The post Kings Fire Jim Hiller – DJ Smith Named As Interim Replacement appeared first on NHL Trade Talk.
The Los Angeles Kings’ poor play continues following the Olympic break. The decision has been made to fire Head Coach Jim Hiller.
Hiller had been the Head Coach of the Kings since midway through the 2023-24 NHL season. In the Kings’ two playoff runs, the same trends continued, with a first-round loss to the Oilers for the 4th straight season. The Kings started this season relatively well and had been able to stay in the playoff hunt. At times, they were in a divisional playoff spot. On February 4, the Kings decided to trade for Rangers star Artemi Panarin.
Kings’ Recent Acquisition Artemi Panarin
Since this acquisition, the Kings have had one win and three regulation losses. These results have caused the Kings to begin to fall further away from the last wild card position in the Western Conference. The Kings have been in many trade rumours recently, likely looking for another spark to help the team regain its form and push towards the playoffs.
DJ Smith, who has been an Assistant Coach for the Kings since last season, will have the job of trying to right the course this season. This is Smith’s second Head Coaching job at the NHL level. His previous Head Coaching experience was with the Ottawa Senators. In his four-plus seasons in Ottawa, the Senators were never able to make it into the playoffs.
The Kings sit three points outside of the last wild card position, currently held by the Seattle Kraken. DJ and LA management hope that this will light a fire under their players and serve as a wake-up call that they need to play better. In most cases, the firing of a Head Coach leads to an improved level of play by the team as players try to prove themselves to the new coach. This boost may only be temporary. Then it is up to Smith and the players to ensure they stay on the right track.
Next: Kings Interested In Canucks Star Elias Pettersson
The post Kings Fire Jim Hiller – DJ Smith Named As Interim Replacement appeared first on NHL Trade Talk.
Continue reading...
The Los Angeles Kings’ poor play continues following the Olympic break. The decision has been made to fire Head Coach Jim Hiller.
Hiller had been the Head Coach of the Kings since midway through the 2023-24 NHL season. In the Kings’ two playoff runs, the same trends continued, with a first-round loss to the Oilers for the 4th straight season. The Kings started this season relatively well and had been able to stay in the playoff hunt. At times, they were in a divisional playoff spot. On February 4, the Kings decided to trade for Rangers star Artemi Panarin.
Kings’ Recent Acquisition Artemi Panarin
Since this acquisition, the Kings have had one win and three regulation losses. These results have caused the Kings to begin to fall further away from the last wild card position in the Western Conference. The Kings have been in many trade rumours recently, likely looking for another spark to help the team regain its form and push towards the playoffs.
DJ Smith Named As Interim Head Coach
DJ Smith, who has been an Assistant Coach for the Kings since last season, will have the job of trying to right the course this season. This is Smith’s second Head Coaching job at the NHL level. His previous Head Coaching experience was with the Ottawa Senators. In his four-plus seasons in Ottawa, the Senators were never able to make it into the playoffs.
The Kings sit three points outside of the last wild card position, currently held by the Seattle Kraken. DJ and LA management hope that this will light a fire under their players and serve as a wake-up call that they need to play better. In most cases, the firing of a Head Coach leads to an improved level of play by the team as players try to prove themselves to the new coach. This boost may only be temporary. Then it is up to Smith and the players to ensure they stay on the right track.
Next: Kings Interested In Canucks Star Elias Pettersson
The post Kings Fire Jim Hiller – DJ Smith Named As Interim Replacement appeared first on NHL Trade Talk.
Continue reading...