Preview: Perry Shines, Penalty Kill Advances, Panthers Challenge Awaited

The Los Angeles Kings are set to face the Florida Panthers on November 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM Pacific Time. This match will take place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA, marking the first of two meetings between these teams this season. The Kings currently hold a record of 6-4-4, while the Panthers sit at 6-6-1.

Matchup Overview

The Kings head into this game after a recent victory, looking to build momentum before embarking on a six-game road trip. Their recent performance includes a solid penalty kill, having successfully denied all five power-play opportunities against their previous opponent.

Head-to-Head History

• The Kings defeated the Panthers 2-1 in a previous encounter last January.
• Florida rebounded in the second matchup, winning 3-0.

Samuel Helenius, who scored his first NHL goal in the Kings’ recent victory, and Adrian Kempe, who has been consistent in finding the net, are expected to contribute significantly again.

Kings’ Game Strategy

Coach Jim Hiller has praised the Kings’ performance on their penalty kill, highlighting the need for aggression to contain Florida’s power play. Key players such as Joel Armia and Mikey Anderson are crucial to the team’s defensive strategy. There are concerns as forward Warren Foegele is sidelined with an upper-body injury.

Corey Perry’s Impact

At 40 years old, Corey Perry is having a significant impact in his first season with the Kings, averaging a point per game. Recently, he celebrated his 1,400th NHL game, contributing with key plays during crucial moments. Perry’s experience and leadership are invaluable, especially against a team that has historically given the Kings challenges.

Panthers Overview

The Panthers are experiencing a rocky start to the season, currently positioned at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Despite their recent struggles, they are led by veteran Brad Marchand, who has accumulated 13 points in 12 games.

Player Status

• Star players Aleksandr Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk are absent due to long-term injuries.
• Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is recovering from a rough outing, having allowed seven goals in a recent loss.

Daniil Tarasov may step in as the backup goaltender, having limited experience against the Kings.

Anticipated Challenges

Florida’s defense has not been as formidable, giving up an average of 3.6 goals in their last five games. The Kings hope to exploit these weaknesses and extend their five-game home winning streak against the Panthers. This matchup promises to be intense, showcasing both teams’ strengths and weaknesses.

With a scheduled start time of 7 PM PST, fans can catch the action on ESPN+, as well as on ESPN LA 710 AM for those tuning in for audio coverage.