Kings Facing Early Season Adversity
The Los Angeles Kings have found themselves in a difficult position early in the 2025-26 NHL season, dropping to a 1-3-1 record and sixth place in the Pacific Division. Head coach Jim Hiller acknowledged his team is "in a funk" after a 4-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on home ice.
The Kings' struggles have been compounded by key injuries, most notably to captain Anze Kopitar. The 38-year-old center is considered week-to-week with a foot injury after taking a puck to the foot against the Minnesota Wild. Kopitar's absence will be a significant blow, as he remains the heart and soul of the Kings' lineup.
Upcoming Matchup with Surging Hurricanes
Up next for the Kings is a daunting matchup against the undefeated Carolina Hurricanes, who are off to a hot start on their six-game Western road trip. The Hurricanes, led by the dynamic duo of Andrei Kuzmenko and Quinton Byfield, will pose a major challenge for a Kings team searching for answers.
"We're in a hole," Hiller admitted. "We're in a funk. There's no question." The Kings will need to quickly find their rhythm if they hope to get back on track against the formidable Hurricanes squad.
TL;DR
- The Los Angeles Kings have stumbled out of the gate, sitting at 1-3-1 and sixth in the Pacific Division
- Head coach Jim Hiller acknowledged the team is "in a funk" after a recent loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins
- The Kings have been hit with key injuries, most notably to captain Anze Kopitar, who is week-to-week with a foot injury
- The Kings face a daunting task in their upcoming matchup against the undefeated Carolina Hurricanes, who are rolling on a Western road trip