Islanders vs Kings: NHL Game Preview
The New York Islanders will take on the Los Angeles Kings on March 5, 2026, at 9:30 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Islanders enter the game with a record of 35-22-5, while the Kings hold a 24-22-14 record.
Currently, the Islanders are positioned seventh in the Eastern Conference, looking to solidify their playoff chances. In contrast, the Kings sit at tenth in the Western Conference, needing a win to enhance their postseason aspirations.
Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin boasts an impressive .914 save percentage, ranking fourth in the league, which could be pivotal in this matchup. On the other hand, Kings’ goalie Darcy Kuemper has a 2.7 goals-against average and an .897 save percentage, indicating a need for improvement.
Offensively, the Islanders are led by Artemi Panarin, who has accumulated 60 points this season, including 19 goals and 41 assists. His performance will be crucial against a Kings defense that has struggled at times this season.
The Kings are currently -135 moneyline favorites for this game, reflecting their home advantage. However, the Islanders lead the league in shutouts, which could pose a significant challenge for the Kings’ offense.
In terms of player availability, Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, and his status remains unclear. Similarly, Kings forward Quinton Byfield is also day-to-day due to an illness, adding uncertainty to the Kings’ lineup.
The Islanders did not hold a morning skate following a 5-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, indicating they may be looking to bounce back strongly in this contest.
As both teams prepare for this critical matchup, observers will be keen to see how the injuries affect the game plan and overall performance. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the status of Pulock and Byfield, adding an element of unpredictability to the game.
