Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
5h ago

Panarin Returns to MSG as Kings Begin First Back-to-Back

His presence will reveal whether Los Angeles’s limited secondary scoring can sustain the team through a condensed schedule.

Deadspin.com
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 16: Artemi Panarin #10 of the Los Angeles Kings skates against the New York Rangers during the third period at Madison Square Garden on March 16, 2026 in New York City. The Kings defeated the Rangers 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 24: Trevor Moore #12 of the Los Angeles Kings skates during the first period of the game against the New Jersey Devils on October 24, 2026 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/NHLI via Getty Images)

Overview

  • The Kings travel to Madison Square Garden tonight for the start of their first back-to-back of the 2026–27 season while sitting 2-1-0 on a five-game road trip.
  • Artemi Panarin faces his former team in New York in the projected top line of Panarin–Laferriere–Kempe, a matchup sharpened by his strong career numbers versus the Rangers.
  • Quinton Byfield is listed as questionable after practicing in a red no-contact jersey and coach Peter Laviolette said he is hopeful Byfield can draw into the lineup.
  • Mats Zuccarello has been ruled out with an upper-body injury and Mayors Manor lists Zuccarello, Taylor Ward and Cody Ceci as likely scratches with Fiala and Turcotte on injured reserve.
  • The Kings’ early road success has been driven mainly by strong goaltending while scoring outside the top line has been sparse, and the Rangers are expected to start newly signed James Reimer in goal.