, “I’m more in the business of winning hockey games. I don’t think there’s any consolation in a 2-1 loss,” and added that the team “turned it over too much in our end… in the neutral zone.” Captain Drew Doughty commented, “Momentum kind of shifted on us when we couldn’t really get that PP going.”

How it came about

Laviolette, hired in June, became the Kings’ fourth coach in 28 months and the first to start 0‑2‑1 since Robbie Ftorek in 1987. The early schedule pitted the Kings against strong opponents, including Colorado and Florida, both projected to contend for the Stanley Cup Final. Their next games are against the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers.

Key facts

Kings lost 2-1 to Panthers in home opener, remaining winless in first three games (latimes.com)
Alex Laferriere scored the Kings' first goal of the season (latimes.com)
Matthew Tkachuk scored the go‑ahead goal with 8:40 left in the third period (latimes.com)
Coach Peter Laviolette is the first Kings coach winless in his first three games since 1987 (latimes.com)
Brad Marchand left the game after a high‑stick injury from Brandt Clarke (latimes.com)