Drew Doughty recorded a goal and two assists while Artemi Panarin added a power-play goal and an assist to lead the Los Angeles Kings to a 6-3 victory over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 26, 2026.
Kings Chase James Reimer Early in Road Win
The visiting Los Angeles Kings broke open their road trip by putting the New York Rangers on their heels immediately on October 26, 2026. Playing at Madison Square Garden, the Kings seized control right from the opening whistle. Taylor Ward opened the scoring just 1:15 into the first period on the team’s very first shot of the night.
FINAL — Kings 6, #NYR 3Really tough Blueshirts debut for James Reimer, who gave up 3 goals on 8 shots. A cold and presumably tired Garand put in a tough spot.This 5-day break in the game schedule couldn’t be coming at a better time.
Brandt Clarke doubled the lead at 4:52 of the opening frame by tipping in a rebound off a slap shot from Joel Armia. Veteran Drew Doughty put on a clinic in the Big Apple, finishing with one goal, two assists, and three points, helping keep the Kings’ offense afloat early in the game. The early offensive surge chased Rangers goaltender James Reimer from the net after just one period.
Reimer allowed three goals on eight shots in his New York debut after signing a one-year, $850,000 contract with the club on Sunday following a 35-save shutout in the American Hockey League with Hartford. Dylan Garand took over in the second period, stopping 15 of 17 shots.
THERE'S NEW BLUE IN THE CREASE!!! 💙 James Reimer makes his @NYRangers debut tonight! pic.twitter.com/S7wxOKy1kZ
Laviolette Shuffles the Los Angeles Power Play
Peter Laviolette noted the move was to give it a different look, give a lefty up top and see if that does anything.
It’s just giving it a different look, give it a lefty up top and see if that does anything.
Peter Laviolette, via LA Kings Insider
Panarin, who played for the Rangers from 2019-26 and stands as the franchise’s all-time leader in points-per-game at 1.26 while ranking inside the Top-10 in all-time assists and points, cashed in on the Kings’ only power-play goal of the night by beating the goaltender on the high-glove side.
Doughty and Panarin Secure the 6-3 Final Score
After New York cut into the lead via a J.T. Miller goal off a Tye Kartye deflection, the Kings restored separation in the second period. Mikey Anderson and Ward both added goals to pad the advantage. Though Adam Fox answered on the power play for the Rangers with under seven minutes remaining in the middle frame, Los Angeles maintained control.
Kartye pulled the hosts within two at 16:08 of the third period, but Joel Edmundson sealed the outcome by scoring into an empty net for his first goal of the season. Darcy Kuemper anchored the defensive end with 23 saves to earn his third victory of the campaign. The win marked the third victory in four games for Los Angeles, all away from home, following a winless start through their first six contests of the 2026-27 schedule.
Head coach Mike Sullivan said his biggest issue was with the #NYR start tonight:"I just didn't think, from a mindset standpoint, I don't think we had enough guys that were ready to play from the drop of the puck. So we've got to fix that fast. The onus is on each individual to…
Lineups Change Following Roster Moves
Both squads dealt with notable lineup adjustments prior to puck drop.
Prior to the game, a moment of silence was observed at Madison Square Garden for 1970s and 1980s Rangers fan favorite Ron Duguay, who passed away the previous week. The Kings continue their road trip by visiting Chicago on Tuesday night, while the Rangers prepare to host Edmonton on Sunday.