Top Games to Watch on the Kings’ 2026-27 NHL Schedule

The Los Angeles Kings are gearing up for an exciting return to the ice at Crypto.com Arena as the NHL unveiled its 2026-27 schedule on July 16. This season brings a fresh format for the league, with each team set to play 84 games, including four against each division rival. The season kicks off on September 29, promising fans a thrilling lineup.

Coming off a tumultuous 2025-26 season, the Kings made a significant change by parting ways with head coach Jim Hiller on March 1 after a tough stretch that left them out of playoff contention. Interim head coach DJ Smith led the team to a respectable 11-6-6 finish, allowing the Kings to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs in what was Anze Kopitar’s final season. However, their playoff run was cut short as they were swept in the first round by the Colorado Avalanche.

This year, the Kings will open the season against the very team that ended their previous campaign. The matchup against the Avalanche on September 30 in Denver will set the tone for new head coach Peter Laviolette’s tenure. Following that game, the Kings will travel to Northern California to face the San Jose Sharks on October 3, before returning home to host the Florida Panthers on October 6.

With the complete schedule in hand, let’s dive into the top five matchups that Kings fans should circle on their calendars. First up, the season opener against the Avalanche is a must-watch. The Avalanche, who captured the Stanley Cup in 2022 and finished with the best regular-season record last year, quickly eliminated the Kings from the playoffs. Laviolette will be looking to make a strong impression by securing a win in this high-stakes rematch.

The Panthers, who have been a dominant force in the league with back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2024 and 2025, faced challenges last season due to injuries and inconsistency, resulting in their first missed postseason since 2019. They became the first defending champions to miss the playoffs since the Kings in 2015, making this matchup particularly intriguing.

Additionally, the Kings will face the Ducks in a rivalry series in late November. The Kings have historically performed well in the Freeway Face-Off, but last season, the Ducks flipped the script by winning three of four encounters. The Kings’ sole victory was a memorable 6-1 thrashing on December 27, 2025, where Alex Laferriere secured his first NHL hat trick.

Another highlight will be when former coach Hiller returns to Los Angeles with the Maple Leafs. This matchup not only offers a chance to see Hiller but also introduces fans to 2026’s No. 1 overall draft pick, Gavin McKenna.

Lastly, fans should look forward to potentially witnessing Alex Ovechkin’s final appearance at Crypto.com Arena. The NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer signed a one-year extension with the Capitals, bringing him into his 22nd season. As he approaches Wayne Gretzky’s record for combined regular season and playoff goals, he needs just 11 more to break that milestone, making any game featuring Ovechkin a must-see.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.