The Los Angeles Kings had hoped to open 2026-27 with momentum. Instead, five games in, they’re sitting on one of the most miserable starts in franchise history.
Tuesday night’s 4-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers pushed Los Angeles to 0-3-2 on the season. The two overtime defeats at least gave the Kings a pair of points, but the larger picture is ugly: no wins, growing frustration, and a start that matches a rarity the franchise hasn’t seen since 1997-98.
That’s the benchmark now. The Kings have gone winless in their first five games for the first time since that season, and in the history of the club, there’s only one other comparable stumble.
The 1997-98 Kings also opened without a victory through five games, beginning 0-2-3 before finally breaking through in game No. 6.
They still managed to rebound, finish with 87 points, and reach the playoffs.
This version, however, needs a response quickly.
“I mean the belief is there in our group, but it's just not at all good enough right now,” forward Trevor Moore said after the team's latest loss. “Concern is, it's tough, because like I said, I believe in our group, but it's not f-ing good enough right now. We've got to figure it out fast.”
Los Angeles is one of only two winless teams left in the NHL, though the Philadelphia Flyers have spiraled even further, opening with eight straight games without a win. The Kings also find themselves tied with the Calgary Flames for the fewest points in the league at two, after Calgary picked up its first victory Tuesday night.
The timing of the rough opening matters, too. Peter Laviolette arrived in the offseason to install a new system, and the Kings are still adjusting to it. So far, that process has been anything but smooth.
A softer schedule may offer some help. Los Angeles won’t play again until Saturday night, when it hosts the Boston Bruins, and the Kings have just two games over the next week. After this kind of start, those extra days off may be exactly what they need.
In Other News...
Kings Get A Real Test Even With Edmonton Missing Key Pieces
Even before the puck drops, the Kings know this one comes with a layer of intrigue. Edmonton arrives on a four-game winning streak and will turn to Devon Levi in goal, but the Oilers are navigating some key injury absences that alter the feel of the matchup and the way Los Angeles has to approach it.
Zach Hyman is out, though Edmonton says he is close to returning, and Jake Walman will miss his second straight game. Even with those names unavailable, the Oilers still bring enough speed and confidence to make this a real test for the Kings, who will have to stay sharp against a group that has found its stride despite the lineup shuffling. [Read more 🡒]