And away we go!
It’s finally here.
Regular-season hockey is almost back, as the Kings are preparing to welcome Nathan MacKinnon’s Colorado Avalanche to town to kick off the new campaign in a Western Conference showdown at Crypto.com Arena.
Coming off four consecutive disappointing ends to their season, LA’s hockey club looks a little different than they have in previous years. New GM Ken Holland has made several subtle, yet impactful, changes to the roster in hopes of molding the Kings into a true playoff threat.
Looking at the forward core, Andrei Kuzmenko’s return stabilizes the top line and provides a much-needed right shot. Newcomer Joel Armia will look to create depth among the bottom six forwards, as well as play a crucial role on the penalty kill. Long-time foe Corey Perry was also brought in to add some much-needed grit, compete, and experience in the room. Perry will likely find a home on the fourth line and at the net front position on the second power play unit once he returns from a knee injury. These acquisitions, blended with budding star Quinton Byfield — who could be primed for a massive breakout season — point to LA having no problem finding the back of the net this season.
On defense, things have shaken up drastically. For starters, Drew Doughty’s injury from a year ago seems to be well in his rear view mirror. He’s ready to roll after missing more than half of 2024-25 with a lower-body injury, and playing the final few months of hockey at far less than 100%. Holland also went out and added a pair of blueline veterans. Brian Dumoulin’s size and Cody Ceci’s experience should help shore up the back end. When you throw in a young and hungry Brandt Clarke, the defense has the talent and skill to lock down opponents for head coach Jim Hiller, while also chipping in offensively.
In net, Anton Forsberg’s arrival should be a welcome addition for last year’s Vezina finalist Darcy Kuemper. Slated as the No. 2 goalie for LA, Forsberg has proved to be a viable netminder throughout his career and will give the team a chance to win every time his name is penciled in. Furthermore, it allows Kuemper to rest perhaps a little more than he did last season.
All personnel aside, there is no bigger story than the one that surrounds the captain, Anze Kopitar.
Tuesday marks the beginning of the end for the Kings legend. A two-time Stanley Cup champion and first-ballot Hall of Famer, Kopitar will take the ice for what will be his final opening night. If there is a Mount Rushmore for LA Kings players, Kopitar is on it, without a doubt. The legendary center will look to go out on top by securing one more championship before hanging up his skates next spring.
Shifting to tonight’s matchup, Hiller’s group is going to have to bring a full 60-minute effort to collect those all-important first two points of the season. Colorado is seen by many around the league as a true Stanley Cup contender, and they’re consistently a competitive group on the ice.
Injuries are a storyline, as well, heading into the opener. In addition to Perry, LA placed Kyle Burroughs on IR this past weekend. Meanwhile, forward Alex Laferriere is likely to play after missing out on Saturday’s pre-season finale. He was a full participant at practice on Monday; always a good sign.
All in all, this Kings team is said to be on a mission to make this season different than the four previous ones. While the regular season is important for this team to leave a mark, Holland was brought in to do some damage in the postseason. This is a team that expects to be in that fight next spring, but until then… welcome back LA Kings hockey! It’s almost time for the first of 82 games.
Statistically Speaking
— Oct. 7 has come full circle. It was on this day in 2006 with Kopitar made his home debut at Staples Center. Kopitar recorded three assists that night vs. the Blues. In goal, Mathieu Garon made 35 saves and picked up a 4-1 victory over St. Louis.
— Kopitar also comes into tonight with a seven-game season opener point streak dating back to the 2018-19 season. He has 16 points (8G, 8A) over that stretch.
— Kopitar is one of five skaters in NHL history to have multiple hat tricks in season-openers. His latest came just last season in Buffalo.
— The Kings have an all-time home opener record of 27-20-10.
— Overall, LA has found success against Colorado at home, posting a 44-27-5-4 record.
What You May Have Missed
— Kings 2025-26 Opening Night Salary Cap Situation LINK
— Q&A with LA Kings GM Ken Holland LINK
— Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson Highlights Kings Opening Night Plans LINK
Kings Projected Lineup vs. Avalanche
If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.
Kuzmenko – Kopitar – Kempe
Fiala – Byfield – Laferriere
Foegele – Danault – Moore
Malott – Turcotte – Armia
Anderson – Doughty
Edmundson – Clarke
Dumoulin – Ceci
Kuemper (starter)
Forsberg
Likely scratches: (F) Helenius and (D) Moverare
Injured Reserve: Burroughs (eligible to come off 10/8)
Injured: Perry (initially reported as 6-8 weeks, possibly out until late Nov.)
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 7:30 pm Pacific Time and will be televised nationally by ESPN. Additionally, a Kings radio feed is available on the ESPN LA app.
Across the Ice
Colorado is coming off a 50-25-7 season, where they placed third in the Central Division. Tonight will be their first contest of the season. Here is how they are projected to line up:
Lehkonen – MacKinnon – Necas
Landeskog – Nelson – Nichushkin
Colton – Drury – Olofsson
Kelly – Bardakov – Kiviranta
Toews – Makar
Girard – Manson
Malinski – Burns
Wedgewood
On This Day in Kings History
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