The LA Kings suffered a heavy 7-2 defeat against the San Jose Sharks, marking their most lopsided loss of the season. Despite taking a 2-1 lead in the second period, the Kings were overwhelmed in the third, conceding five goals. Anze Kopitar and Brandt Clarke scored for the Kings, but the Sharks' offensive surge, including two goals from Macklin Celebrini, sealed the victory. Post-game, Kopitar and coach Jim Hiller expressed disappointment, particularly with the team's performance in the third period and the number of penalties taken.
The Los Angeles Kings have officially named Jim Hiller as their head coach, removing the interim tag and signing him to a multiyear contract. Hiller took over as interim head coach after Todd McLellan was fired in February and led the team to a 21-12-1 record before their first-round playoff exit. The Kings have struggled in the playoffs in recent years and face challenges with aging key players, limited prospects, and cap issues. Hiller will also need to address the performance of Pierre-Luc Dubois, who had a disappointing season after being acquired from the Winnipeg Jets.
The LA Kings have named Jim Hiller as their 30th head coach in franchise history, after he served as an assistant coach for the past two seasons. Hiller led the team to a 21-12-1 record as interim head coach, securing a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has a strong coaching background, including successful stints in junior hockey and previous NHL coaching experience with other teams. Hiller also has a history with the Kings, having been drafted by them in 1989 and playing 40 games for the team during his NHL career.
The Los Angeles Kings are set to face the Calgary Flames in a back-to-back game, with potential lineup changes due to injuries. The Kings are looking to improve their 5-on-5 scoring, with a focus on generating more high-danger chances and getting more traffic on shots. Coach Jim Hiller has been open to mixing up line combinations and adjusting minute distribution to maximize player impact. The Flames enter the game on a three-game winning streak and boast strong penalty killing but struggle on the power play.
The Los Angeles Kings are set to face off against the Nashville Predators in a regular-season NHL game at Crypto.com Arena. Forward Blake Lizotte is expected to return to the lineup and play on the wing alongside Pierre-Luc Dubois and Quinton Byfield. The Kings are also expected to start goaltender David Rittich against his former club. The Predators, currently tied for the last wild card position in the Western Conference, will likely start goaltender Juuse Saros. The Kings have been making adjustments to their lineup due to injuries, and forward Alex Laferriere's versatility has been highlighted as a valuable asset.
The Los Angeles Kings are set to face the Edmonton Oilers in a NHL regular-season game at Crypto.com Arena. The Kings, refreshed after the All-Star break, are focusing on subtle changes and energy as they prepare to take on the Oilers, who recently ended a 16-game winning streak. Goaltender David Rittich is expected to start for the Kings, while Stuart Skinner is likely to start for the Oilers. The Kings are emphasizing mental and physical rejuvenation, and are looking to translate their energy and changes into a successful game against the Oilers.
The LA Kings are set to face the Edmonton Oilers in their first game under new head coach Jim Hiller. The team is looking to turn the page after a challenging stretch and make a statement with a fresh start. With the return of prospect Alex Turcotte and a lineup featuring Byfield, Kopitar, and Kempe, the Kings aim to improve their playoff positioning. The Oilers, who have been in strong form, present a tough challenge. The game is set to take place at Crypto.com Arena in Downtown LA, with the Kings seeking to kick off the Jim Hiller era with a win.
LA Kings have replaced head coach Todd McLellan with assistant coach Jim Hiller for the remainder of the season after a prolonged slump, despite McLellan's contract extension last June. General Manager Rob Blake expressed gratitude for McLellan's contributions but felt the change was necessary. Hiller, a former Kings player, has been credited with improving the team's power play and will take over as interim head coach. The decision to promote from within was influenced by familiarity with the players, financial considerations, and the difficulty of bringing in a new coach midseason.
The Los Angeles Kings have fired coach Todd McLellan and replaced him with interim coach Jim Hiller for the rest of the season after a disappointing January performance. The team's slide led to the decision, with assistant coach Hiller now tasked with regaining consistency and helping the Kings secure a playoff spot. McLellan's departure comes after three-plus seasons with the franchise, during which he aimed to elevate the team to a perennial postseason presence.
The LA Kings have relieved Todd McLellan of his coaching duties and named Jim Hiller as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Vice President and General Manager Rob Blake expressed gratitude for McLellan's contributions but stated that a change was necessary at this time. Hiller, a well-respected member of the Kings' staff, has previous coaching experience with other NHL teams and in the Western Hockey League and British Columbia Hockey League.
