Kings aim for first victory against Oilers amid roster constraints
Los Angeles hosts Edmonton seeking its first win of the season while operating with only 18 healthy skaters.
The Los Angeles Kings enter Tuesday night’s game against the Edmonton Oilers still winless in the 2026-27 season, hoping to break a 0-2-2 start. Coach Peter Laviolette will rely on goaltender Darcy Kuemper for his third consecutive start, noting his 13-5-4 career record against Edmonton with a .920 save percentage.
The Kings’ lineup is limited to 18 healthy skaters after forward Jared Wright was reassigned to the AHL, leaving 11 forwards and seven defensemen available. The projected forward line features Artemi Panarin, Quinton Byfield and Adrian Kempe, while Corey Perry joins Erik Haula and Alex Laferriere on the top line.
"We’re motivated because we need to start to win," Panarin said. "Three games we were close, but we need to get in the win column and it’s not there. It puts a little bit of pressure on us."
Edmonton enters the matchup with a 4-0-1 record, led by Connor McDavid’s league-leading 13 points and strong performances from defenseman Evan Bouchard and forward Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers rank fifth in both goals scored and goal differential and are unbeaten on the road.
"I think we’ve had good stretches for sure, but it’s definitely not good enough. You’ve got to win hockey games," forward Scott Laughton said. "We need to play a full 60, make it hard on their D to break pucks out, make it a little easier on ours and get through our neutral zone a little bit cleaner too."
Laviolette emphasized the urgency of securing a win, adding that the team must capitalize on the next opportunity after a winless start. Adjustments made during practice, including moving Corey Perry onto a line with Haula and Laferriere, aim to generate more offense.
The Kings will also monitor the status of injured forward Mats Zuccarella, who participated in a recent morning skate but remains on injured reserve. The team departs for a five-game East Coast road trip after Saturday’s game against Boston, hoping to add depth before the journey.
The contest begins at 7:30 p.m. PT at Crypto.com Arena, with both clubs looking to extend their early-season momentum.