Los Angeles Kings They have fired coach Jim Hiller after two seasons, they announced Sunday.
Associate head coach DJ Smith is taking over as interim and is expected to serve in that role for the remainder of the season. The Kings are having a rough month of February, including a five-game losing streak that ended on Saturday win 2-0 Above calgary. Despite the setback, Los Angeles suffered a 14-5 loss in its two losses after the Olympic break. trade for star winger artemi panarin.
Hiller, 56, was promoted to head coach in 2024 following the midseason firing of Todd McLellan.
General manager Ken Holland said in a statement, “I want to thank Jim Hiller for his dedication, professionalism and commitment to our players and our team every day. He is a respected coach and individual, and we appreciate the work he has done behind our bench.” “At this point in the season, we believe a change in leadership is necessary to give our group the best opportunity to reach its potential and compete at the level we expect. These decisions are never made lightly, but our responsibility is to put this team in position for success now and moving forward.”
The 48-year-old was the head coach of Smith ottawa senators for parts of five seasons (2019–2024) and then joined the Kings as an assistant coach. Holland, the Hall of Fame executive best known for helping create it detroit red wings In a dynasty, is in his first season as general manager in Los Angeles. Former Kings defenseman Matt Green is joining the staff as an assistant coach.
As of Sunday, the Kings were in fifth place in the Pacific Division, and three points out of the wild-card spot in the Western Conference. The team hopes that the captain will get full benefit Ange KopitarThis is his final season in the NHL, as the 38-year-old center announced his intended retirement in September.
The Kings have been battling tough injuries for some time. Kevin Fiala Is out for the season After suffering a horrific left leg injury at the Olympics while playing for Switzerland. Meanwhile, it was announced on Saturday andrei kuzmenko It is considered week-to-week after surgery to heal a torn meniscus.
Los Angeles has made the Stanley Cup playoffs in four consecutive seasons but lost edmonton oilers Every time in the first round. The Kings have not advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs since winning their last Stanley Cup in 2014.
Hiller was heavily criticized for his unsuccessful coach’s challenge of the Oilers’ game-tying goal in Game 3 of the first-round series in last year’s playoffs. Edmonton scored the game winner on the ensuing power play. The failed challenge was a momentum changer in the series. The Kings took a 2–0 series lead and were eliminated after losing four consecutive games.
