Fire Hiller

05/29/93 said:
Something that is not being emphasized is the home ice advantage for the Oilers, and what comes with it. Not the crowd, but the last change. Hiller knows he can't throw the 4th line out there, because Knoblauch would counter with McDavid, Draisaitl, or probably both. We know how that would end up. So, because of matchups, Hiller has to shorten the bench. In LA, it's not an issue because LA can roll 4 lines.

As an aside, this is reminding me of the 1984 NBA Finals with the Lakers and Celtics (Yes, I know I'm dating myself). The Lakers led the the first four games in the last minute, and lost two of them, and eventually the series. Ok, many moons ago and a different sport, and the Kings do have home ice, but it still is somewhat similar.
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I agree with some of this. However, the 4th line played less than 4 minutes in game one. It is not like they are playing a lot at home. They did get minutes at the end of game 2, but only after the Kings extended their lead.
 
TR said:
Hiller is not playing to win, he's playing to not lose.
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That's it in a nutshell. "A prevent defense prevents you from winning." He's coaching scared, and it is killing the team. It's scary to keep pushing when you have the lead and it's scary to play your 4th line and 3rd pairing when they may end up on the ice against McDrai.

But passivity is playing right into the Oilers' hands. Their weak D and weak goaltending is being let off the hook by allowing them time and space. Instead, the team is letting the Oilers' offense carry the play. It's maddening, especially when it becomes obvious the passive strategy is a disaster.

P.S. Even if they lose their next two games (and I suspect they will), Hiller isn't going anywhere. Blake can't fire yet another coach so soon - that's going to reflect very badly on him.
 
NHL Tonight had some telling stats that I don't remember exactly last night in their recap of the series and it basically supported the theory we're all complaining about. The Kings do fine in a lead and the first two periods, but the Oilers dominate the comebacks statistically. It seemed generally supportive of what everyone is saying. We dominate play, and then get smoked statistically with the lead.

Also, I swear I remember a hitting discrepancy that surprised me. They are playing us more physically, probably especially when trying to come back. I don't remember exact details, but it reinforced what we're all seeing. We back off, they go into hyperdrive.

Maybe some stat geek can find what they were talking about. But it was lopsided in the third and OT's.
 
HeadInjury said:
I think we'll see more of the 4th line and 3rd pairing at home. Part of the issue is Edmonton getting the last change when they are at home. But I don't say this to defend Hiller. I literally turned off games 3 and 4 when the Oilers tied them as I knew how it was going to end up and was disgusted by what a was watching. Nearly 50 years as a Kings fan and I've never done that before.
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I did this too. After Edmonton tied it and I threw my hat against the wall and yelled with such force that my neighbor texted and asked if I was ok....I walked down the street and had a piece of pie and a cocktail...knowing full well that when I checked my phone before bed that the Kings would have lost. That is a FIRST for me as well. I simply refused to watch the gaffs and inferior product I was witnessing for another minute. Tonite I am repainting my bathroom while the game is on in the other room. I have officially reached 'pleasantly surprised' mode if it goes well....but I simply can't invest the same level of emotion again and again. I looked at my watch at one point during the 3rd period on Sunday and my 'resting' heart rate was 125! Gotta chill. LOL. That said...GO KINGS!! (or not...whatever Hiller decides apparently.)
 
Johnnysuede71 said:
I did this too. After Edmonton tied it and I threw my hat against the wall and yelled with such force that my neighbor texted and asked if I was ok....I walked down the street and had a piece of pie and a cocktail...knowing full well that when I checked my phone before bed that the Kings would have lost. That is a FIRST for me as well. I simply refused to watch the gaffs and inferior product I was witnessing for another minute. Tonite I am repainting my bathroom while the game is on in the other room. I have officially reached 'pleasantly surprised' mode if it goes well....but I simply can't invest the same level of emotion again and again. I looked at my watch at one point during the 3rd period on Sunday and my 'resting' heart rate was 125! Gotta chill. LOL. That said...GO KINGS!! (or not...whatever Hiller decides apparently.)
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That was me in 2014 after they lost the first three against the Sharks.
 
LGK if Hiller does a good coaching job tonight.

season 1 episode 13 GIF by mom


Well, most of LGK. :mhihi: :cheers ;)
 
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