A lot of questions surrounded the Los Angeles Kings entering the 2025-26 season. Could Quinton Byfield take another step? How was the defense going to play after the additions? How long of a leash does head coach Jim Hiller have? While we may have to wait for the answer to Byfield, the defense question has been answered , but what about Hiller? With a bad start, is he now officially on the hot seat?
Hiller was named interm head coach after the Kings fired head coach Todd McLellan on February 2, 2024. Following the season, Hiller was named the head coach on May 22, 2024. A permanent coach with a new direction was going to lead this team to great things. Or so we thought.
Last season was full of ups and downs.The regular season was one of the best in Kings history as they set a new points record for most points in a season.Los Angeles was set to show the world what they were capable of but ended up playing the rival Edmonton Oilers in the first round and again were sent packing.
Since then the team, organization, and Hiller have not been the same.A new GM was named in Ken Holland and that brought expectations only to be disappointed by most of the free agent signings. Hiller has done a bad job in getting this team focused for the season and they have been disappointing to say the least outside of last night’s 2-1 win against the St. Louis Blues. Los Angeles is currently 2-3-2 for six points and sit in sixth place in the Pacific Division.
After last season the fans of the Kings thought there may be a new head coach after the way Hiller coached this team in the playoffs. Poor roster management and questionable challenges in the playoffs sunk his team mentally. They could not fight back after holding a 2-0 series lead. Many thought Hiller told the Kings to play defense only after grabbing the lead against the Oilers but we know how that played out.
Fast forward to this season where Los Angeles looked lost and unmotivated before last night’s game. Once they get behind they do not look determined to grab that lead, playing with lost energy and focus. Hiller does not have answers to any of his team’s lack of poise and uninspired play. He may be losing this team in more ways than one and no one can fix this but him and he does not seem interested in doing so.
Fans did not seem happy when he got the job. Fans were disappointed when he returned. Fans are now looking at replacements for his job. Holland has to be looking at others possibilities because Hiller is not the answer.Regular season wins are one thing but we all now playoff success is the only thing that matters. In the regular season under Hiller, the Kings are 670-37-10, which is a good record. However, the playoffs are when this takes a dark turn. The Kings are 3-8 for a winning percentage of .273 under Hiller, including a 2-4 record last season when they had a 2-0 lead.
Hiller is not the answer for this team even after a win last night. This may be the last time that both Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar fight together for one last run. Kopitar did announce that he was retiring after this season and Doughty might not be far behind. Right now this team lacks direction and focus. They need a coach who can change the style of play, make the right roster moves, and hold players and themselves accountable. Hiller is afraid to does o. He plays it safe and in the end, it may cost him his job.
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