McLellan Fired as Kings Coach, Replaced by Hiller
Los Angeles has struggled in recent games after a strong start to the season.
McLellan Fired as Coach of the Los Angeles Kings
On Friday, Todd McLellan was fired as the coach of the Los Angeles Kings and was replaced by Jim Hiller on an interim basis. The Kings, who started the season strong with a record of 20-7-4, have struggled in their past 17 games, going 3-8-6. Despite currently holding the first wild card spot in the Western Conference, the Kings' recent performance led to the decision to make a coaching change.
McLellan had been the coach of the Kings for five seasons and amassed a record of 164-130-44 during his tenure. Prior to coaching the Kings, McLellan had successful stints with the San Jose Sharks and the Edmonton Oilers. Under McLellan's leadership, the Kings never finished higher than third in their division and made the playoffs twice, both times losing in the first round to the Oilers.
Hiller Steps in as Interim Coach
Jim Hiller, who previously served as an assistant coach, will take over as the interim coach for the Los Angeles Kings. Hiller has experience as an assistant coach with the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Islanders. This is his first head coaching job in the NHL.
Hiller is familiar with the Kings' players and is expected to lead the team effectively during this crucial period. As a former forward, Hiller also played for the Kings, Red Wings, and New York Rangers during his NHL career.
McLellan Takes Responsibility, Kopitar Defends Coaching Staff
Following a 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on January 24th, McLellan took responsibility for the team's slump. Despite earlier assurances from the general manager that McLellan would remain coach for the rest of the season, questions about his job security arose.
Los Angeles captain Anze Kopitar defended McLellan and the coaching staff, emphasizing that it ultimately comes down to the players to execute on the ice. The team's performance has not matched their early success, but Kopitar expressed confidence in the coaching staff's ability to motivate and guide the players.
Looking Ahead
The Kings will now turn to Jim Hiller as their interim coach for the remainder of the season. After the NHL All-Star break and their bye week, the team's next game will be against the Edmonton Oilers on February 10th.
McLellan's firing marks the sixth coaching change this season in the NHL, joining other teams who have made similar decisions in response to their respective struggles.
