Los Angeles Kings Tie Franchise-Worst Five-Game Winless Start

The Los Angeles Kings opened the 2026-27 NHL season 0-3-2, their first five-game winless start since 1997-98, despite entering the season with playoff aspirations. Their latest setback was a 4-1 loss to Edmonton, in which Connor McDavid helped the Oilers build a 3-0 first-period lead; Los Angeles has scored only one goal in each of its past three games. Reports describe problems across the roster, including limited scoring support, ineffective power-play and penalty-kill units, defensive mistakes and shaky goaltending. Forward Trevor Moore said the team believes in itself but needs to improve quickly, while coach Peter Laviolette called the loss frustrating. The 1997-98 Kings also began winless in five games but recovered to make the playoffs, offering a precedent as the current team tries to turn its start around.