Kings adjusting to Laviolette’s new system
Los Angeles has opened the season with four losses while adapting to Peter Laviolette’s coaching and a new defensive structure. The team’s goals-against and shots-against numbers have dropped sharply from last season, and its offense remains near the bottom of the league. Injuries to Kevin Fiala and Mats Zuccarello have also hurt, while an aging defense is a concern.
Los Angeles entered 2026-27 hoping a coaching change would make it more competitive in a Pacific Division with no clear favorite. Instead, the Kings have started 0-4, though they earned a couple of loser points. Peter Laviolette’s arrival has brought structural changes, including a shift from a 1-3-1 neutral-zone look to a 1-2-2.
The early results show defensive decline: goals against fell from eighth last season to 29th, and shots against from 11th to 24th. Offense sits 26th after finishing 25th under Jim Hiller. Four blueliners are at least 33, while injuries to Kevin Fiala and Mats Zuccarello have removed scoring help.
If the Kings’ early struggles continue, fan enthusiasm in Los Angeles could soften, potentially affecting game-day spending near the arena and media discussion around the team. Players and coaches may face added pressure, while supporters might debate whether the new system needs time or adjustment. A turnaround could restore excitement; a prolonged slide may reduce attention. The impact likely remains localized to sports culture rather than broader society.