In the first game of the New Year for 2026, the Los Angeles Kings (16-13-9) and head coach Jim Hiller host the Tampa Bay Lightning (23-13-3) at the start of a four-game homestand at Crypto.com Arena over the next couple of weeks in the West. The Kings and Hiller can sweep the regular season series against the Lightning from the Sunshine State this campaign for 2025-26 after LA beat Tampa 2-1 a few weeks ago this past month in December.
Los Angeles Kings begin the New Year for 2026 with a matchup vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning to begin a four-game homestand
This four-game homestand is the longest streak of home games at Crypto.com Arena this regular season for Hiller and the Kings so far.
There is a chance that the Kings could get starting goalie Darcy Kuemper back in net tonight vs. the Lightning from Tampa Bay after he was activated from injured reserve for LA earlier this week on Tuesday (Dec. 30). Anton Forsberg and the Kings defeated the Lightning on the road 2-1 this past month on Dec. 18.
Here's a look at the TV/streaming information, start time, and radio broadcast information for the matchup between the Kings and Lightning on New Year's Day in LA's first game in 2026 at home at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA, on Jan. 1.
How to watch the Los Angeles Kings vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
- Date & Time: Thursday, Jan. 1, 4:00 p.m. PT
- Location: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, CA)
- Live Streaming: ESPN+
- TV: FDSN
- Radio: ESPN LA App
The matchup on New Year's Day today on Jan. 1 between the Kings and Lightning at Crypto Arena on home ice will be broadcast live on FanDuel Sports Network West. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ and the radio broadcast is available on the ESPN LA app.
Los Angeles Kings projected roster vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning
Forwards
Trevor Moore – Anze Kopitar – Adrian Kempe
Kevin Fiala – Quinton Byfield – Alex Laferriere
Andrei Kuzmenko – Alex Turcotte – Warren Foegele
Joel Armia – Sammy Helenius – Corey Perry
*Jeff Malott
Defensemen
Mikey Anderson – Drew Doughty
Joel Edmundson – Brandt Clarke
Brian Dumoulin – Cody Ceci
*Jacob Moverare
Goalies
Darcy Kuemper
Anton Forsberg
*Indicates a healthy scratch
Projected starting goalies for the Los Angeles Kings vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Kings: Darcy Kuemper
Lightning: Jonas Johansson