Artemi Panarin scores first goal with Kings in win over Islanders

Kings captain Anze Kopitar plays in 1,500th NHL game in victory

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Artemi Panarin scored his first goal since joining the Los Angeles Kings, helping the team to a 5-3 win over the New York Islanders. Kings captain Anze Kopitar also played in his 1,500th NHL game in the victory, which was the first for interim head coach D.J. Smith.

Why it matters

Panarin's first goal with the Kings is a significant milestone for the star forward, who was acquired from the Rangers last month. The win also marks an important moment for the Kings, who have struggled recently and are hoping Panarin can help turn their season around as they push for a playoff spot.

The details

Panarin, Mikey Anderson and Adrian Kempe each had a goal and an assist for the Kings, while Darcy Kuemper made 31 saves in goal. Bo Horvat scored a late goal for the Islanders, but it wasn't enough to prevent their second straight blowout loss on their California road trip.

  • Panarin scored his first goal with the Kings just 3:17 into the first period.
  • Anze Kopitar played in his 1,500th NHL game, becoming the 25th player in league history to reach that milestone.
  • Horvat scored a goal with just one second left in the second period to get the Islanders on the board.

The players

Artemi Panarin

Russian star forward who was acquired by the Kings from the Rangers last month and signed a $22 million contract extension.

Anze Kopitar

Kings captain who played in his 1,500th NHL game, the 25th player in league history to reach that milestone. Kopitar is just five points away from passing Marcel Dionne as the Kings' all-time leading scorer.

D.J. Smith

Interim head coach of the Kings, who replaced Jim Hiller earlier this week.

Bo Horvat

Islanders forward who scored a goal in the final second of the second period to get his team on the board.

Ilya Sorokin

Islanders goaltender who made 30 saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Kings will host the Montreal Canadiens at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday as they look to build on this victory.

The takeaway

Panarin's first goal with the Kings is a positive sign for the team as they try to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs. The milestone game for Kopitar also highlights the veteran leadership and experience that will be crucial for the Kings down the stretch.